Polish Potato Pancakes
Enjoy crispy and delicious Polish Potato Pancakes, a beloved comfort food that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish!
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Begin by peeling the 4 medium potatoes and the 1 small onion. Grate both the potatoes and onion into a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add 1 egg to the bowl with the grated potatoes and onion. Mix well until combined.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the potato mixture, stirring until the batter is just combined.
- 4
Heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take spoonfuls of the potato mixture and flatten them into pancakes in the pan.
- 5
Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- 6
Finish by seasoning the pancakes with a bit of salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the pancakes for a perfect crispy texture.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder to the batter.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the uncooked potato mixture in a freezer bag.
Substitutions
- Use a different type of onion, such as green onion, if desired.
- If you need a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
What to Serve With
- Applesauce for dipping
- Sour cream on the side
- Green salad for a fresh contrast
Common Mistakes
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying pancakes; it lowers the oil temperature.
- Ensure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes to avoid soggy pancakes.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be substituted for regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor, but the texture may vary.
How do I store leftover potato pancakes?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze potato pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Place the uncooked pancake mixture into a freezer bag, then thaw and fry when ready.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Polish Potato Pancakes?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Bigos
Bigos, often referred to as Polish hunter's stew, is a hearty dish made with a mix of meats, sauerkraut, and fresh cabbage. It's rich in flavor and traditions, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
Pierogi with Sauerkraut and Mushrooms
Delicious homemade pierogi filled with savory sauerkraut and mushrooms, perfect for a cozy meal. This traditional Polish dish is both satisfying and easy to make, bringing authentic flavors to your table.
Cabbage Rolls
This traditional Polish dish features tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting meal enjoyed by many families.