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potato pancakes on a green, gold, and white plate

German Potato Pancakes (Kartóffelpuffer) Recipe

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This recipe for German Potato Pancakes (Kartóffelpuffer) is perfect for more than just Christmas. Make it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack! Viel Spaß (enjoy)!

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 20 pancakes 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

The Pancakes

  • 2.5 lbs starchy potatoes (grated (RAW, not cooked and/or frozen ones))
  • 1/2 small yellow onion (very finely grated)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 1/4 cup neutral-tasting oil (more or less for “frying”)

Optional Toppings

Instructions

**Read the notes, Before Beginning.**

  1. Shred the potatoes and onions with a food processor (or by hand).
  2. Wring out as much liquid as possible with a cheesecloth [See Notes].
  3. Add the flour and salt; toss/fold/stir around the potatoes until completely and evenly coated in the flour.
  4. Add a thin layer (about 2-3 Tablespoons or 2 good swirls) of neutral-tasting oil to a cast iron pan and let it heat on medium-high.
  5. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the potato mixture.
  6. Mix them until they are completely incorporated.
  7. Scoop up about 1.5 Tablespoons of batter into the cast iron pan and gently press so it’s nice and even. Let them brown on one side (about 3-5 minutes), then flip them and brown on that side for another 3-5 minutes.
  8. Continue this process; oil, batter, and flip until all are done.

Notes

Check out the blog post for photo details on the entire process.

Prep Ahead of time!

I recommend prepping everything first. Have your oil next to the stove, cast iron pan on the burner, have a spatula ready to go (I usually use my fish spatula), and cheesecloth lying on the counter next to your food processor. You’ll also want a mixing bowl near your sink after ringing out the excess liquid from the cheesecloth.

For Removing the Liquid From the potatoes

  1. Small batches of wringing out the liquid work better for taking out liquid, however, it should be noted that the longer you take the more likely your potatoes might start browning. So if you do small batches, I recommend doing 2-3 batches (no more).
  2. There will very likely be some residual liquid that will eventually show up. I have done both the batch wringing and the one big one and there is ALWAYS liquid, however, the amount is less when I do the batches. It’s not a problem, just stir it up with your spoon/scoop and keep on going.

Cooking Process – made easier…

  1. I have found using a cookie scoop is amazing for getting a fairly even amount and it’s less messy.

Storage

Potato Pancakes can last in the fridge for 3–4 days if stored in an airtight container. 

Conversely, you can also freeze your potato pancakes for up to three months. Enjoy them anytime!

  1. Let the pancakes cool completely
  2. Place the cooled potato pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat
  3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight airtight container
  • Author: Jenn Giam Smith
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Sides
  • Cuisine: German, German-American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 134
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 717
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 17
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 40
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