Homemade German Potato Pancakes: Golden, Crispy Comfort Food

German potato pancakes, known as kartoffelpuffer, are a cherished dish with deep roots in traditional German food.

These crispy, golden-brown treats have been bringing joy and filling bellies for generations at homes and festivals across Germany.

Potatoes are the star of the show in these tasty pancakes, made with simple but flavorful ingredients.

Everyone loves making these savory snacks with care and love.

The classic recipe mixes grated potatoes, eggs, and spices to create a comforting dish full of cultural history.

Whether served as a hearty breakfast, a tasty side dish, or a snack on their own, these potato pancakes bring people together through shared experiences around the table.

Why Everyone Loves German Potato Pancakes

• Effortless Family Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, these German potato pancakes deliver delicious homemade goodness without complex preparation.
• Quick Cooking Magic: Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal meal solution for hungry families craving something crispy and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Children love the crispy texture and simple flavor, while parents appreciate the nutritious combination of potatoes and eggs that makes this recipe a win-win dinner option.
• Versatile Serving Potential: Excellent as a side dish, light main course, or appetizer that can be adapted for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with simple accompaniments like sour cream or applesauce.

German Potato Pancakes Ingredient Breakdown

• Potatoes: Provides the hearty foundation of the pancake, russet or starchy potatoes work best for crispy texture.
• Onion: Adds sharp flavor and aromatic depth to the potato mixture.

• Eggs, Flour, Baking Powder: Create structure and help pancakes hold together, ensures light and crispy result.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, balanced seasoning is key for traditional German potato pancake taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying, creates golden crispy exterior and helps achieve perfect pancake texture.

Cooking German Potato Pancakes Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Potato Mixture

• Eggs
• Flour
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Finely chopped onions
• Baking powder

Use your hands to blend everything together until the mixture feels consistent and well-combined.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Oil

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in vegetable oil. Crank the heat to medium-high and let the oil warm up until it shimmers slightly.

Step 3: Create Pancake Shapes

Scoop out quarter-cup portions of the potato mixture. Gently form each portion into a flat, round pancake shape using your hands. Press down to create a uniform thickness.

Step 4: Fry Until Crispy

Carefully slide the shaped pancakes into the hot oil. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy edges. Flip them carefully to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Drain and Plate

Use a slotted spatula to transfer the pancakes onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb extra oil. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Accompany these delightful pancakes with a dollop of cool sour cream or sweet applesauce. They’re perfect as a side dish or light main course.

Tips For Crispy German Potato Pancakes

• Prevent Watery Pancakes: Squeeze out excess moisture from shredded potatoes using a clean kitchen towel to ensure crispy, golden results.
• Master the Perfect Texture: Mix ingredients thoroughly with hands to distribute eggs and flour evenly, creating a cohesive potato pancake batter.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve uniformly crisp edges without burning.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding herbs like chives or parsley, or incorporate grated cheese into the mixture for extra richness and depth.

How To Store German Potato Pancakes And Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen pancakes maintain quality for 1-2 months.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by placing pancakes on a baking sheet and heating at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Skillet Method: Quickly revive pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.

What To Eat With German Potato Pancakes

• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the fried pancakes and cleanses the palate with its bright acidity.
• Complement with Tangy Condiments: Serve alongside traditional German accompaniments like sour cream, which provides a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy, hot pancakes, or homemade applesauce that offers a sweet-tart balance.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Add smoked salmon or thinly sliced ham as a protein side to transform these potato pancakes into a more substantial dinner, bringing additional layers of flavor and texture to the dish.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light cucumber or mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the dense, fried potato pancakes.

New Ways To Enjoy German Potato Pancakes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pancakes: Replace potatoes with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free rice flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
• Vegan Potato Fritters: Substitute eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water and use plant-based binding agents like chickpea flour to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Herb-Infused Potato Pancakes: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley into the mixture to add extra depth and aromatic complexity to the traditional recipe.

German Potato Pancakes Frequently Asked

• What are German Potato Pancakes called in German?

In German, these potato pancakes are called “Kartoffelpuffer” or “Reibekuchen”. They are a traditional German comfort food loved across different regions.

• Are these pancakes gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains flour, which means they are not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, you could substitute the regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.

• Can I prepare the potato mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a few hours ahead of time. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. However, keep in mind that potatoes might release water, so you may need to drain excess liquid before cooking.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for making crispy German Potato Pancakes. These varieties help create a better texture and ensure the pancakes hold together well during frying.

Crispy German Potato Pancakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy German potato pancakes bring comfort straight from Bavaria’s hearty kitchens, blending rustic potatoes with golden, crackling edges. Served alongside tangy applesauce or sour cream, these classic kartoffelpuffer invite you to savor authentic culinary traditions with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 gold potatoes, shredded
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Grate potatoes into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring excess moisture is squeezed out using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy pancakes.
2. Incorporate eggs, flour, finely minced onion, salt, pepper, and baking powder into the potato mixture, blending thoroughly with clean hands until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Preheat a heavy skillet with vegetable oil, creating a shimmering surface over medium-high temperature that indicates optimal frying conditions.
4. Carefully form compact potato patties using a quarter-cup measure, gently pressing each pancake to maintain structural integrity.
5. Carefully slide pancakes into hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a crisp, golden-brown landscape with delicate, lacy edges.
6. Monitor cooking progression, flipping once when the first side achieves a rich amber coloration and develops a crackling exterior.
7. Remove pancakes using a slotted spatula, transferring them to an absorbent paper towel layer to eliminate excessive oil residue.
8. Plate immediately while maintaining warmth, presenting alongside traditional accompaniments like tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly drained to prevent soggy pancakes and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Squeeze excess moisture from shredded potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for lighter, crunchier texture.
• Keep pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven while cooking batches to maintain consistent temperature and crispness.
• Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free flour or almond meal for dietary accommo

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg