German Potato Pancakes

Here’s a classic, authentic German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) recipe—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and super comforting 🥔✨

🇩🇪 German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g), peeled

• 1 small onion

• 1 large egg

• 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Traditional toppings:

• Applesauce (classic!)

• Sour cream or yogurt

• Chives or parsley

Instructions

1. Grate & drain

   • Grate potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor.

   • Place in a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible (very important for crispiness).

2. Mix

   • Transfer to a bowl.

   • Add egg, flour, salt, and pepper.

   • Mix until just combined.

3. Fry

   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Scoop about 2–3 tbsp of mixture per pancake, flatten slightly.

   • Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

   • Drain on paper towels.

4. Serve hot

   • Best eaten fresh with applesauce or sour cream.

Crispiness Tips

• Use starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold).

• Don’t overcrowd the pan.

• Oil should be hot before adding batter.

• For extra crunch, add 1 tbsp cornstarch.

Variations

• 🧄 Add garlic or nutmeg

• 🧀 Mix in grated cheese

• 🥓 Add bacon bits

• 🍏 Serve sweet with sugar & cinnamon

If you want, I can also give you:

• Oven-baked or air-fryer Kartoffelpuffer

• Extra-crispy restaurant-style version

• Sweet vs savory traditional toppings explained