German Potato Pancakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy & Flavorful : Perfectly golden edges with a soft, creamy interior make every bite irresistible.
2. Simple Ingredients : Made with pantry staples like potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour.
3. Versatile Serving Options : Enjoy them with applesauce, sour cream, or as a side with roast meats.
4. Comfort Food at Its Best : Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying—perfect for cozy meals.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or brunches.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 8–10 pancakes

For the Pancakes:

• 4 medium russet potatoes , peeled (about 1 ½ lbs)
• 1 small onion , grated
• 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or potato starch for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil , for frying

For Serving:

• Applesauce (traditional sweet pairing)
• Sour cream (classic savory option)
• Chopped fresh chives , for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. (This step is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes!)
2. Reserve the potato starch that settles at the bottom of the liquid and mix it back into the grated potatoes for extra crispiness.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Fry the Pancakes

1. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
2. Scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture into the skillet for each pancake, flattening it slightly with a spatula to form a round shape.
3. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the pancakes.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

1. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Serve warm with applesauce, sour cream, or both. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Squeezing Out Moisture : Removing excess liquid ensures the pancakes fry up crispy instead of soggy.
• Potato Starch Magic : Incorporating the reserved potato starch adds structure and helps achieve that perfect crunch.
• Flavor Balance : The sweetness of onions complements the earthy potatoes, while eggs and flour bind everything together.

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Variations to Try

• Herbaceous Twist : Add chopped parsley, dill, or chives to the batter for extra freshness.
• Cheesy Addition : Stir in shredded cheese like Gruyère or cheddar for a melty, savory upgrade.
• Spiced Version : Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or caraway seeds for a flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Option : Use potato starch or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Sweet Potato Pancakes : Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a colorful, slightly sweet variation.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip Squeezing : Removing moisture is the key to crispy pancakes—don’t rush this step!
• Use Medium Heat : Frying at too high a temperature can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
• Keep Warm : Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while you finish frying the rest.
• Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.

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Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Staple : Serve with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for a hearty breakfast.
• Holiday Side Dish : Pair with roasted meats like pork or turkey for a festive meal.
• Romantic Touch : Plate with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives for an elegant presentation.
• Party Platter : Arrange on a serving tray with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or honey mustard.

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Final Thoughts

These German Potato Pancakes are a timeless dish that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a comforting side dish, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a unique breakfast option, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s one you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.

Your turn! Have you ever made potato pancakes before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below. 🥔