German Potato Pancakes

Hey there, fellow food explorers! I’ve got a little gem for you today that is sure to spice up your kitchen adventures. German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer if you’re feeling fancy, are crispy, golden bites of comfort. They hit that sweet spot between simple and delicious. What’s not to love about a dish where potatoes steal the show? Give ’em a try when you’re in the mood for something homey and satisfying.
Oh boy, these pancakes are a hit in my household! My husband practically dances a jig when he smells these cooking, and my little humans can’t shovel them into their mouths fast enough. Picture this: a Sunday morning, everyone still in their pajamas, the aroma of sizzling potato pancakes filling the air. All-time favorite family memory right there. They’ve become our late-morning, lazy breakfast go-to. Guaranteed smiles and happy bellies every time.
MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…
Why You’ll Love This German Potato Pancakes
– It’s potatoes, and we love ’em in all forms. Period.
– Super crispy on the outside, and comforting soft on the inside. Heaven!
– You can’t mess it up too badly (trust me, my track record is mighty messy).
– You’re allowed to eat them with your hands and dunk them in anything you like!
How to Make It
Alright, here’s the lowdown. First, you grate those potatoes until your arm feels like it’s about to fall off. Yep, that’s the real workout. Throw those shreds into a towel and squeeze them like you’re wringing out the drama from the last reality TV show you watched. Next, mix in some flour, eggs, and whatever seasoning tickles your taste buds today. I tend to wing it, feeling extra spicy or herby, depending on my mood.
Heat up a pan until it’s hot enough to sizzle a drop of water, then spoon in the mixture and flatten it a bit. Fry until they’re golden, flipping them like pancakes without the acrobatics. Burnt edges? Hey, call them “caramelized” ends. Serve ’em right away for that fresh-off-the-pan crispiness.
Ingredient Notes
– Potatoes: These are your stars. Peel ’em, or not, who am I to judge? Just make sure they’re not rotten (been there, done that, not pretty).
– Eggs: These beauties hold everything together. Think of them as the glue in this potatoy masterpiece.
– Onion: Grate it alongside your potatoes for that classic pungent kick. But hey, if your eyes can’t take it or you’re out of onions, no one’s judging.
Recipe Steps:
1. Grate potatoes and squeeze out the liquid like you mean it.
2. Mix potatoes with eggs, flour, and seasonings.
3. Heat up a pan and fry spoonfuls of the mix until golden brown.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings or sides.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t overcrowd the pan unless you want a big potato blob. Practice patience. And flipping these neatly comes after a few tries—or not at all in my case.
Storage Tips
Pop ’em into an airtight container in the fridge, but honestly, who’s got leftovers? If you do, they’re surprising as a cold snack or heated up the next morning. My kids love them cold.
Variations and Substitutions
Feeling frisky? Add some cheese into the mix; it melts into heavenly gooeyness. Or don’t; they’re still winners. I’ve used sweet potatoes when I accidentally bought the wrong kind and it was still a thumbs-up from everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions

German Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cup potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 piece medium onion, grated
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Peel and grate the potatoes. Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Grate the onion and add it to the potatoes. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake and flatten gently in the skillet.
- Fry pancakes until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Made this last night and it was so flavorful. Loved how the quick dinner came together.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the fresh came together.”
“This quick dinner recipe was will make again — the hearty really stands out. Thanks!”
“Super easy and family favorite! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Made this last night and it was will make again. Loved how the fresh came together.”
“New favorite here — so flavorful. light was spot on.”