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Crispy German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

A tall stack of golden-brown, crispy potato pancakes piled high on a white plate.
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Make authentic, crispy German potato pancakes that achieve a golden-brown exterior and shatter with each bite. This recipe uses simple ingredients for perfect texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using the coarse side of a box grater.
  2. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Wrap tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is key for crispiness.
  3. Transfer the dried potatoes to a medium bowl. Add the grated onion, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Drop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil, gently flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form 3-inch pancakes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
  7. Remove the pancakes from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately with your choice of topping.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, ensure you remove almost all the moisture from the grated potatoes.
  • If you want cheesy potato pancakes, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese with the potato mixture.
  • Serve these savory potato fritters hot with applesauce or a dollop of sour cream.
  • If using leftover mashed potatoes, you will need about 2 cups, mixed with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons flour, and seasonings before frying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/crispy-potato-pancakes-kartoffelpuffer-recipe-2/