German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Introduction
German potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden treats made from simple ingredients. These savory pancakes are perfect for a comforting breakfast or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper, if desired
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes and onion. Place the grated potatoes in a clean towel and squeeze out the excess water to prevent soggy pancakes.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the drained potatoes and onion with salt, pepper, flour, and the egg. Mix well until the batter is uniform.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Spoon batter into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Step 4: Cook each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove the pancakes and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in the oven if preparing multiple batches.
- Step 6: Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, grate potatoes just before cooking to avoid browning.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the batter for added flavor.
- Serve with cinnamon sugar for a sweeter twist or smoked salmon for a savory upgrade.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen grated potatoes?
Freshly grated potatoes work best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before mixing.
What can I serve with German potato pancakes?
They pair beautifully with applesauce, sour cream, smoked salmon, or a simple sprinkle of fresh herbs. Choose toppings based on whether you prefer a sweet or savory dish.
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German Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This German Potato Pancakes recipe offers a crispy and flavorful way to enjoy simple ingredients like potatoes and onions. These golden brown pancakes are perfect as a savory breakfast item or a comforting side dish, made with grated potatoes, onion, flour, and egg, then pan-fried to a delicious crisp.
Ingredients
Potato Pancake Ingredients
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 small onion
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper, if desired
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium-sized egg
- Oil for frying (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes and onion. Place them in a clean cloth or sieve and drain any excess water from the potatoes to ensure the pancakes will be crispy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion with salt, pepper, flour, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until the batter is well combined and holds together.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to coat the bottom of the pan thoroughly for frying.
- Cook the Pancakes: Spoon portions of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Remove the cooked pancakes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven until all are cooked and ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the German potato pancakes hot, with your choice of toppings such as applesauce, sour cream, or chives.
Notes
- Draining excess water from the grated potatoes is key to achieving crispy pancakes.
- You can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for extra flavor.
- Serve with traditional toppings like applesauce or sour cream for an authentic experience.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking while frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter to avoid greasy pancakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: German Potato Pancakes, Potato Pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer, Crispy Potato Recipe, Traditional German Breakfast

