German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

German Potato Pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a beloved traditional dish in Germany. These crispy, golden-brown pancakes are made from grated potatoes and onions, pan-fried to perfection. Often enjoyed with applesauce or sour cream, they make for a delightful snack, side dish, or even a main course.​Reddit+8Craft Beering+8The Daring Gourmet+8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour.​Occasionally Eggs+2Food.com+2dirndl kitchen+2
• Versatile: Serve them sweet with applesauce or savory with sour cream and smoked salmon.​The Spruce Eats+3Bites of Beri+3The Whole U+3
• Crispy Texture: Achieve a perfect crispy exterior with a tender inside.​
• Authentic Flavor: Experience a traditional German favorite right at home.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Starchy potatoes (e.g., Russet)​Food.com+11Craft Beering+11Just like Oma+11
• Yellow onion​Log in or sign up to view+8Reddit+8The Whole U+8
• Large eggs​Food.com+13Reddit+13The Daring Gourmet+13
• All-purpose flour​EatingWell+15Just like Oma+15Food.com+15
• Salt​Craft Beering
• Ground black pepper​Log in or sign up to view+1Cosmopolitan Cornbread+1
• Vegetable oil for frying​The Daring Gourmet+5Just like Oma+5The Whole U+5
• Optional: ground nutmeg, applesauce, sour cream​The Spruce Eats+1Bites of Beri+1

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and finely grate the potatoes and onion. Place the grated mixture into a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes.​
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the drained potatoes and onion with beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, you can include a pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir until well combined.​
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.​
4. Form and Fry the Pancakes: Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening it with the back of the spoon to form a pancake. Fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.​Allrecipes+6The Whole U+6The Daring Gourmet+6
5. Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with applesauce or sour cream, as desired.​The Whole U+1Craft Beering+1

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8-10 pancakes, serving about 4 people.​
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes​Wikipedia+6Food.com+6Occasionally Eggs+6
• Total Time: 35 minutes​Craft Beering+1Allrecipes+1

Variations

• Herbed Pancakes: Add finely chopped chives or parsley to the potato mixture for a fresh, herby flavor.​
• Cheesy Pancakes: Incorporate grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, into the batter for a cheesy twist.​
• Spiced Pancakes: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.​
• Vegetable Mix: Mix in grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and color.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat the pancakes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.​

FAQs

What are Kartoffelpuffer?

Kartoffelpuffer are traditional German potato pancakes made from grated potatoes and onions, mixed with eggs and flour, then pan-fried until crispy.​The Daring Gourmet+1Craft Beering+1

Can I make Kartoffelpuffer ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the pancakes just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.​

Are Kartoffelpuffer gluten-free?

Traditional recipes include flour, but you can substitute it with potato starch or a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.​

What is the difference between Kartoffelpuffer and Latkes?

While both are potato pancakes, Kartoffelpuffer are German and typically include finely grated potatoes and onions, whereas Latkes are Jewish and often use coarsely grated potatoes with added matzo meal or baking powder.​Craft Beering

Can I bake Kartoffelpuffer instead of frying?

Frying gives the traditional crispy texture, but you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.​

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal as they yield a crispier texture.​dirndl kitchen+2Just like Oma+2Craft Beering+2

How do I prevent the pancakes from turning brown before cooking?

Keep the grated potatoes submerged in cold water until ready to mix. However, ensure you thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture before combining with other ingredients.​

Can I freeze Kartoffelpuffer?

Yes, after frying and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven until heated through and crispy.​

What are common toppings for Kartoffelpuffer?

Traditional toppings include applesauce and sour cream. Some variations include smoked salmon or a sprinkle of sugar.​Just like Oma+5The Spruce Eats+5The Daring Gourmet+5

Why are my Kartoffelpuffer not crispy?

Excess moisture can prevent crispiness. Ensure you thoroughly squeeze out the liquid from the grated potatoes and onions before mixing. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.​

Conclusion

German Potato Pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer, are a delightful and versatile dish that brings a taste of Germany to your kitchen. Whether served sweet with applesauce

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