Crispy Golden Potato Pancakes (Traditional Style)
Introduction
Potato Pancakes—also known as Latkes or German Kartoffelpuffer—are crispy, golden, and wonderfully savory. They’re made with freshly grated potatoes mixed with onion, egg, and seasonings, then shallow-fried to perfection. These pancakes are crispy on the outside while tender and flavorful inside. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack, they pair beautifully with sour cream, applesauce, yogurt dips, or chutneys. This simple yet classic recipe gives you restaurant-level crispiness every time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–5 potato pancakes
Ingredients
Main Pancakes
4 medium potatoes (about 500g), peeled
1 medium onion
1 large egg
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
2–3 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Oil for shallow frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
Optional Serving Sauces
Sour Cream Dip: ½ cup sour cream + pinch of salt + a little lemon juice
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: ½ cup yogurt + 1 minced garlic clove + pepper
Spicy Ketchup or Chili Mayo
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and grate them using the large-hole side of a grater.
Place the grated potatoes into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible.
This step ensures your pancakes become crispy, not soggy.
Grate the Onion
Grate the onion and mix with the potatoes.
The onion helps prevent the potatoes from turning brown.
Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Grated potatoes
Grated onion
Egg
Flour
Salt
Black pepper
Optional herbs and garlic powder
Mix until everything is well combined.
Fry the Pancakes
Heat about ¼ cup oil in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of batter into the pan and flatten gently.
Fry each pancake for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve potato pancakes hot with:
Sour cream or yogurt
Applesauce (traditional German style)
Avocado crema
Salsa or chutney
A sprinkle of green onions or parsley
Variations
Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Add ½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar.
Spicy Version
Add:
1 chopped green chili
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp red chili flakes
Vegetable Potato Pancakes
Add:
½ grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze water out from zucchini)
Gluten-Free
Replace flour with:
2 tbsp rice flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
Tips for the Crispiest Results
Remove as much water as possible from the potatoes.
Fry over medium heat to prevent burning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan.
If batter becomes watery, add 1 extra tablespoon of flour.
Final Thoughts
These crispy potato pancakes are simple, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or snack time, they never fail to impress. You can customize them with herbs, cheese, or spices—making them suitable for everyday meals or special occasions. Enjoy them hot for the perfect crunch!