Potato pancakes are a delightful and crispy treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. They are simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of grated potatoes and onions creates a flavorful base, while the frying process gives them a deliciously golden crust.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in any kitchen. However, if you don't have vegetable oil on hand, make sure to pick some up at the supermarket. It's essential for frying the pancakes to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Additionally, ensure you have fresh potatoes and onions for the best flavor.

Ingredients For Potato Pancakes Recipe
Potatoes: The main ingredient, providing the base and texture for the pancakes.
Onion: Adds a savory flavor and moisture to the mixture.
Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the pancakes to achieve a crispy exterior.
Technique Tip for Potato Pancakes
When grating the potatoes and onion, use a box grater with medium-sized holes to achieve the right texture. This will help the potato pancakes hold together better and cook more evenly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and a slightly sweeter taste, while still providing a similar texture when grated and fried.
potatoes - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be grated and used in place of potatoes for a lighter, lower-carb option. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle difference to the taste of the pancakes.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor, which can be a nice variation in the recipe.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to bind the ingredients together and will result in a slightly crispier texture.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor and works well as a binder.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoon water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients similarly to a regular egg.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as a binder and adds a hint of sweetness, making it a good option for those avoiding eggs.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
salt - Substitute with seaweed flakes: Seaweed flakes can provide a salty flavor with an added nutritional boost, especially iodine.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the pancakes.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor, perfect for those who like a spicier kick.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative with a distinct flavor that can enhance the taste of the pancakes.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good option for those looking for a healthier fat.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Potato Pancakes
How to Store or Freeze Potato Pancakes
- Allow the potato pancakes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled potato pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures they don't stick together.
- Once the potato pancakes are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the potato pancakes directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the pancakes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the potato pancakes in a skillet. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat and cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are hot and crispy.
- For short-term storage, place the potato pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- To maintain their crispiness, reheat refrigerated potato pancakes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the potato pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter. Place the potato pancakes in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are hot and crispy.
Use a toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C). Place the potato pancakes directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.
For a quick option, use the microwave. Place the potato pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the potato pancakes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
Best Tools for Making Potato Pancakes
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the grated potatoes, onion, flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
Grater: A tool used to grate the potatoes and onion into fine shreds.
Spatula: Used to flatten the potato mixture in the frying pan and to flip the pancakes.
Frying pan: A pan used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the potato pancakes.
Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried potato pancakes.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the flour, salt, and pepper accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the vegetable oil for frying.
Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a food processor: Grate the potatoes and onion quickly using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Preheat the oil: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot before adding the potato mixture to reduce cooking time.
Batch cooking: Fry multiple pancakes at once to save time, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.
Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and grate the potatoes and onion ahead of time and store them in water to prevent browning.
Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan can help reduce sticking and make flipping the pancakes easier, speeding up the process.

Potato Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 potatoes peeled and grated
- 1 onion grated
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Grate the potatoes and onion into a mixing bowl.
- 2. Add the flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with a spatula.
- 5. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
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