Crispy Golden Potato Pancakes Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crispy potato pancakes dance between tradition and culinary innovation, promising a delightful twist on comfort food.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish across eastern European kitchens.

Golden edges and soft centers invite you to experience a truly satisfying meal.

Simplicity meets flavor in this straightforward recipe that anyone can master.

Russet potatoes form the heart of these irresistible pancakes, creating a crisp exterior with a tender inside.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make these pancakes perfect for weekend brunches or casual dinners.

Come savor a plate of these delectable potato pancakes that will spark joy at your table.

Potato Pancakes Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside

• Whip Up Quickly: Dive into a recipe that takes minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy delicious potato pancakes without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different toppings like sour cream, applesauce, or herbs to create a personalized taste experience that suits your mood.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, these crispy potato pancakes appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible golden-brown crunch.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes work as a side dish, main course, or delightful snack that satisfies any hunger craving.

Ingredients for Potato Pancakes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the base and texture for the pancakes.
• Onion: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the pancakes.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent to hold the potato mixture together.
• Flour: Helps to create structure and crispiness in the pancakes.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Provide essential seasoning to bring out the savory flavors of the potato pancakes.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a hot cooking medium for frying the potato pancakes to a golden brown perfection.

How to Make Potato Pancakes with Perfect Crispiness

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes and Onions

Grab your trusty grater and transform those potatoes into delicate shreds.

Next, take your sharpest knife and mince the onion into tiny, flavor-packed pieces.

The finer you grate and chop, the more delightful your potato pancakes will become.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Batter

• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix everything thoroughly until you have a harmonious blend that promises crispy, golden pancakes.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in vegetable oil.

Crank the heat to medium-high and let the oil become shimmering and hot – this is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Form and Fry Pancakes

Scoop generous spoonfuls of your potato mixture into the sizzling oil.

Use a spatula to gently flatten each pancake, creating a perfect canvas for browning.

Let each side cook to a beautiful golden hue, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Drain and Prepare

Rescue your crispy pancakes and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate.

This helps absorb any extra oil, ensuring a delightfully crunchy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your potato pancakes while they’re piping hot.

Invite your favorite toppings to the party – perhaps sour cream, applesauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Flavorful and Crispy Potato Pancakes

• After grating potatoes, use a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water, ensuring crispier pancakes that won't become soggy.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 375°F to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly golden-brown exterior with a crispy texture.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to grated potatoes to stop them from turning gray and maintain their fresh appearance.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for better binding and crispier results, and always use fresh eggs for optimal flavor and texture.
• Let pancakes rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them light and preventing a greasy feel.

Variations to Change Up Potato Pancakes

• Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Vegan Potato Fritters: Swap eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water, use nutritional yeast instead of eggs to bind ingredients, and ensure crispy exterior.
• Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: Add fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley to the mixture for an aromatic herbal flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute half the potatoes with grated cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the same delicious crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Pancakes

• Potato Patch Companions: Pair these crispy potato pancakes with tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or smoked salmon for a hearty weekend breakfast spread.
• Gourmet Garnish Parade: Top with fresh chives, applesauce, or a dollop of herb-infused cream for elegant flavor complexity.
• Seasonal Sidekick: Complement with a light mixed green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness of the pancakes.

Storage Tips for Potato Pancakes

• Store cooled potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for maximum 2 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen pancakes at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, spreading them on a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Quickly revive potato pancakes in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they regain their golden, crispy texture.

FAQs

• What are potato pancakes traditional to?

Potato pancakes, known as latkes, are a traditional Jewish dish deeply rooted in Hanukkah celebrations and Eastern European cuisine, particularly in Poland and Ukraine.

• Can I make potato pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace wheat flour with almond flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the recipe.

• How do I prevent potato pancakes from becoming soggy?

Squeeze out excess moisture from grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth before mixing with other ingredients to ensure crispy texture.

• What are the best potatoes for making potato pancakes?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho work best because they have low moisture content and help create crispy, golden pancakes with a fluffy interior.

Potato Pancakes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Polish potato pancakes deliver crispy, golden comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques help home cooks craft delicious latkes that connect culinary heritage with family memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 small onion
• 2 large eggs

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously shred potatoes using a fine grater, allowing excess moisture to drain. Mince onions into delicate, uniform pieces.
2. Create a harmonious mixture by thoroughly blending grated potatoes, diced onions, whisked eggs, flour, and seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare a cast-iron skillet by heating vegetable oil to approximately 350°F, ensuring a consistent medium-high temperature for optimal browning.
4. Carefully ladle potato mixture into the sizzling oil, gently pressing each portion with a spatula to form thin, crisp pancakes.
5. Cook each pancake until edges turn deep golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Remove pancakes using a slotted spatula, transferring to absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil and maintain crispness.
7. Plate immediately while piping hot, garnishing with preferred accompaniments like sour cream, applesauce, or fresh herbs for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Keep potatoes cold and dry before grating to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel for crispier pancakes.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for better binding and a more authentic crispy exterior.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour or almond meal for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version of the classic potato pancake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg