Description
These classic German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of comforting flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, they’re easy to make using simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour. Serve them with applesauce or sour cream for an authentic German touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional toppings: applesauce, sour cream, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Grate the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater. Combine them in a large bowl and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth for crispier pancakes.
- Mix the Batter: Add eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to the grated mixture. Stir well until combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Form and Fry: Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the skillet, flatten gently with the back of a spoon, and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Drain and Keep Warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with applesauce or sour cream. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
For the crispiest texture, make sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes before mixing. Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best. To make ahead, store the cooked pancakes in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes. You can also bake instead of fry by brushing with oil and baking at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg