Potato pancakes, a beloved dish across various cultures, are a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. These golden, crispy delights are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any meal of the day. Their appeal lies not just in their taste but also in their ability to bring comfort and nostalgia with every bite.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients and Preparation

The foundation of a great potato pancake recipe is the quality and preparation of its ingredients. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get the best results every time.

To start, gather your essential ingredients: russet potatoes, a large onion, eggs, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and vegetable oil for frying. Additionally, consider having cottage cheese or sour cream on hand for serving.

When selecting your potatoes and onions, opt for fresh, firm russet potatoes. They have the perfect starchy consistency needed for crispy pancakes. A large, flavorful onion will add just the right amount of sweetness and depth.

Begin by peeling and grating the potatoes and onion. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Using a large kitchen towel or nut bag, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated mixture. This ensures that your pancakes will be crispy rather than soggy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to keep the pancakes warm as you fry each batch. This step ensures that all pancakes remain hot and crispy when served.

Place the grated potatoes and onion in a large kitchen towel or nut bag and wring out the liquid over the sink. Repeat this process until the mixture is as dry as possible.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the drained potato and onion mixture, stirring thoroughly with a wooden spoon. The mixture should be thick, not runny. If it’s too wet, add flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Set a metal cooling rack inside a large, rimmed baking sheet and set it aside. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to a depth of ¼ inch over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of the mixture into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Work in batches, dropping ¼ cup portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Gently flatten each mound with the back of the measuring cup. Fry the pancakes until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer the pancakes to the prepared cooling rack and keep them warm in the oven while you cook the remaining batches.

Serve your crispy potato pancakes hot, with a side of cottage cheese, sour cream, or applesauce for a delightful contrast in flavors.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Achieving the Ideal Texture and Thickness:
Ensure the potato mixture is as dry as possible before frying to avoid soggy pancakes.
If the mixture is too runny, add more flour one teaspoon at a time until it thickens.

Tips for Preventing Soggy Pancakes:
Drain the potatoes and onions thoroughly.
Keep the oil at the right temperature; it should sizzle but not smoke.

Adjusting Seasoning to Taste:
Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper levels according to your preference.
Experiment with adding herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.

How to Keep the Pancakes Warm and Crispy:
Use a preheated oven to keep fried pancakes warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Store cooked pancakes on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness.

Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, but russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy content, which helps achieve the best texture.

How Do I Make the Pancakes Gluten-Free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What If I Don’t Have a Metal Cooling Rack?
Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, although a cooling rack is preferred for maintaining crispiness.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Mix?
Absolutely, consider adding grated carrots, zucchini, or even cheese for a different twist.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Classic Accompaniments: Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese:
Traditional toppings like sour cream and cottage cheese complement the savory flavor of the pancakes perfectly.

Creative Serving Ideas and Variations:
Try serving with applesauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a unique twist.
Pair with smoked salmon and dill for a sophisticated brunch option.

Complementary Side Dishes and Beverages:
Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storing and Reheating

Best Practices for Storing Leftover Pancakes:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating Tips for Maintaining Crispiness:
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy.

Freezing and Thawing Instructions:
Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Recap of the Recipe’s Highlights:
These potato pancakes are crispy, golden, and perfect for any meal.
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they offer a delicious and comforting dish.

Encouragement to Experiment and Enjoy:
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make this recipe your own.
Invitation to Share and Connect with Fellow Food Enthusiasts:

Share your creations and connect with other food lovers to exchange tips and experiences. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil, for frying
4 cups peeled and grated russet potatoes (approximately 4 potatoes)
1 cup grated onion (from 1 large onion)
2 large eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Cottage cheese for serving, optional
Sour cream for serving, optional

Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) to keep the pancakes warm while you finish frying the rest.
Combine the grated potatoes and onion in a large kitchen towel or nut bag. Over the sink, twist the towel tightly to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Shake the mixture to loosen, then repeat the wringing process to ensure it’s as dry as possible.
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper. Add the dried potato and onion mixture to the bowl, stirring thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well-coated and thick. If the mixture appears too runny, incorporate additional flour, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Prepare a metal cooling rack by placing it inside a large, rimmed baking sheet and set aside. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of ¼ inch and heat over medium. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of the potato mixture into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
Working in batches, drop ¼ cup portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil. Use the back of the measuring cup to gently flatten each mound. Fry the pancakes until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent the oil from smoking. Once fried, transfer the potato pancakes to the prepared cooling rack and keep them warm in the oven while you cook the remaining batches.
Serve the crispy potato pancakes hot, accompanied by your choice of cottage cheese, sour cream, or applesauce for a delightful contrast in flavors.