Go Back
To make crispy German potato pancakes, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) These ingredients work together to create a tasty and satisfying dish. The russet potatoes give the pancakes their fluffy texture. The onion adds flavor, while eggs and flour help bind everything together. You can add some optional ingredients to make your pancakes even better. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic powder for a punch of flavor - Chopped chives for a fresh taste - A dash of cayenne pepper for heat Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite flavor combinations. These extras can really elevate your potato pancakes. Serving these pancakes is fun and easy. Here are some great ideas: - Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top. - Pair with applesauce for a sweet contrast. - Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. You can even serve them as a side dish with your favorite meals. The crispy texture and rich flavor make these pancakes a hit at any table. For the full recipe, check the section above. Start with the potatoes. Peel and grate four large russet potatoes. This will give us that classic texture. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is key for crispy pancakes. Next, finely chop one medium onion. Mix the onion with the grated potatoes. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes and onions. Add two large eggs to the mix. This helps bind everything together. Next, sprinkle in half a cup of all-purpose flour. Add one teaspoon of baking powder for fluffiness. Don’t forget one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper for flavor. For a twist, add a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, mix in a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley. Stir until all ingredients blend well. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. For each pancake, scoop about a quarter cup of the potato mix. Shape it into a patty and place it in the hot oil. Flatten slightly for even cooking. Fry each pancake for about four to five minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color and crispy edges. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if needed. Once done, place the pancakes on a plate lined with paper towels. This absorbs excess oil. Serve them warm. A dollop of sour cream and applesauce makes a perfect dip. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Enjoy! To make your German potato pancakes crisp, start with dry potatoes. After grating, squeeze out all moisture. Use a clean kitchen towel. The less moisture, the better the texture. Heat your oil until hot but not smoking. Test it by dropping a small amount of batter. If it sizzles, you are ready. Cook each pancake without crowding the pan. This allows even heat and crispness. You can change the flavor by adding ingredients. Try mixing in garlic, chives, or cheese. For a sweet twist, add a bit of cinnamon and sugar. You can also use sweet potatoes for a unique taste. Experiment with herbs like dill or thyme for fresh notes. Remember to adjust the seasoning when you add new flavors. Avoid using too much oil, as this can make pancakes greasy. Also, do not skip the drying step. Overcooked pancakes lose their texture. Watch the heat; too high will burn them. Under-cooking will leave them soggy inside. Finally, resist the urge to flip them too early. Let them get golden brown before turning. For a full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can get creative with German potato pancakes. Adding fruits or vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Try mixing in grated carrots or zucchini for a fresh twist. You can also add chopped apples for a sweet touch. The sweetness balances the savory taste of the pancakes. Experimenting with different ingredients keeps your meals exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands offer great substitutes. You can also try almond flour or chickpea flour. These options provide a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to check the package for any additional instructions. Serve your potato pancakes in various ways. You can top them with sour cream and applesauce for a classic taste. Another idea is to serve them with a fresh salad for a light meal. You can even use them as a base for a breakfast stack. Add an egg on top for a filling breakfast. The options are endless, so have fun with it! For full details on making these pancakes, check out the Full Recipe. To keep leftover pancakes fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can stack them with parchment paper between each layer. This prevents sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat your pancakes in a skillet for best results. Use medium heat and add a little oil. Cook for about two minutes on each side. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat for about 30 seconds or until warm. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. First, cool the pancakes completely. Lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Enjoy your crispy German potato pancakes anytime! For the best German potato pancakes, I recommend using russet potatoes. They have a high starch content. This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love. Yukon gold potatoes can also work well. They add a buttery flavor but may not be as crispy. Yes, you can make these pancakes ahead of time. Cook them fully, then cool them on a rack. Once cool, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about three days. When ready to eat, just reheat them in a skillet or oven. If you want to skip the eggs, you have options. You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Applesauce is another option; use a quarter cup to replace the eggs. Both options work well in the batter. In this post, I explored the tasty world of German potato pancakes. You learned about key and optional ingredients, plus how to prepare and cook them perfectly. I shared helpful tips for getting the best texture and avoiding common mistakes. You can also try fun variations, from gluten-free options to adding fruits or veggies. Finally, I covered storage and reheating methods to keep your pancakes fresh. Enjoy making these delicious treats!

- German Potato Pancakes

Discover the delicious twist on a classic dish with these Crispy German Potato Pancakes! Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes and fresh parsley, these savory pancakes are perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. Follow our easy steps for perfectly crispy results every time, and enjoy them with sour cream and applesauce for an extra flavor kick. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

Sour cream and applesauce, for serving

Instructions
 

Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure crispy pancakes.

    In a large bowl, combine the squeezed potatoes, chopped onion, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the chopped parsley and mix until everything is well combined.

      Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

        For each pancake, scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty, then carefully place it in the hot oil. Flatten slightly for even cooking.

          Fry each pancake for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if needed.

            Once done, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

              Repeat the process until all the batter is used up, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary.

                Serve the potato pancakes warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and applesauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4