There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown potato pancake. These little rounds of potato goodness are crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and so satisfying you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a comforting side dish, or even as a snack, these Potato Pancakes are a true classic you’ll love having on your table.

Why You’ll Love Potato Pancakes

Name: Potato Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated; 1 small onion, grated; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family breakfast, at a holiday dinner, or just because you’re craving something comforting, these pancakes are a perfect fit for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Great as a main dish, side, or even a snack.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, inexpensive pantry ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Potato Pancakes

Here’s the magic behind these crispy treats:
Potatoes: Grated and drained well for the perfect texture.
Onion: Adds flavor and a bit of sweetness.
Eggs: Help bind everything together.
Flour: Gives structure to the pancakes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Oil: For frying the pancakes to crispy perfection.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Grate the Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean towel.
Prepare the Batter: Mix the grated potatoes with grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until combined.
Heat the Oil: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the Pancakes: Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flatten slightly, and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Drain and Serve: Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, then serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 12 pancakes Calories per serving: 140
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Potato Pancakes

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with sour cream and applesauce for a traditional touch.
Top with smoked salmon and cream cheese for an elegant twist.
Pair with a hearty soup or stew as a satisfying side.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the potatoes to keep them crispy.
Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for even browning.
Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while frying the rest.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work beautifully and add a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make it fresh, as the potatoes can release water and turn gray.
3. Can I bake potato pancakes instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Can I freeze cooked potato pancakes?
Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer, then reheat in the oven.
5. Can I add cheese to the batter?
Yes, shredded cheddar or parmesan adds extra flavor.
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil works well because of their high smoke point.
7. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less crispy.
8. How do I keep them warm while cooking batches?
Keep them in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet.
9. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour.
10. Why are my potato pancakes soggy?
You may not have removed enough liquid from the grated potatoes before frying.

Conclusion

Potato Pancakes are the ultimate comfort food: crispy, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with classic toppings like sour cream and applesauce or get creative with garnishes, they’re a dish that never disappoints. Easy to make and even easier to love, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite!

Potato Pancakes

Author: Charlotte
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These crispy Potato Pancakes are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, made with simple ingredients like grated potatoes, onions, and eggs. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1 small onion, grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Place grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly with a spatula. Repeat with remaining mixture, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry each pancake for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce if desired.

Notes

To keep pancakes warm, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.
Adding a little baking powder (1/2 tsp) can make pancakes fluffier.
These pancakes freeze well—reheat in the oven for best texture.