German Potato Pancakes (Grated Potato Cakes)

Why Make This Recipe

German potato pancakes, or grated potato cakes, are a beloved comfort food. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and have a wonderful flavor that brings warmth to any meal. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re simple to make and use ingredients that are often already in your kitchen.

How to Make German Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• Applesauce for serving

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten them slightly.
4. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with applesauce.

How to Serve German Potato Pancakes

You can serve German potato pancakes hot right from the skillet. A classic pairing is applesauce, which adds a sweet contrast to the savory pancakes. You might also enjoy them with sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.

How to Store German Potato Pancakes

If you have leftovers, let the pancakes cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be stored for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Tips to Make German Potato Pancakes

• Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the grated potatoes as possible. This helps the pancakes get extra crispy.
• Use a non-stick frying pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add garlic powder or herbs for added flavor.

Variation

For a different twist, you can try adding grated carrots or zucchini to the potato mixture. This adds more color and flavor while keeping the pancake light.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying.

2. Can I freeze German potato pancakes?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked pancakes. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. What can I serve with potato pancakes besides applesauce?
You can serve them with sour cream, yogurt, or even smoked salmon for a delicious twist. They also pair well with a side salad.

German Potato Pancakes

Crispy and flavorful German potato pancakes, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: German

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying
• Applesauce for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten them slightly.
3. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with applesauce.

Notes

For extra crispy pancakes, squeeze out as much liquid from the grated potatoes as possible. Serve with sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for added flavor.