Spatula: Useful for flipping pancakes and transferring them between surfaces.
Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying for crispier texture.
Cheese Grater: Needed for shredding cheddar cheese quickly and evenly.
Sharp Knife: Great for chopping scallions into fine pieces.
Instructions to Make Potato Pancakes with Cream Cheese
Potato Base A comforting blend of soft mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheese creates a hearty foundation for these delightful pancakes.
Cheese Heart Silky cream cheese blended with fresh green onions becomes a surprise center that oozes with flavor when you bite into each pancake.
Crispy Coating A zesty blend of seasoned bread crumbs transforms ordinary potato patties into golden, crunchy delights that will make taste buds dance.
Patty Crafting Gently shape potato mixture around creamy cheese centers, forming plump little pockets that promise a burst of flavor in every bite.
Golden Transformation Sizzle these beauties in a hot pan with a touch of butter, watching them turn into crispy, golden treasures that are irresistibly appetizing.
Serving Magic Drain excess oil and plate these warm, inviting pancakes with a cool dollop of tangy sour cream for the perfect flavor contrast.
Tips to Make Potato Pancakes Creamier
Master the art of creating crispy, creamy potato pancakes with these expert tips and delicious variations.
Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, Swiss, or blue cheese in the cream cheese filling for unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
Elevate the potato mixture by adding fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to bring vibrant, fresh notes to your pancakes.
Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, or try smoky paprika, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder for different spice experiences.
Replace wheat flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, cornmeal, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe accessible for everyone with dietary restrictions.
How to Serve Stuffed Potato Pancakes Deliciously
Dip and Drizzle Delight: Enhance the potato pancakes with a variety of dipping sauces like tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic marinara for an extra flavor punch.
Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these crispy pancakes on a large platter with small bowls of different sauces, making them an irresistible appetizer for gatherings or game nights.
Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh garden salad to create a complete and satisfying weekend brunch spread that will impress family and friends.
Leftover Magic: Transform any remaining pancakes into next-day breakfast by topping them with a fried egg or reheating them in a toaster oven for a quick and delicious morning meal.
Keeping Stuffed Potato Pancakes Fresh
Smart Meal Planning Magic
Advance Prep Power: Craft these potato pancakes up to 24 hours before serving. Store uncooked patties in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigeration helps ingredients meld beautifully.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Slide uncooked pancakes onto a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. These tasty treats stay delicious for 3 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking for best results.
Leftover Love Strategy: Reheat cooked pancakes in a skillet for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch but might soften the delightful crunchy exterior. Consume within 3 days for maximum flavor.
Serving Smart Hack: Create a make-ahead breakfast or brunch platter by preparing pancakes earlier in the day. Keep warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes before guests arrive. Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Polish potato pancakes blend rich cream cheese into crispy, golden potato fritters that offer comfort and satisfaction. Home cooks can craft these traditional delights with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skill.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups (470 ml) mashed potatoes (prepared with milk and butter)
¼ cup (30 g) cream cheese (room temperature)
¼ cup (30 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lightly beaten egg
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (30 g) seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
3 scallions (chopped)
Instructions
Potato Base Preparation: Blend mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, flour, egg, salt, and pepper until uniformly mixed.
Coating Creation: Mix panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish for a zesty exterior.
Cream Cheese Filling: Fold green onions into softened cream cheese, forming compact spherical portions.
Pancake Assembly: Form potato mixture into thick discs, strategically place cream cheese center, and carefully enclose filling within potato mixture.
Breading Process: Roll each potato patty thoroughly in seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently to create uniform 1/2-inch thick pancakes.
Chilling Stage: Refrigerate assembled pancakes for 25-35 minutes to stabilize structure and enhance cooking performance.
Cooking Technique: Heat skillet with neutral oil and butter over medium temperature, creating an optimal golden-brown environment.
Frying Method: Cook pancakes in batches, achieving crispy exterior and ensuring melted cheese interior by cooking 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving Presentation: Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream for complementary tanginess.
Notes
Chill for Stability: Refrigerate pancakes 25-35 minutes before frying to prevent falling apart and maintain perfect shape during cooking.
Consistent Coating Technique: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto potato pancakes to create an even, crispy exterior that locks in creamy filling.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium heat to ensure golden-brown crust without burning, allowing gentle, even cooking of potato and melting of cheese.
Batch Cooking Wisdom: Fry pancakes in small groups to prevent overcrowding, which maintains oil temperature and guarantees crispy, evenly cooked results.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.