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German Potato Pancakes Recipe

German Potato Pancakes Recipe

4.8 from 15 reviews

These traditional German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with grated russet potatoes, onion, eggs, and a touch of flour, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with classic toppings like sour cream, applesauce, or smoked salmon for a comforting and delicious meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Pancakes

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Applesauce
  • Smoked salmon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and grate them finely. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to ensure crispy pancakes.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Finely chop the small onion and combine it with the grated potatoes. In a large bowl, add the beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper, then mix well until fully combined.
  3. Heat Oil and Fry: Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to cover the bottom and heat over medium-high heat. Spoon the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening each spoonful gently with a spatula to form pancakes. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain crisp and not greasy.
  5. Serve: Serve the German potato pancakes hot, accompanied by your choice of toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or smoked salmon for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the potatoes as possible to avoid soggy pancakes.
  • Russet potatoes are preferred for their starch content, which helps hold the pancakes together.
  • Adjust the frying oil temperature as needed to prevent burning and achieve even browning.
  • These pancakes are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for short periods.
  • For a variation, add fresh herbs such as chives or parsley to the batter.

Nutrition

Keywords: German potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, crispy potato pancakes, traditional German recipe, vegetarian potato pancakes