German Potato Pancakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer. With their irresistible crunch on the outside and soft, tender interior, these savory pancakes are a true comfort food classic.

I first fell in love with these pancakes at a bustling Christmas market in Berlin, where the aroma of freshly fried potatoes mingled with the scent of mulled wine. Ever since, they've been a staple in my kitchen—perfect for a hearty breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a satisfying dinner.

Why You'll Love This German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Get ready to enjoy one of Germany’s most beloved street foods in your own home! These crispy potato pancakes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

First, they're made with simple, everyday ingredients—just potatoes, onions, eggs, and a bit of flour. No fancy shopping trips required!

Second, they're wonderfully versatile. Serve them with applesauce for a traditional German twist or enjoy them with sour cream and smoked salmon for a savory treat.

And lastly, they're quick to cook. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a batch of golden-brown pancakes ready to enjoy.

So, let’s dive in and make some homemade Kartoffelpuffer!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of German Potato Pancakes lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create the perfect texture and flavor.

Potatoes – Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These have the right balance of starch and moisture to give your pancakes the perfect crispy texture.

Onions – A small grated onion adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use shallots instead.

Eggs – These act as a binder, helping to hold the pancakes together while adding a slight richness.

Flour – A small amount of all-purpose flour absorbs excess moisture and ensures the pancakes don’t fall apart.

Seasonings – A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors, and if you want an extra kick, a dash of nutmeg adds a warm, traditional touch.

You’ll also need a good frying pan and some neutral oil (like canola or sunflower) to get that golden, crispy crust.

How To Make German Potato Pancakes

Making these crispy potato pancakes is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.

Start by peeling and grating the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is key to getting crispy pancakes instead of soggy ones!

Next, transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl and grate the onion directly into the bowl. The onion juice helps prevent the potatoes from turning brown.

Add the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper, then mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil. When the oil is hot, scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening it gently with a spatula.

Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches, adding more oil as needed, and transfer the finished pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!

Storage Options

While potato pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later.

To store: Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until crisp again.

Variations and Substitutions

The classic German Potato Pancakes recipe is amazing as-is, but there are a few fun ways to customize them!

For extra crunch, try adding grated zucchini or carrots to the batter. Just be sure to squeeze out the extra moisture.

Want a cheesy twist? Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.

For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for potato starch or gluten-free flour.

If you love spice, a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper will give your pancakes a flavorful kick.

However you choose to enjoy them, these Kartoffelpuffer are guaranteed to be a hit!

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