German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rustic, savory flavor. Made with freshly grated potatoes, onions, and a handful of simple ingredients, these golden-fried pancakes are a beloved traditional dish in German cuisine. I love serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—with both sweet and savory toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The crisp edges, warm centers, and mild onion flavor make them totally irresistible. They’re versatile enough to serve with applesauce, sour cream, smoked salmon, or even as a side dish with hearty meats. Whether I want something cozy or a nostalgic bite of European comfort food, these potato pancakes hit the spot every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Russet potatoes, peeled and grated

• Onion, grated or finely chopped

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil work well)

• Optional: garlic powder, nutmeg, or chives for added flavor

Directions

1. I start by peeling and grating the potatoes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step keeps the pancakes from getting soggy.

2. I grate the onion and mix it with the potatoes in a large bowl.

3. I stir in the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

4. I heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

5. I drop the batter by spoonfuls into the pan, flattening each portion with the back of a spoon or spatula.

6. I fry the pancakes for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep them warm in the oven if making a large batch.

8. I serve them hot with my favorite toppings like applesauce, sour cream, or smoked salmon.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 medium pancakes, enough to serve 4 people as a main or 6 as a side. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I have them ready in about 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh twist.

• For a richer flavor, I mix in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

• I’ve made mini versions for appetizers or brunch buffets.

• For a spicier take, I add a touch of paprika or chili flakes.

• Sweet lovers can serve them with cinnamon sugar or a dollop of fruit preserves.

storage/reheating

I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I crisp them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. I avoid microwaving them since they lose their crispness. They also freeze well—just reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use a food processor to grate the potatoes?

Yes, I often use the shredding disc on my food processor to save time—it works just as well as hand grating.

How do I prevent the pancakes from being too wet?

I make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes before mixing. I also let the batter sit briefly and pour off any extra moisture that collects at the bottom.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or a couple of tablespoons of potato starch or cornstarch.

Are these the same as latkes?

They’re very similar, but latkes often include baking powder and sometimes matzo meal, and are traditionally served during Hanukkah. Kartoffelpuffer are more common in German cuisine and usually have a slightly different texture.

What oil is best for frying?

I use neutral oils like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil with a high smoke point to get the pancakes nice and crispy without burning.

Conclusion

German Potato Pancakes are a timeless, comforting dish that never goes out of style. I love how easy they are to make, and how each crispy bite delivers warmth and flavor. Whether I’m serving them with something sweet, something savory, or just enjoying them on their own, they’re a delicious reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special.