Fluffy Buttery German Potato Pancakes Recipe for Cozy Brunch

Crispy golden edges and a soft, tender center make these german potato pancakes a beloved comfort dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful recipe passed down through family kitchens.

Potatoes grated by hand blend seamlessly with simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering treat.

Each pancake sizzles with a rich, inviting aroma that draws people to the kitchen.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural earthy flavors of the potatoes, creating a satisfying balance.

Serve these pancakes hot and watch as everyone eagerly reaches for seconds.

This classic dish promises a delicious journey into traditional german comfort food that you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need For Buttery German Potato Pancakes

• Potatoes: Starchy varieties create crispy, golden pancakes with perfect texture.
• Onion: Adds sharp, sweet flavor that complements the potato's earthiness.

• Eggs: Crucial for holding the pancake together and adding richness.
• Flour: Helps create structure and crispiness in the pancake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the potato pancakes.
• Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the mixture.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that brings warm, aromatic complexity.

• Butter: Delivers rich, golden flavor and helps achieve crispy edges.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents butter from burning and helps create even browning.

Gear For Buttery German Potato Pancakes

• Large skillet: Essential for frying the potato pancakes evenly and creating a crispy golden exterior.
• Grater: Perfect for shredding potatoes and onions into fine, uniform pieces.
• Kitchen towel: Crucial for squeezing out excess moisture from the grated vegetables, ensuring crisp pancakes.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine all ingredients and create the pancake batter.
• Spoon: Helpful for mixing ingredients and flattening pancake mixture in the skillet.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Great for draining excess oil from the cooked pancakes.
• Measuring cup: Useful for scooping consistent portions of potato mixture.

Instructions For Buttery German Potato Pancakes

• Potato Preparation

Grate potatoes and onions, then use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture. This crucial step ensures your pancakes turn out wonderfully crisp and golden.

• Batter Creation

Blend the grated potatoes and onions with eggs, flour, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a harmonious mixture that promises delicious results.

• Skillet Magic

Warm a skillet over medium heat, adding a combination of butter and oil to create the perfect cooking surface. The fat helps develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

• Pancake Crafting

Spoon potato mixture into the hot skillet, gently pressing to form flat pancakes. Cook each side until they transform into crispy, mouth-watering golden discs. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Serving Celebration

Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel to remove excess oil. Plate immediately while piping hot. Pair with tangy applesauce or cool sour cream for a delightful culinary experience that celebrates traditional German comfort food.

Tips To Make Buttery German Potato Pancakes Crispy

• Moisture Magic: Pat potatoes and onions super dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to ensure maximum crispiness. Extra moisture leads to soggy, disappointing pancakes that won't develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these pancakes celiac-safe. The alternative flours work wonderfully and keep the texture delightfully crisp.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with herbs like fresh chives, dill, or parsley mixed into the batter. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder can transform these classic pancakes into a gourmet side dish that tingles taste buds.
• Veggie-Packed Variation: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding grated zucchini or carrots to the potato mixture. The additional vegetables create interesting texture and boost the nutritional profile without compromising the traditional pancake experience.
• Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare the pancake batter ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. When ready to cook, give the mixture a quick stir and proceed with frying.

Serve Buttery German Potato Pancakes The Right Way

• Cozy Comfort Plating: Arrange the golden-brown potato pancakes on a rustic wooden board, creating an inviting display that showcases their crispy edges and warm texture.
• Flavor Companions: Pair with tangy sour cream, homemade applesauce, or a sprinkle of fresh chives to enhance the pancakes' rich, buttery taste and add a burst of freshness.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform these pancakes into a complete meal by topping with a soft-fried egg, crispy bacon bits, or serving alongside a light herb salad for a satisfying weekend brunch spread.
• Versatile Side Kick: Serve as a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats, grilled sausages, or as a hearty side dish that complements traditional German-inspired main courses.

How To Store Buttery German Potato Pancakes With Care

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious texture.
• Crispy Reheating Technique: Revive cold pancakes by heating them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure even crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Freezer-Friendly Storage: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their original flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato mixture up to 4 hours in advance, covering tightly and refrigerating. Keep the grated potatoes submerged in cold water to prevent browning, draining and squeezing dry just before cooking for maximum freshness.

Crispy German Potato Pancakes Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Kartoffelpuffer, a classic German potato pancake, delights with crispy edges and golden-brown perfection. Hearty potato goodness combines traditional flavors that welcome you to savor authentic German comfort cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsps butter (for frying)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

1. Moisture Extraction: Thoroughly squeeze grated potatoes and onions in a clean kitchen cloth to remove excess liquid, ensuring crisp pancakes.
2. Batter Composition: Blend drained potato and onion shreds with eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, creating a uniform, flavorful mixture that will provide a robust taste foundation.
3. Skillet Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing a butter-oil combination to generate an ideal cooking surface that promotes even browning and prevents sticking.
4. Pancake Formation: Ladle potato mixture into the heated skillet, spreading each portion into thin, circular shapes, allowing 2-3 pancakes to cook simultaneously while maintaining sufficient spacing.
5. Cooking Technique: Fry pancakes until golden-brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, adjusting heat to prevent burning and ensure consistent coloration throughout the cooking process.
6. Final Presentation: Transfer cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, replenishing skillet with butter-oil mixture as needed to complete the batch, maintaining consistent cooking quality.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate steaming pancakes immediately, accompanied by traditional garnishes like applesauce or sour cream, creating an appetizing and authentic German culinary experience.

Notes

• -Maximize Moisture Removal: Squeeze grated potatoes and onions thoroughly in a clean kitchen cloth to prevent soggy pancakes and achieve an irresistibly crisp exterior.
• -Balance Seasoning Carefully: Use nutmeg sparingly to enhance flavor without overpowering the potato’s natural taste; taste test the mixture before cooking for perfect seasoning.
• -Prevent Burning: Maintain consistent medium heat and watch pancakes closely, adjusting temperature to ensure golden-brown color without burning the delicate potato mixture.
• -Optimize Cooking Surface: Use a combination of butter and oil for better heat distribution and a more flavorful, evenly cooked pancake with a beautiful crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg