German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a delicious and crispy treat that is loved by many. These pancakes are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of potatoes, onions, and seasonings creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these pancakes in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These pancakes can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pound of potatoes: Potatoes are the star ingredient in this recipe, providing the base for the pancakes.
- Small onion: Adds flavor and a hint of sweetness to the pancakes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Pinch of pepper (optional): Adds a savory kick to the pancakes.
- Tablespoons flour: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Medium-sized egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the pancakes.
- Oil for frying: Used to fry the pancakes until crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Grate the potatoes and onion.
- Squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes.
- Mix the potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, flour, and egg in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure crispy pancakes.
- Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a traditional touch.
- For a healthier version, try baking the pancakes instead of frying them.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra crispy pancakes, use clarified butter or a combination of butter and oil for frying.
- Experiment with adding herbs like parsley or chives for a flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions:
German Potato Pancakes are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a side of applesauce. Pair them with a crisp green salad or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and fry the pancakes when ready to eat.
- Can I freeze the pancakes?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked pancakes and reheat them in the oven for a quick meal.
- How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
- Make sure the skillet is well-heated and greased before adding the pancake batter to prevent sticking.
Conclusion:
German Potato Pancakes are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy the crispy, flavorful pancakes with your favorite toppings. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
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German Potato Pancakes
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
German Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the onion and seasonings. They make a delicious and satisfying side dish or even a main course for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 small onion
- pinch of salt
- pinch of pepper, if you want savory pancakes
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes and onion. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, flour, and egg.
- Fry Pancakes: Heat oil in a skillet, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture, flatten, and fry until golden brown on both sides.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can try baking the pancakes instead of frying.
- Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a traditional touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg