There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of sizzling German Potato Pancakes wafting through the air. Picture this: crispy edges, tender centers, and a golden hue that makes your taste buds dance with anticipation. These pancakes are not just a dish; they’re an experience that takes you straight to a cozy Bavarian kitchen filled with laughter and love.

Imagine gathering around the table, forks poised, ready to dig into these delectable delights. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, German Potato Pancakes will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready for a flavor explosion that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These German Potato Pancakes are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any busy day
- Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they offer an irresistible flavor combination
- The vibrant golden color adds an eye-catching appeal to your plate
- Versatile enough to serve with applesauce or sour cream, they cater to every palate!
I’ll never forget the first time I made these German Potato Pancakes for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture; they create crispy edges while staying fluffy inside.
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Onion: A finely grated onion adds moisture and flavor; choose a yellow onion for sweetness.
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Eggs: These bind everything together; fresh eggs work best for optimal richness.
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Flour: All-purpose flour helps create structure; adjust as needed for your desired consistency.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance flavors; don’t skimp on these!
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Oil or Butter: For frying; use a good oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil or butter for rich flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an exciting cooking adventure; let’s dive into making these glorious German Potato Pancakes!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and grating four medium-sized potatoes using a box grater or food processor until you have a fine texture. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
Squeeze Out Excess Water: Drain the grated potatoes in a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture everyone loves.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained potatoes with one finely grated onion, two beaten eggs, half a cup of flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined; it should feel thick yet slightly sticky.
Heat the Oil: Heat about half an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a small spoonful of batter—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
Spoon and Fry: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of your spatula. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side); don’t overcrowd the pan!
Drain and Serve!: Once cooked, place your pancakes on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with applesauce or sour cream—your taste buds will thank you!
Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with these amazing German Potato Pancakes! Enjoy every crispy bite!
You Must Know
- German Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside
- Perfect for breakfast or a side dish, these pancakes can easily be customized to suit your palate, offering a delightful culinary experience with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grating the potatoes and squeezing out excess moisture. Then, mix them with onion, egg, and flour before frying in hot oil until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add spices like garlic or paprika for an extra kick. You can also experiment with toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or chives.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for that crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect German Potato Pancakes, ensure your potatoes are dry for extra crispiness
- Use high-starch potatoes like Russets for the best results
- Frying in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking
I remember the first time I made German Potato Pancakes for my family; they were devoured within minutes! Everyone claimed they were better than any restaurant version they’d tried.
FAQ
What type of potatoes are best for German Potato Pancakes?
Use starchy potatoes like Russets for optimal texture and crispiness.
Can I freeze German Potato Pancakes?
Yes, freeze them individually and reheat directly from the freezer.
What can I serve with German Potato Pancakes?
Serve with sour cream, applesauce, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
German Potato Pancakes, known as Reibekuchen, are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. With a golden-brown hue and a delightful crunch, these pancakes offer a taste of Bavarian comfort right at your table. Serve them with applesauce or sour cream for a delicious twist that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 4 medium starchy potatoes (about 800g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
Instructions
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Soak in cold water to prevent browning.
- Drain the grated potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large bowl, mix the drained potatoes with the grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet and flatten slightly. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with applesauce or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg