If you love crispy, golden, and delicious potato pancakes, this recipe is for you! These classic potato pancakes (also known as latkes in Jewish cuisine or kartoffelpuffer in German cuisine) are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside.
These easy-to-make potato pancakes are versatile, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for breakfast, a side dish, or a snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Crispy & Golden – Perfectly fried to crunchy perfection.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Customizable – Add extra flavors, spices, or cheese.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as a snack, breakfast, or side dish.
Ingredients for Crispy Potato Pancakes
🥔 For the Pancakes:
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4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and grated)
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1 small onion (grated or finely chopped)
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2 eggs (beaten)
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¼ cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with breadcrumbs)
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½ teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
🛢 For Frying:
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Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
🌿 Optional Toppings & Garnishes:
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Chopped fresh chives or parsley
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Applesauce (for a classic twist)
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Grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or feta)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor.
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Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Pro Tip: Removing excess moisture ensures extra crispy pancakes!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
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In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Stir well until fully mixed.
Pro Tip: If the mixture looks too watery, add a little more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
Step 3: Fry the Pancakes
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Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
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Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten into thin pancakes.
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Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches for even crispiness.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
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Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite toppings.
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Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, or extra seasoning.
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy texture, place pancakes on a wire rack instead of stacking them.
Serving Suggestions
🥓 With Crispy Bacon & Eggs – Perfect for a hearty breakfast.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – Light and refreshing.
🥣 With Applesauce – A classic German or Jewish pairing.
🧀 With Cheese & Sour Cream – Rich, creamy, and delicious.
Storage & Reheating Tips
🛑 Refrigeration:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Freezing:
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Freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
♨ Reheating:
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Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
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Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Custom Variations & Ingredient Swaps
🔥 Spicy Potato Pancakes – Add chili flakes, paprika, or jalapeños for heat.
🧀 Cheesy Version – Mix in grated parmesan or cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
🥕 Veggie Boost – Add grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
🌿 Herbed Potato Pancakes – Stir in dill, parsley, or chives for freshness.
🥔 Sweet Potato Pancakes – Substitute sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet twist.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Potato Pancakes
✔ Use Starchy Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
✔ Squeeze Out Extra Moisture – Prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy texture.
✔ Use a Hot Pan & Enough Oil – Ensures even browning and crispiness.
✔ Don’t Flip Too Early – Let the pancakes develop a golden crust before flipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make potato pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! Fry them in advance and reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
2. Can I bake potato pancakes instead of frying?
Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. What’s the difference between latkes and potato pancakes?
Latkes often include matzo meal or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, while traditional potato pancakes use just flour.
4. Can I make potato pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour as a substitute.
5. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Potato Pancakes are a timeless comfort food—perfect for any meal! Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a side dish, or just a tasty snack, they are sure to satisfy.
✔ Crispy, golden, and full of flavor!
✔ Perfectly simple yet irresistibly delicious!
✔ Try them today and let me know how you like them!
