German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) 🥔🥞
Embrace the flavors of tradition with these crispy, golden-brown German Potato Pancakes, or Kartoffelpuffer. These delightful pancakes are perfect for cozy family breakfasts, a festive brunch, or even as a side dish to complement a hearty dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—humble ingredients like grated potatoes and onions are transformed into a dish that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether served with applesauce for a sweet touch or sour cream for a tangy contrast, these pancakes deliver comfort in every bite.
Ingredients Overview
- 4 Large Potatoes (peeled and grated): The star of the dish! Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the crispiest texture. After grating, be sure to remove as much moisture as possible for that perfect golden crust.
- 1 Small Onion (grated): Adds a subtle savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the potatoes. You’ll grate it finely, so it blends seamlessly into the pancake mixture.
- 2 Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, holding the potatoes and onion together to form perfect pancakes.
- ¼ Cup All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the pancake, giving it a little more body without making it too dense.
- ½ tsp Salt & ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and onion.
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg (optional): This secret ingredient adds a warm, aromatic note to the pancakes. Though subtle, it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Oil for Frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, to get that crispy outer layer without burning.
