Potato Pancakes Recipe

Crispy Golden Potato Pancakes Recipe for Cozy Breakfasts

Crispy potato pancakes dance between comfort and culinary creativity, bringing traditional flavors to your kitchen table.

Golden edges crackle with promise, inviting you to experience a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these simple yet magical patties.

Russet potatoes become the star ingredient, grated and mixed with just the right blend of seasonings.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of onion add depth to each delectable bite.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction describe this beloved recipe perfectly.

Potato Pancakes Fan Favorites

  • Craft Comfort Food Quickly: Whip up these delightful potato pancakes with simple ingredients found in most kitchens, making it a go-to recipe for satisfying hunger without complex preparation.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to grate, mix, and fry ingredients perfectly, building confidence in basic culinary skills that translate to other recipes.
  • Enjoy Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a hearty breakfast, tasty side dish, or light dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
  • Create Family-Friendly Tradition: Transform an ordinary cooking session into a fun family activity where everyone can help grate potatoes, mix ingredients, or watch the pancakes sizzle in the pan.

Potato Pancakes Pantry Staples

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the base of these crispy pancakes.
  • Onion: Adds sharp flavor and aromatic depth to the potato mixture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the pancake ingredients together.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying to create a golden and crispy texture.
  • Sour Cream, Applesauce: Traditional accompaniments that complement the savory pancakes.

Potato Pancakes Method Breakdown

Step 1: Prep the Veggie Base

Grab your potatoes and onion.

Peel them thoroughly and use a grater to transform them into delicate shreds.

After grating, take a cheesecloth or kitchen towel and squeeze out every drop of extra moisture.

This helps ensure your pancakes become wonderfully crispy.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your grated potato and onion with:
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Kosher salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper

Blend everything together until you have a consistent, well-mixed batter that promises delicious results.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in vegetable oil.

Turn the heat to medium, allowing the oil to warm up and prepare for pancake magic.

Step 4: Shape the Potato Pancakes

Scoop about two tablespoons of your mixture into the heated skillet.

Use a spatula to gently flatten the dollop, creating a perfect pancake shape.

Watch the edges start to sizzle and dance.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Let each pancake cook for 3-4 minutes on one side.

When the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a crispy texture, flip it over.

Continue cooking the other side until it matches the gorgeous color.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer each finished pancake onto paper towels.

This helps absorb any extra oil, ensuring a light and crisp texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Place your potato pancakes on a serving plate.

Accompany them with a dollop of cool sour cream or sweet applesauce.

Enjoy these delightful crispy treats while they’re warm and fresh!

Potato Pancakes Useful Suggestions

  • Remove as much liquid as possible from potatoes and onions to ensure crispy, golden-brown pancakes that don't become soggy.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve even, crisp exterior with a tender inside.
  • Flatten pancakes evenly with a spatula to guarantee consistent cooking and perfect texture throughout.
  • Use paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping potato pancakes light and preventing greasiness.
  • Enjoy potato pancakes right after cooking to experience maximum crispiness and optimal flavor.

Potato Pancakes Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Potato Fritters: Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water or chickpea flour to create a binding agent for plant-based diets.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: Add fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley to the mixture for enhanced aromatic flavor and visual appeal.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Pancakes: Swap half the potatoes with grated cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and increase vegetable intake.

Ways to Present Potato Pancakes

  • Hearty Brunch Delight: Pair these crispy potato pancakes with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh herb garnish for a complete breakfast experience.
  • Rustic Dipping Station: Create a variety of dipping sauces like herb-infused sour cream, spicy mustard, or tangy applesauce to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve mini potato pancakes as bite-sized party appetizers, topped with a small dollop of crème fraîche and chives for a sophisticated touch.
  • Comfort Food Combo: Accompany the pancakes with a light mixed green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the crispy texture and add nutritional value.

How to Store Potato Pancakes Safely

  • Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Restore crispiness by placing on a wire rack.
  • Warm a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy edges return.

FAQs

  • Are potato pancakes the same as hash browns?

No, potato pancakes are made with grated potatoes, eggs, and flour, creating a more complex, pancake-like texture. Hash browns are typically shredded potatoes pressed into a flat, crispy form without additional binding ingredients.

  • Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content, which helps the pancakes hold together. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they won’t create the desired crispy texture.

  • How do I prevent my potato pancakes from falling apart?

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and onion. This helps the mixture bind better and creates a crispier pancake that holds its shape during cooking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Potato Pancakes Recipe

Potato Pancakes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden Polish potato pancakes bring comfort and tradition to your table. Hearty latkes packed with rich flavor make perfect comfort food that connects generations of home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 russet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 medium sweet onion, peeled and grated
  • 2 large eggs

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil

Serving Options:

  • Sour cream
  • Applesauce

Instructions

  1. Meticulously grate potatoes and onion, then rigorously extract liquid using a cheesecloth, ensuring minimal moisture remains.
  2. Combine grated vegetables with eggs, flour, seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a cohesive batter with balanced flavor profile.
  3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F), preparing for pancake formation.
  4. Carefully drop dollops of potato mixture into hot oil, gently pressing with a spatula to create uniform, thin pancakes.
  5. Sizzle each pancake for 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring color transformation to achieve a deep golden-brown exterior with crisp edges.
  6. Transfer cooked pancakes onto absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining optimal texture.
  7. Present immediately while piping hot, accompanied by traditional condiments like tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce for complementary flavor dimensions.

Notes

  • Squeeze potatoes thoroughly to remove maximum moisture, ensuring crispy pancakes that don’t become soggy.
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and binding properties in your pancakes.
  • Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free flour or almond flour for dietary restrictions.
  • Add fresh herbs like chives or dill to elevate the flavor profile and create a more gourmet experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star