Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe

Crispy Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe: Golden Comfort Magic

Crispy, golden potato pancakes dance with delightful flavor on your plate, promising a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Russet potatoes create the perfect base for this classic comfort dish.

Generations of home cooks have cherished these delectable treats across different cultures.

Shredded potatoes mixed with simple ingredients turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Salt and herbs add depth to each carefully crafted pancake.

Perfectly browned edges and a soft interior make these pancakes irresistible.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for making potato pancakes?

The key ingredients are potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. These components help create a crispy, flavorful pancake with a perfect texture.

  • Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho work best because they hold together well and create a crispy exterior. Waxy potatoes might make the pancakes too dense and less crispy.

  • How do I prevent my potato pancakes from falling apart?

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel. This helps the pancakes bind together and achieve a crispy texture without becoming soggy.

What Makes Savory Potato Pancakes So Good

  • Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for beginner cooks with simple steps and minimal ingredients that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic potato pancakes that bring warmth and nostalgia, making them an instant hit at family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Versatile Meal Transformer: Incredible side dish that easily transitions from breakfast to dinner, pairs wonderfully with multiple proteins and can be customized with different herb combinations.
  • Quick Culinary Magic: Requires less than 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to prepare a delectable dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Savory Potato Pancakes

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the base and texture of these delicious pancakes.
  • Onion: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the pancake mixture.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour, Baking Powder: Help create structure and ensure the pancakes rise slightly and maintain a light texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pancakes.
For the Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the necessary fat for frying and helps create a crispy golden exterior.
  • Fresh Parsley, Dill: Optional herbs that add a fresh, bright flavor and attractive green garnish.
  • Sour Cream, Applesauce: Classic accompaniments that offer cool, tangy, or sweet contrast to the savory pancakes.

How to Prepare Savory Potato Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Grab your potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Use a box grater or food processor to shred the potatoes into thin, delicate strands.

Transfer the shredded potatoes onto a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every last drop of moisture. This secret step ensures your pancakes will be wonderfully crispy and not soggy.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded potatoes
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Beaten eggs
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended and form a cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in enough vegetable or olive oil to create a thin layer.

Heat the oil over medium temperature until it shimmers slightly, indicating it’s ready for cooking.

Step 4: Shape Potato Pancakes

Use a spoon to scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot skillet.

Gently flatten each portion with the back of your spoon, creating thin, even pancakes that will crisp up beautifully.

Step 5: Achieve Golden Perfection

Cook each pancake for 3-4 minutes on one side until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Carefully flip and cook the other side until it matches the beautiful color and develops a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the cooked pancakes onto a plate lined with paper towels.

This helps absorb any extra oil, keeping your pancakes light and crisp.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your potato pancakes while they’re piping hot.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor. Serve alongside tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce for a delicious accompaniment.

Tips for Crispy Savory Potato Pancakes

  • Remove as much liquid as possible from grated potatoes to ensure crispy, golden-brown pancakes that won't turn soggy.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and achieve even, crispy exterior without greasy results.
  • Select firm, starchy potatoes like russet for best texture and flavor in your potato pancakes.
  • Let the potato mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to help binding and improve overall consistency.
  • Place cooked pancakes on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispier and prevent steam buildup.

Variations of Savory Potato Pancakes

  • Herb-Infused Potato Pancakes: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the batter for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Potato Pancakes: Mix shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese into the potato mixture before frying for a gooey, rich center.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Potato Pancakes: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the pancakes a zesty, spicy kick.
  • Sweet Potato Remix: Replace regular potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutritious version of the classic pancake.

Pairing Suggestions for Potato Pancakes

  • Pair Perfectly with Rich Sour Cream Dip: Whip together tangy sour cream, chopped chives, and a dash of garlic powder for a creamy, zesty accompaniment that complements the crispy potato pancakes.
  • Enhance with Chilled Apple Cider: Select a crisp, slightly sweet apple cider that balances the savory pancakes, cutting through their richness and providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Herbed Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside tender roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, creating a hearty meal that highlights the potato pancakes' golden, crispy texture.

Storing Savory Potato Pancakes Properly

Store cooled potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Preheat to 375°F. Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a touch of oil, cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and hot. This method restores the original crunchiness.

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Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe

Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Polish potato pancakes offer a crispy, golden gateway to comfort food bliss. Sizzling with flavor and tradition, these delicate latkes invite you to savor a delicious slice of culinary heritage on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Herbs and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Sour cream or applesauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes by grating them thoroughly using a box grater or food processor, ensuring uniform texture and maximum moisture removal by squeezing the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Create the potato mixture by combining grated potatoes with finely chopped onion, whisked eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), adding enough oil to create a thin, even cooking layer.
  4. Carefully drop spoonfuls of potato mixture into the hot skillet, gently pressing each portion with the back of a spoon to form flat, uniform pancakes approximately 3 inches in diameter.
  5. Cook pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, monitoring closely to achieve a deep golden-brown exterior and ensuring a crispy, well-cooked interior.
  6. Transfer cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, maintaining their crispness while allowing any remaining grease to drain.
  7. Repeat cooking process with remaining potato mixture, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
  8. Present the potato pancakes immediately while hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and dill, and serving alongside traditional accompaniments like sour cream or applesauce.

Notes

  • Squeeze potatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy pancakes and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Experiment with alternative flours like almond or gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Add grated cheese or herbs like chives for extra flavor complexity and personalized touch.
  • Pat potato mixture gently when forming pancakes to maintain a light, airy texture without compressing too much.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 211 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 248 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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