Looking for the best potato pancake recipe ever? You've found it! German potato pancakes are also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen. They are a beloved dish in Germany that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside pancakes are a family favorite that will make your entire kitchen smell amazing.
Potato Pancakes Recipe with Tradition
Our German potato pancakes Recipe follows the traditional method, just like my grandma used to make. You can often find these delicious treats at German fairs and Christmas markets, where you’ll spot a Kartoffelpuffer stand serving them hot and fresh. The name Reibekuchen comes from the grating process used for the potatoes. A good food processor can make this step much easier.
This recipe for kartoffelpuffer has been a favorite on my German food blog, Familienkost.de, for many years. It’s been made thousands of times by home cooks across Germany, bringing joy to countless families. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to recreate authentic German flavors in their own kitchen.
How Is Kartoffelpuffer Pronounced?
Click below to listen to the correct pronunciation:
What Do You Need to Make German Potato Pancakes?
German potato pancakes are made from a few simple ingredients: potatoes, a bit of onion, flour, and egg. Add a pinch of nutmeg, a little salt, and some pepper for authentic flavor - baking powder is not needed!
Sweet or Savory: How to Serve German Potato Pancakes
You can serve Kartoffelpuffer either sweet or savory, making them versatile and adaptable for any taste. My kids love their potato pancakes with applesauce or simply sprinkled with sugar for a touch of sweetness. For a savory twist, I enjoy them with sour cream and a slice smoked salmon.
Tips for Perfect Kartoffelpuffer
One very important step in this recipe for German potato pancakes is pressing out the grated potatoes thoroughly. This helps ensure that the pancakes don’t fall apart in the pan. You can use a clean cotton cloth or dish towel for this process. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to achieve that crispy perfection. Alternatively, you can place the grated potatoes into a fine sieve and squeeze them.
German Potato Pancakes - Kartoffelpuffer
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 eggs
- 120 g wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pepper
- nutmeg
- sunflower oil or any other neutral-tasting oil for frying
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and grate them. Then, squeeze them properly to remove as much potato juice as possible.1 kg potatoes
- Peel the onion and chop it very finely.1 onion
- Mix the grated potatoes with the chopped onion, eggs, salt and flour. Grate in some pepper and nutmeg.1 onion, 2 eggs, 120 g wheat flour, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, nutmeg
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large pan and fry the potato pancakes one at a time. I use a tablespoon of batter for each pancake and fry about 3 potato pancakes at once. I keep the fried potato pancakes warm between two plates until all are ready.sunflower oil
Tim says
Wow thats nice! I hate the recipe with baking powder.