If you have a craving for something crispy, golden, and packed with comforting flavors, you absolutely must try this German Potato Pancakes Recipe. These delightful little pancakes bring a perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and tender, flavorful goodness on the inside, making for a versatile dish that shines any time of day. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a side at dinner, or a snack with your favorite toppings, this recipe captures the heart and soul of traditional German cooking in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this German classic to life. Each contributes something special — from the creamy starchiness of the potatoes to the subtle kick of spices that elevate every mouthful.
- Potatoes (2 lbs / 900g): The star of the dish, providing the perfect texture when grated and squeezed dry.
- Small onion (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together to keep the pancakes firm and tender.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps give the pancakes structure while keeping them light.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice for warmth.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a subtle savory note that’s optional but highly recommended.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for frying, creating that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and grating your potatoes finely. Once grated, wrap them tightly in a clean kitchen towel and give them a thorough squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial because excess water will prevent your pancakes from crisping up nicely in the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture is the base of your German Potato Pancakes Recipe and sets the stage for all that wonderful flavor and texture.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Oil
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat the oil until shimmering but not smoking — this ensures your pancakes will fry up crisp without absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Form and Fry the Pancakes
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the pan for each pancake. Flatten the mixture gently with the back of a spoon into a round, thin pancake shape. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy. This is where the magic happens and your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma!
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, transfer your pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This simple step removes any extra oil and keeps the pancakes light and crispy, exactly as they should be in a perfect German Potato Pancakes Recipe.
Step 6: Repeat Until All Mixture is Used
Continue frying the remaining mixture in batches, adding more oil to the skillet as needed. It’s so tempting to eat these right off the pan, but let them drain just a minute before enjoying their full crispy glory.
How to Serve German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes really elevate your German Potato Pancakes Recipe. Dollops of sour cream or applesauce add a creamy or sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory, crispy texture. Fresh chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top bring in a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
Side Dishes
These potato pancakes are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with smoked salmon for a luxurious brunch, or serve alongside a hearty sausage or sauerkraut for a traditional German meal. Even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Stack the pancakes like mini edible towers, layering in cream cheese and smoked salmon or creating a savory pancake canapé with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of caviar. The crispy texture lends itself well to all kinds of creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stack them with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking together and maintain their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these pancakes deliciously well. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a resealable freezer bag. They keep for up to a month, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-pan crispness, reheat your German Potato Pancakes Recipe in a hot skillet with a touch of oil. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfectly crispy on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a delicious variation, offering a sweeter flavor and vibrant orange color, but keep in mind they might need a little less flour due to their moisture content.
Is it necessary to squeeze out all the moisture from the potatoes?
Yes, removing excess moisture is key to getting those crispy edges and preventing the pancakes from becoming soggy or falling apart during frying.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix and fry the pancakes fresh, as the batter can darken and lose some texture if it sits too long. However, grated potatoes can be prepped a few hours in advance if kept cold and wrapped tightly.
What oil is best for frying these pancakes?
Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You can also use canola or sunflower oil for similar results.
How do I keep the pancakes warm if making large batches?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them warm in an oven set to about 200°F (90°C). This keeps them crisp without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this German Potato Pancakes Recipe. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it opens the door to enjoying a classic dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and utterly comforting. Give it a try, and I promise these pancakes will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
German Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic German Potato Pancakes recipe makes crispy, golden-brown pancakes made from grated potatoes, onion, eggs, and a touch of flour for binding. Perfect as a savory side dish or delicious breakfast treat, these pancakes are pan-fried to a delightful crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes, then place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out any excess moisture to ensure the pancakes crisp up nicely when fried.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Form and Fry Pancakes: Scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet and flatten it gently into a pancake shape using the back of a spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat Cooking: Repeat the frying process with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even frying.
Notes
- To achieve the crispiest texture, removing moisture from the grated potatoes is essential.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce for a traditional touch.
- You can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Leftover pancakes can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet to restore crispiness.
