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Authentic Kartoffelpuffer Recipe

German Potato Pancakes Recipe – Crispy & Easy Kartoffelpuffer


  • Author: Julia Hart
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, these golden-fried pancakes are a beloved dish in German cuisine. Serve them with applesauce or sour cream for an authentic experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

  • Grate potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
  • Grate the onion and mix it with the potatoes.
  • In a bowl, combine potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Drop 2 tbsp of the mixture into the pan, flattening into a pancake shape.
  • Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potatoes.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
  • Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven while frying the rest.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Breakfast, Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: German