Potato Pancakes
These crispy German potato pancakes are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, they are easy to make with just a few ingredients!
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean dish towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely chopped onion, egg, flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
- 3
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- 4
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
- 5
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of the potato mixture and flatten them into pancakes in the hot skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Once cooked, remove the pancakes and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- 7
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious potato pancakes.
Tips
Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes for extra crispiness.
If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to help bind it together.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place pancakes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Substitutions
- Onion can be replaced with green onions for a milder flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What to Serve With
- Applesauce
- Sour cream
Common Mistakes
- Not squeezing out enough moisture from the potatoes, which can result in soggy pancakes.
- Crowding the skillet, which can prevent the pancakes from getting crispy.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ.
How can I make these pancakes vegan?
You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to bind the ingredients.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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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.
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