Looking for a crispy treat that satisfies both hunger and creativity? Say hello to the potato pancakes. With a light, fluffy interior and a crispy, golden exterior, these versatile delights can be paired with dishes to serve any time of the day.
So whether you are looking to elevate your weekend brunch or a fulfilling breakfast on the go, you will love these delicious potato pancakes.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This delightful potato pancake recipe works because not only is it a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option, but they are also incredibly easy to customize and versatile enough to serve with a variety of dishes.
Potato pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast or brunch choice due to their simplicity. With minimal prep and cook time, they satisfy hunger swiftly, making them an ideal option for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches alike.
Additionally, they can be easily tailored to suit anybody's personal tastes. Beyond potatoes, various mix-ins like onions, herbs, or cheese create unique flavors. Toppings like sour cream, applesauce, or smoked salmon add dimensions. Dips, from classic to creative, further customize the experience.
Furthermore, potato pancakes' versatility knows no bounds. With endless mix-in options from herbs to cheese, toppings that range from classic to exotic, and dips to provide a finishing touch. Breakfast or brunch, sweet or savory – the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
When choosing a potato for this recipe, opt for starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold. They have a fluffier texture, ideal for crispy potato pancake exteriors.
Mix-Ins:
Elevate your potato pancakes by incorporating mix-ins into your potato mixture before cooking. Finely chopped onions or shallots contribute to a savory flavor, while fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a burst of freshness. For a twist, consider grated cheese varieties such as cheddar, parmesan, or even a touch of blue cheese for a richer taste.
Dips:
Enhance your potato pancake experience with an array of tempting dips. Hummus or tzatziki offer your meal a Mediterranean flair, while a zesty salsa or pico de Gallo imparts a refreshing kick. Guacamole brings a creamy avocado twist. Experiment with horseradish cream, herbed yogurt, or even a warm mushroom dip for an enticing array of flavors that enhance your potato pancakes' appeal.
Butter:
While cooking your pancakes in butter will give them that creamy, nutty flavor, butter also burns easily, so it can be difficult to make multiple batches as the butter will just keep getting darker and darker. This will lead to inconsistencies in the cook and the flavor of your potato pancakes. You can always fry your potato pancakes in a bit of oil instead. vegetable, canola, sunflower, olive, and avocado oils are all suitable for this.
How to Make Potato Pancakes
Step One:
Wash, peel, then grate your potato onto a cheesecloth.
Step Two:
Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible, then transfer to a large bowl.
Step Three:
Add flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and egg. Mix to incorporate.
Step Four:
Place a pan on the stove over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, melt your butter.
Step Five:
Place a palm-sized amount of the potato mixture into the pan and shape it into a pancake. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step Six:
Remove from heat and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Repeat the previous step with the remaining potato mixture.
Step Seven:
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Tips
- After grating the potatoes, it's essential to remove excess moisture. Squeezing out as much liquid as possible will help your pancakes become crispier when cooked.
- When combining the grated potatoes with other ingredients, avoid overmixing. Gently fold the ingredients together to prevent the mixture from becoming dense.
- Before cooking the whole batch, start with a small test pancake. This helps you adjust the seasoning or technique before making the entire batch.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this leads to unevenly cooked potato pancakes. Instead, make multiple batches, and keep any finished pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200F) until you're ready to serve them.
- Don't make your pancakes too thick. They should be thin enough to cook through but thick enough to hold together.
- Use a non-stick pan for the best results and easier flipping of the pancakes.
What to Serve With Potato Pancakes
There are a variety of delightful and versatile ways to serve these tasty potato pancakes. Traditional choices include a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a side of sweet applesauce, which add a wonderful contrast of textures and tastes. For a more savory option, try topping your pancakes with smoked cod and a smear of smoked cream cheese, creating a delightful brunch treat. If heartier fare is what you are looking for, try serving your potato pancakes alongside some crispy bacon and scrambled eggs to complete a hearty breakfast spread.
FAQs
What do I do if the potato mixture turns brown after grating?
Potatoes begin to brown when their flesh is exposed to air for an extended period. This is normal and doesn't typically affect the taste, it's really just an aesthetic issue. However, if you work efficiently, grate the potatoes, and squeeze the excess liquid out as quickly as possible, you can minimize browning.
How can I make these potato pancakes gluten-free? vegan?
This is a pretty simple recipe to customize any way you want. That includes meeting dietary needs. To make your potato pancakes gluten-free, simply use your favorite flour alternative. To make them vegan, just swap out the butter and egg for your favorite plant-based or dairy-free alternative.
Can I bake potato pancakes instead of frying them?
Absolutely you can bake your potato pancakes instead of frying them! Simply form your pancakes, place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly brush the tops with a small amount of oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes at 400F, flipping halfway through your cooking time.
How long can leftover potato pancakes be stored?
Leftover potato pancakes can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To prevent the pancakes from sticking to each other, it's best to store them with a piece of parchment layered between each one.
To reheat, simply place the frozen pancakes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're heated through and crispy. If they aren't frozen, 10-15 minutes should be long enough.
More Recipes
Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 yellow potato large
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Wash, peel, then grate your potato onto a cheesecloth.
- Squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and egg. Mix to incorporate.
- Place a pan on the stove over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, melt your butter.
- Place a palm-sized amount of the potato mixture into the pan and shape it into a pancake. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from heat and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Repeat the previous step with the remaining potato mixture.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- After grating the potatoes, it's essential to remove excess moisture. Squeezing out as much liquid as possible will help your pancakes become crispier when cooked.
- When combining the grated potatoes with other ingredients, avoid overmixing. Gently fold the ingredients together to prevent the mixture from becoming dense.
- Before cooking the whole batch, start with a small test pancake. This helps you adjust the seasoning or technique before making the entire batch.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this leads to unevenly cooked potato pancakes. Instead, make multiple batches, and keep any finished pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200F) until you're ready to serve them.
- Don't make your pancakes too thick. They should be thin enough to cook through but thick enough to hold together.
- Use a non-stick pan for the best results and easier flipping of the pancakes.