Crispy Golden Potato Pancakes Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Sizzling golden potato pancakes dance between crispy edges and tender centers, promising a culinary experience that warms the soul.

These delightful latkes capture the essence of comfort food with their irresistible charm.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rustic potato flavor and delicate seasoning.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dish that speaks to generations of home cooking traditions.

Crisp on the outside and soft within, these pancakes elevate weeknight dinners or weekend brunches.

Serve them alongside a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a truly memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to master a classic recipe that turns humble potatoes into culinary magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Potato Pancakes – Ingredients List

• Potatoes: Starchy foundation that creates crispy texture and hearty flavor, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
• Onion: Adds sharp, aromatic depth to pancakes, select fresh onions with smooth, papery skin and no soft spots.

• Eggs, Flour: Crucial for holding pancakes together, ensuring cohesive and crisp edges, use fresh eggs and all-purpose flour for best results.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhance overall seasoning, balancing and elevating the potato's natural taste, choose freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides golden, crispy exterior through high-heat frying, select neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
• Applesauce, Sour Cream: Optional accompaniments that add tangy contrast and creamy richness, choose smooth, high-quality condiments.

Equipment Essentials for Potato Pancakes

• Box Grater: Perfect for shredding potatoes and onions with large holes quickly and evenly.
• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing potato mixture and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps squeeze out excess moisture from grated potatoes for crispy pancakes.
• 12-inch Skillet: Provides ample space for frying potato pancakes evenly.
• Spatula: Helps shape and flip pancakes with ease during cooking.
• Measuring Cup: Ensures consistent ¼ cup portions for uniform pancakes.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from freshly cooked pancakes.
• Whisk: Blends eggs and dry ingredients until smooth with no lumps.

Potato Pancakes: Step-by-Step Recipe

• Potato Prep

Grab fresh potatoes and peel away their rough skin using a sharp peeler. Choose potatoes that feel firm and have smooth surfaces.

• Grating Magic

Shred potatoes and onions using the largest holes on a grater. Work quickly to prevent potatoes from turning brown.

• Moisture Removal

Place shredded mixture in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid. This step ensures crispy pancakes with perfect texture.

• Batter Blending

Mix eggs with seasonings and flour in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and creamy with no lumpy bits.

• Combining Ingredients

Fold potato mixture into the batter, creating a consistent blend that holds together nicely.

• Frying Technique

Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Drop spoonfuls of potato mixture into hot oil, creating golden pancakes that crackle and pop.

• Crispy Perfection

Cook each side until deep golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.

• Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and serve with cool applesauce or tangy sour cream for a delightful finishing touch.

Potato Pancake Tips You’ll Want to Try

• Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out excess liquid from potatoes and onions, ensuring crispy, golden-brown pancakes that aren't soggy.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like dried thyme, paprika, or cayenne pepper to create a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Maintain medium-high heat and watch for a sizzling sound when adding potato mixture, which guarantees a crunchy exterior and evenly cooked interior.
• Prepare potato pancake batter in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then fry just before serving for maximum freshness and convenience.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour, and use plant-based eggs for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version of this classic dish.

Serving Potato Pancakes the Delicious Way

• Festive Family Brunch Companion: Create a delightful weekend breakfast spread by pairing these crispy potato pancakes with fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and fresh fruit salad for a hearty morning meal that brings everyone together.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Arrange the golden potato pancakes on a beautiful platter, topped with a small dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a delicate smoked salmon slice for an impressive party starter that will wow your guests.
• Comfort Food Classic Side: Serve these potato pancakes alongside roasted chicken, pot roast, or grilled sausages for a comforting side dish that adds a crispy, satisfying texture to your main course and elevates the entire dining experience.
• Gourmet Dipping Station: Create a fun dipping experience by offering multiple sauces like homemade applesauce, tangy sour cream, herb-infused yogurt, and spicy mustard to let everyone customize their potato pancake enjoyment.

Best Practices for Saving Potato Pancakes

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of potato pancakes and store extras in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals. These crispy delights reheat perfectly in a skillet or air fryer, maintaining their delicious crunch.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Lay cooked potato pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months, ready for instant comfort food moments.
• Refrigeration Tips: Store cooled potato pancakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll keep well for 3-4 days, making excellent grab-and-go breakfast or snack options.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold potato pancakes in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This method restores their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior, bringing back that fresh-from-the-pan flavor.

Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy Polish potato pancakes deliver a hearty comfort from traditional kitchens across Eastern Europe. Shredded potatoes and onions create golden, savory discs that invite you to savor each delectable bite of cultural culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 russet potatoes (approx. 4 cups), peeled and grated
• 1 medium sweet onion, peeled and grated
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil (more may be needed)
• Sour cream
• Applesauce

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Scrub potatoes meticulously, removing skin and eliminating any imperfections using a box grater to create delicate shreds alongside onion.
2. Moisture Extraction: Gather shredded mixture in a clean kitchen towel, applying substantial pressure to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring a crisp pancake texture.
3. Batter Creation: Whisk eggs, flour, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency, then integrate the dehydrated potato-onion blend thoroughly.
4. Oil Heating: Warm cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, watching for a subtle shimmer that indicates optimal temperature for frying.
5. Pancake Formation: Gently drop potato mixture into the hot oil, using a spatula to flatten into uniform circular shapes, allowing each side to transform into a rich, golden-brown color for 3-4 minutes.
6. Finishing Touch: Transfer crispy pancakes onto paper towels, lightly seasoning with salt and serving alongside traditional accompaniments like applesauce or sour cream.

Notes

• Potato Prep Precision: Scrub potatoes meticulously, removing all blemishes to ensure a clean, uniform texture and prevent any unwanted bitter spots.
• Moisture Mastery: Squeeze shredded potatoes and onions vigorously in a clean towel to remove excess liquid, guaranteeing crispy, golden-brown pancakes that won’t become soggy.
• Oil Temperature Control: Watch for a slight shimmer and subtle rippling in the pan, and test readiness with a sizzling drop of mixture to achieve perfectly crisp exterior without burning.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with tangy applesauce or creamy sour cream to complement the savory, crisp pancakes and enhance their traditional flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg