Description
Crispy German potato pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are golden and crunchy on the outside with a tender interior. Made with simple ingredients, they are perfect served with applesauce, sour cream, or savory sides.
Ingredients
4 medium Russet potatoes, grated
1 medium onion, grated
2 large eggs
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
Applesauce, sour cream, bratwurst, or cranberry sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor.
- Place the grated mixture into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Transfer the drained potato and onion mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper, then mix until evenly combined.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan and gently flatten each portion with a spatula to form small pancakes.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream, bratwurst, or cranberry sauce if desired.
Notes
Squeezing out the moisture from the potatoes is essential for achieving crispy pancakes.
Add minced garlic or chopped parsley to the batter for extra flavor.
For a richer serving option, top with sour cream and fresh herbs.
For a sweeter traditional pairing, serve with applesauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a little oil or in a 375°F oven to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pancakes soft.
Potato pancakes can be frozen after cooling completely and reheated in the oven or skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
