These crispy Potato Pancakes are hard to resist.
Shredded potato, onion, and seasonings come together to make pancakes that are browned and crisp.
Serve them for breakfast, as a side, or even as a main dish!
- Inspired by Polish, Irish, and German heritage, they are universally loved as sweet or savory sides!
- They use simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Potato pancakes can be served as a main dish or as side dish.
- Double up the recipe, they reheat well in the air fryer or in a skillet.
Ingredients for Potato Pancakes
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes, such as Russets, as they give a crispy texture. Yukon golds will work as well but the potatoes have a different, slightly less fluffy, texture.
- Onion: Use a sweet white onion in this recipe and grate it with the large holes on a box grater.
- Eggs/Flour: Eggs and flour help hold these pancakes together. Gluten-free flour works just fine for these potato pancakes. Depending on the potatoes, you may need a little bit more or less.
- Oil: I use vegetable oil to fry the potato pancakes as it has a higher smoke point than butter or olive oil.
- Variations: Much like mashed potato pancakes, you can add various cheeses, seasonings, fresh herbs, or bacon bits to the potato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Toppings: jalapenos, bacon bits, shredded cheddar, or chives.
Sauce: applesauce, ketchup, or sour cream.
How to Make Potato Pancakes
- Grate potatoes and onions, and squeeze out the liquid.
- Whisk the remaining ingredients (recipe below) in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in potatoes and onions until thoroughly combined.
- Fry portions of potato mixture in oil, gently pressing them into disks as they cook.
Serve with sour cream or apple sauce, or enjoy them on their own.
Holly’s Tips
- choose Russet potatoes or baking potatoes for the best results
- shred the potatoes with the large holes on a box grater or use a grater blade on a food processor
- squeeze as much moisture from the onion/potatoes as possible
Storing Potato Pancakes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat them in the toaster, the air fryer, or in a dry skillet.
- Freeze cooked or uncooked potato pancakes for up to 6 weeks between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag.
Delish Potato Dishes
Did you make these Potato Pancakes? Leave a rating and a comment below.
Potato Pancakes
Perfectly crispy potato pancakes are great for breakfast or served as an easy side dish!
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Peel the potatoes. Grate the potatoes and onion with the large holes of a box grater.
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Add the potatoes and onion to the center of a clean kitchen towel. Close the towel and twist it to remove as much moisture as possible.
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In a large bowl, combine eggs, flour, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and no flour lumps remain.
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Add the potato mixture to the bowl and mix well to combine.
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Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
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When the oil is hot add four ¼ cup-sized scoops of the potato mixture into the hot oil. If you do not hear a sizzle when the potato mixture is added, the oil is not hot enough.
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Use a spatula to gently press the potato mixture down to form a pancake.
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Cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until deep golden brown, adding more oil if needed.
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Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt to taste.
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If desired, serve with applesauce or sour cream.
Shredded hash browns can be used in place of potatoes, omit the salt from the recipe.
Serving: 6g | Calories: 120 | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 342mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine American, German© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
