The Heartiest German Potato Pancakes Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Crispy golden german potato pancakes have been my secret weekend breakfast indulgence since childhood.

Family recipes passed down through generations inspire these delectable treats.

Russet potatoes create the perfect texture when grated and mixed with simple ingredients.

Salt, pepper, and eggs bind the mixture into delightful rounds.

My grandmother’s technique involves squeezing excess moisture from shredded potatoes for maximum crispiness.

Frying in hot oil ensures a crunchy exterior with a soft, tender center.

Why German Potato Pancakes Are So Tasty

• Savor Authentic German Cuisine: Dive into a traditional dish that brings the rich flavors of Germany straight to your kitchen, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy recipe that transforms basic ingredients into crispy, golden potato pancakes with minimal culinary skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, weekend brunches, or as a delightful side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy texture and savory taste.
• Customize with Ease: Enjoy the flexibility of serving with classic toppings like applesauce or sour cream, or get creative with your own favorite garnishes and accompaniments.

Ingredients for German Potato Pancakes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the base of these traditional German pancakes.
• Onion: Adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to enhance the potato mixture.
• Eggs: Provide binding and richness to the potato pancake batter.

• Flour: Helps to bind the ingredients and create a cohesive pancake texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives a light and airy lift to the potato pancakes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and creates a crispy golden exterior for the pancakes.
• Applesauce, Sour Cream: Optional accompaniments that complement the savory pancakes with sweet or tangy notes.

Instructions for German Potato Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Grab your fresh potatoes and grate them using a box grater. Take a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every single drop of moisture from the grated potatoes. This step ensures your pancakes will be super crispy and not soggy.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Finely chopped onions
• Beaten eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and holds together nicely.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in vegetable oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and let the oil get hot and shimmery.

Step 4: Form Golden Pancakes

Scoop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Gently press each scoop with the back of your spoon to create thin, crispy pancakes. Cook each side until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges.

Step 5: Remove Excess Oil

Transfer the cooked pancakes onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps them perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your potato pancakes while they’re still warm. Serve with a dollop of tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce for an authentic German experience.

Pro Tips for German Potato Pancakes

• Squeeze Moisture Out Thoroughly: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much liquid from grated potatoes as possible, ensuring crispier and lighter pancakes.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: Keep the skillet at medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown, evenly cooked pancakes without burning.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook pancakes in batches, leaving enough space between them to ensure proper browning and crispy edges.
• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Enjoy potato pancakes right after cooking to maintain their crisp exterior and warm, soft interior.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different accompaniments like sour cream, applesauce, smoked salmon, or herbs to enhance the flavor profile.

Variation Ideas for German Potato Pancakes

• Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Herb-Infused Potato Pancakes: Add fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley to the mixture for an aromatic and flavor-packed variation that elevates the classic recipe.
• Vegan Potato Fritters: Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water, and use plant-based oil for frying to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Sweet Potato Variation: Swap regular potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter version with added nutritional benefits and a beautiful orange color.

Pairing Suggestions for German Potato Pancakes

• Savor the Perfect Potato Pancake Companions
• Pair with Tangy Applesauce: Homemade or store-bought applesauce brings a sweet and zesty contrast to the crispy, savory potato pancakes, cutting through the richness with its bright flavor.
• Match with Creamy Sour Cream: Cool, smooth sour cream provides a luxurious counterpoint to the hot, crunchy pancakes, adding a silky texture and mild tanginess that complements the potato's earthiness.
• Enhance with German Riesling: A crisp, slightly sweet white wine from Germany's Rhine region balances the pancake's saltiness, with its light acidity and fruity notes creating a delightful culinary harmony.

Storage Advice for German Potato Pancakes

• Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway for even warming.
• Warm pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This helps restore their original crispiness and prevents sogginess.

FAQs About German Potato Pancakes

• What are German Potato Pancakes called in German?

These delicious potato pancakes are traditionally known as “Kartoffelpuffer” or “Reibekuchen” in Germany, popular street food and home-cooked dish.

• Are German Potato Pancakes gluten-free?

Not typically, as the recipe includes flour. To make them gluten-free, you can substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal because they help create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior when grated and fried.

German Potato Pancakes Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy german potato pancakes bring nostalgia from traditional German kitchens, offering a delightful blend of rustic charm and comforting flavors. Serve hot with applesauce or sour cream, and savor a taste of authentic culinary heritage that connects you directly to hearty European traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil for frying

Optional Serving Accompaniments:

• Applesauce
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Grate potatoes thoroughly and extract maximum moisture by wringing them in a clean cloth or paper towel, ensuring a crisp texture when cooking.
2. Combine grated potatoes with finely chopped onion, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients until uniformly distributed.
3. Prepare a large skillet by heating vegetable oil over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 350°F for optimal frying conditions.
4. Carefully drop spoonfuls of potato mixture into hot oil, using the back of a spoon to flatten each pancake into a thin, even disk about 3-4 inches in diameter.
5. Fry each potato pancake for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a deep golden-brown color and crispy exterior, adjusting heat if needed to prevent burning.
6. Remove pancakes using a slotted spatula and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
7. Continue cooking remaining potato mixture, replenishing oil as necessary and maintaining consistent skillet temperature.
8. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by traditional garnishes like applesauce or sour cream for enhanced flavor and authentic German presentation.

Notes

• Squeeze potatoes thoroughly to achieve crispy, non-soggy pancakes that hold together perfectly during cooking.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for best texture and binding, avoiding waxy varieties that can make pancakes fall apart.
• Allow excess moisture removal prevents oil splattering and ensures golden, crunchy exteriors with light, tender interiors.
• Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences for enhanced flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg