German Potato Pancakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These German Potato Pancakes, also known as "Reibekuchen" or "Puffer," are a perfect combination of crispy texture and rich flavor. The grated potatoes and onions come together beautifully, creating a savory snack or side dish that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether served with applesauce, sour cream, or just a sprinkle of salt, this dish is sure to become a favorite. The best part is that it's easy to make and offers a simple, hearty dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb russet potatoes

• 1 small yellow onion

• Pinch of salt plus more for seasoning

• Pinch of black pepper for savory pancakes

• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• Vegetable oil for frying

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

Directions

1. Wash and peel the potatoes. Grate them into a bowl using the large grating side of a box grater. Grate the onion into the same bowl.

2. If there is excess liquid pooling in the potato mixture, drain off as much as possible.

3. Add the salt, pepper (if making savory pancakes), flour, and egg to the potato-onion mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly mix everything together into a thick batter.

4. Heat 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. For each pancake, scoop about 2 tablespoon of the potato batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon or spatula.

5. Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Once all the pancakes are fried once, re-fry them one more time for 30-60 seconds per side for extra crunch.

7. Serve the potato pancakes immediately while hot and crispy. Top with applesauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 pancakes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Sweet Potato Pancakes: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist on this classic recipe.

• Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based flour to make these pancakes vegan-friendly.

• Herbed Pancakes: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the batter for a fragrant and flavorful variation.

• Cheese-filled Pancakes: Add shredded cheese to the batter for an extra cheesy version of these pancakes.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold, but russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture, which helps the pancakes crisp up.

2. How do I get the pancakes extra crispy?

For extra crunch, fry the pancakes twice. After frying once, re-fry them for another 30-60 seconds per side.

3. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying. However, the pancakes are best served immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.

4. What is the best oil for frying these pancakes?

Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can also use other oils with a high smoking point, such as canola oil or sunflower oil, for frying.

5. Can I freeze these pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze the pancakes. After frying, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.

6. How do I know when the pancakes are done frying?

The pancakes should be golden brown on both sides. When they are crispy and deep brown in color, they are ready to be removed from the pan.

7. Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

Yes, you can experiment by adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even bacon bits for extra flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.

9. Should I squeeze the liquid from the potatoes?

Yes, make sure to drain the excess liquid from the grated potatoes to help the batter stick together and achieve the desired crispy texture.

10. What toppings can I serve with these pancakes?

Traditionally, these pancakes are served with applesauce or sour cream, but you can also top them with yogurt, chives, or even smoked salmon for a more gourmet option.

Conclusion

German Potato Pancakes are a simple yet irresistible dish that brings the warm, comforting flavors of Germany to your table. With their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, they’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of applesauce or a sprinkle of salt, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting food. Enjoy the crispy goodness with your loved ones today!