German Potato Pancakes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer). Whether enjoyed as a savory side dish or a sweet treat with applesauce, these traditional pancakes are a beloved staple in German cuisine.

I first fell in love with these when visiting a bustling Christmas market in Munich. The scent of sizzling potatoes filled the air, and with my first bite, I knew I had to recreate this at home. Now, these potato pancakes are a family favorite, making regular appearances at our Sunday brunch.

Why You'll Love This German Potato Pancakes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that is equal parts crispy, comforting, and versatile.

Crispy and Golden – These pancakes fry up to a perfect crunch while remaining tender inside.

Simple Ingredients – Made with just potatoes, onions, eggs, and a few seasonings, this dish is budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

Versatile and Customizable – Serve them savory with sour cream or go the sweet route with applesauce and a sprinkle of sugar.

Authentic German Flavor – This recipe stays true to its roots, bringing the taste of Germany right into your kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of German Potato Pancakes lies in their simplicity, relying on fresh, wholesome ingredients for that classic taste and texture.

Potatoes – Starchy potatoes like Russets work best as they provide a crisp exterior while staying tender inside. Avoid waxy potatoes, which can make the pancakes too dense.

Onion – A finely grated yellow onion adds depth and a mild sweetness, balancing out the potatoes beautifully.

Eggs – These help bind the batter together, ensuring the pancakes hold their shape as they cook.

Flour – Just a touch of flour absorbs excess moisture and helps create that perfect golden crust.

Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.

You'll also need a box grater or food processor for grating the potatoes, plus a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess liquid for the crispiest results.

How To Make German Potato Pancakes

Making these crispy delights is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect potato pancakes every time.

Start by grating the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor. The finer the shreds, the crispier your pancakes will be. Once grated, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.

Next, transfer the drained potatoes and onion to a mixing bowl. Stir in eggs, flour, salt, and pepper, mixing until fully combined. The batter should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, drop small scoops of batter into the pan, flattening them slightly with the back of a spoon.

Fry each pancake for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Traditional accompaniments include applesauce, sour cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet twist.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Freezer – Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven at 375°F until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

These potato pancakes are delicious as is, but there are a few fun ways to switch things up!

Cheesy Potato Pancakes – Add grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the batter for an extra savory kick.

Herb-Infused – Mix in chopped chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh, flavorful twist.

Spicy Version – Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Vegan Option – Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) and use a bit more flour to help with binding.

However you choose to serve them, these German Potato Pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh and crispy, just like they do in Germany!

Print