German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful – The perfect balance of crunchy edges and tender centers.
• Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy recipe.
• Versatile – Serve with both sweet and savory toppings.
• Great for Any Meal – Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish.
• Authentic German Dish – A traditional favorite that brings a taste of Germany to your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
• Applesauce or sour cream (for serving)

Directions

Prepare Potatoes and Onions:

1. Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
2. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
3. Grate the onion and mix it with the grated potatoes.

Mix Batter:

4. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onions with eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Stir until well combined.

Heat Oil:

6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Fry the Pancakes:

7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil and flatten it with the back of a spoon to form a thin pancake.
8. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
9. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

10. Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream for a traditional touch.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 pancakes
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per pancake

Variations

• Cheesy Twist – Add shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan to the batter for extra flavor.
• Herb-Infused – Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a fresh taste.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour or potato starch instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Version – Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the pancakes in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

How do I keep potato pancakes crispy?

Drain excess moisture from the potatoes before mixing, and fry in hot oil to achieve a crisp texture.

Can I make potato pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the batter for a few hours or fry them ahead and reheat before serving.

What’s the difference between Kartoffelpuffer and Latkes?

Kartoffelpuffer are German-style pancakes, while latkes (Jewish potato pancakes) often contain baking powder and matzo meal.

Can I bake potato pancakes instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal as they crisp up well.

Can I use pre-shredded potatoes?

Freshly grated potatoes work best, but you can use pre-shredded ones if you squeeze out extra moisture.

What can I serve with German potato pancakes?

Traditional toppings include applesauce and sour cream, but they also pair well with smoked salmon, cottage cheese, or savory dips.

Why do my potato pancakes turn out greasy?

If the oil is too cool, the pancakes absorb more oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.

How do I prevent the batter from turning brown?

Mix in a small amount of lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, place small patties in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

German Potato Pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings authentic German flavors to your table. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, side dish, or snack, their crispy texture and comforting taste make them a crowd-pleaser. Try them with applesauce or sour cream for a traditional experience, or get creative with your own toppings!

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