Craving a comforting and authentic German dish? German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are crispy, golden-brown delights that are a staple in German cuisine. Whether served as a hearty breakfast, a savory snack, or a delicious side dish, these potato pancakes are easy to make and packed with rich flavors. Let’s dive into this classic breakfast recipe, perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
Versatile—enjoy sweet or savory toppings
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious appetizer

Ingredients You’ll Need for German Potato Pancakes

To make the best German Potato Pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 large potatoes (Idaho, Yukon Gold, or Russet)
1 small onion, grated
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)

How To Make German Potato Pancakes

Follow these simple steps to create crispy and golden German potato pancakes at home:

1. Prep the Ingredients

Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes using a box grater.
Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
Grate the onion separately and squeeze out excess moisture.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Stir until well combined. The batter should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

3. Fry the Pancakes

Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into the pan and flatten with a spatula.
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.
Serve warm with applesauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

These traditional German Potato Pancakes are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Sweet: Top with applesauce, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Savory: Serve with sour cream, smoked salmon, or crème fraîche.
Breakfast pairing: Enjoy with fried eggs, crispy bacon, or a warm cup of coffee.

Expert Tips for Perfect Kartoffelpuffer

Remove moisture: Squeeze out as much liquid from the potatoes and onions as possible to get crispier pancakes.
Don’t let the batter sit too long: The salt will draw out moisture, making the batter too wet. Fry immediately after mixing.
Use the right potatoes: High-starch potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold) work best for a crispy texture.
Double-fry for extra crunch: If you want ultra-crispy pancakes, fry them once, let them cool, and fry them again for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Kartoffelpuffer and Latkes?
Latkes, a traditional Jewish dish, often include baking powder and matzo meal, while German potato pancakes are simpler with just flour, eggs, and seasonings.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Can I freeze potato pancakes?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Reheat in the oven for best results.

More Tasty Breakfast Recipes to Try

🥞 Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
🍳 Savory Breakfast Hash
🥖 Homemade French Toast

Enjoy making these crispy German Potato Pancakes and bring a taste of Germany to your kitchen! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and pin it for later. Happy cooking! 🥔🥞