German Potato Pancakes, known as Reibekuchen or Kartoffelpuffer, are a beloved classic in German cuisine. These savory pancakes are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, made with simple ingredients that combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for a special breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow this detailed guide to make perfect German Potato Pancakes from scratch.

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🛒 Ingredients

To make these delectable German Potato Pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 large eggs: Eggs serve as a binding agent to help hold the potato mixture together and add richness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Flour adds structure and helps absorb moisture from the potatoes, contributing to a crispier texture.
¼ teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder helps to lighten the batter, making the pancakes fluffier.
½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Pepper adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the flavor profile.
6 medium potatoes: Potatoes are the star ingredient. They should be peeled and grated to form the base of the pancakes.
½ cup finely chopped onion: Onion adds flavor and a bit of texture, complementing the potatoes.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Oil is used for frying and ensures that the pancakes turn golden brown and crispy.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Prepare your workspace: Ensure all ingredients are measured and ready before you start cooking. This helps streamline the process and ensures you don’t miss any steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture

Beat the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk until they are well combined.
Add dry ingredients: To the beaten eggs, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate potatoes and onions: Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes. Add the grated potatoes and finely chopped onion to the egg mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be slightly thick and cohesive.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Prepare the skillet: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking. You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of the potato mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and starts to cook, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Form the pancakes: Using a heaping tablespoon, drop portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Flatten each portion slightly with the back of the spoon or a spatula to form small, even pancakes.
Fry until crisp: Cook the pancakes for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure the pancakes cook evenly and don’t burn. Flip the pancakes carefully using a spatula to avoid breaking them.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Drain excess oil: Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the pancakes crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.
Repeat cooking: Continue cooking the remaining potato mixture in batches, adding more oil to the skillet if necessary.

Step 6: Enjoy

Serve hot: German Potato Pancakes are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite accompaniments, such as applesauce, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

⏰ Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4