Kartoffelpuffer
Crispy, golden-brown German potato pancakes made from grated potatoes and onion. A beloved comfort food, perfect when served hot with a side of fresh applesauce or creamy sour cream.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Grate Potatoes and Onion
- b.Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the peeled potatoes and onion into a large bowl.
- c.Work quickly to prevent the potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown. Do not rinse the grated potatoes, as the starch is needed to bind the pancakes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Squeeze Out Excess Liquid
- b.Transfer the grated mixture to the center of a large, clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth.
- c.Gather the corners of the towel and twist tightly over the sink, squeezing out as much liquid as physically possible. This step is absolutely critical for achieving crispy Kartoffelpuffer.
- d.The resulting potato-onion mixture should be very dry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.Place the dry potato mixture into a clean, large bowl.
- c.Add the lightly beaten egg, all-purpose flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Use a fork to mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Pancakes
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm). Heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, about 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully drop about 2-3 tablespoons of batter per pancake into the hot oil, leaving space between each one.
- d.Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each mound into a thin, round pancake about 3-4 inches in diameter.
- e.Fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
- f.Flip carefully with a spatula and fry for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through.
- g.Work in batches of 3-4 pancakes at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispier than using paper towels.
- c.If needed, keep batches warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying.
- d.Serve immediately while hot with traditional accompaniments like applesauce or sour cream with chives.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use starchy potatoes like Russet, Idaho, or King Edward for the best texture and crispiness.
- 2The most important step for crispy pancakes is squeezing every last drop of moisture from the grated potatoes and onion.
- 3Fry the batter immediately after mixing. The salt will draw out more moisture from the potatoes if it sits for too long, resulting in a watery batter.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature. If it's too low, the pancakes will be greasy; if it's too high, they will burn before cooking through.
- 5For a finer texture, you can use the smaller holes on your box grater, but the larger holes provide a more traditional, lacy texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
CheesyCheesy
Mix in 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese into the batter for a savory, cheesy twist.
Sweet PotatoSweet Potato
Substitute half of the Russet potatoes with grated sweet potatoes and add a pinch of nutmeg for a slightly sweeter version.
SpicedSpiced
Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or a pinch of caraway seeds to the batter for a more aromatic and traditional German flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that is important for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and healthy blood pressure.
Provides Vitamin C
Potatoes contain a good amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, aids in collagen production for healthy skin, and helps with iron absorption.
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of approximately 3 pancakes contains around 280-320 calories, depending on the size of the pancakes and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.