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You are here: Home / Recipes / Vegetarian / Potato Pancakes

Potato Pancakes

October 2, 2023 by Mahy 5 Comments

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These Potato Pancakes are so easy, tasty and make a great side dish! We are sharing step by step and video to make those pancakes an everyday thing. For this potato pancakes recipe, you need only a few ingredients and you can top them endlessly. So here I present you, the best potato pancake recipe!

A hand drizzling honey over a stack of potato pancakes

Who can resist a crisp potato pancake? This recipe is a real crowd pleaser, and super popular among both kids and adults. We serve it for breakfast with some cream cheese and smoked salmon. Or add it to this Smoked Salmon Platter.

 

We LOVE serving them in the Holiday season with brie and cranberry toppings. Or just on their own, with some eggs and so much more! While I’ve shared Mashed Potato Pancakes which are one of the BEST ways to use leftover mashed potatoes, this version is different!

Why we LOVE Potato Pancakes:

Close up of a stack of potato pancakes showing the golden crisp crust

  • It’s SO TASTY! Like really flavorful!
  • Super easy recipe–no fancy ingredients or tools.
  • Tried and TRUE!
  • Quick fix for your potato cravings!
  • Versatile so you can serve it with endless toppings for endless ocasions!
  • It’s filling, comforting and so satisfying!

Ingredients you need to make Potato Pancakes Recipe

A wooden board with ingredients for the best potato pancakes recipe including potatoes, eggs, onion, flour, salt and pepper and herbs

  • Potatoes. The best potatoes to use are Russet or Yukon gold.
  • Onions. It’s recommended to use white or yellow onions to avoid staining the pancakes.
  • Eggs. They bind the pancakes.
  • Flour. It helps holding the potatoes together.
  • Salt and Peper. They season and flavor the pancakes.
  • Herbs (optional). We always LOVE adding fresh herbs for a bright fresh taste and flavor!

How to Make Potato Pancakes

Follow this step by step easy tutorial for best results.

A hand grating the peeled potatoes using a box grater over a bowl lined with kitchen towel to hold excess moisture

  1. Start by grating the potatoes. Make sure you line your bowl with a kitchen towel to catch any excess moisture. You can alternatively use a food processor, but we’ve done it manually using and old fashioned box grater.A hand holding onions and grating them using the same box grater over the bowl of grated potatoes lined with kitchen towel
  2.  Now you’ll use the same box grater and grate the onions. Potatoes and onions grated in a bowl lied with kitchen towelIt’s best to keep them in the same bowl lined with kitchen towel since they will be both squeezed together to remove excess moisture.A hand squeezing out all the excess moisture from the onions and potatoes grated in the bowl
  3. Now start squeezing the liquid out by pressing the grated onions and potatoes on the kitchen towel. Squeeze the towel tightly to remove excess moisture as best as you can. A hand holding an egg and pouring it over the squeezed potatoes and onions in a new bowl
  4. At that point you’ll add the squeezed potatoes and onions into a new bowl and start by mixing in the eggs. The remanning ingredients are added to the potato bowl such as flour, herbs and seasoning
  5. Once the eggs are mixed in, you’re going to add the remaining ingredients such as salt, pepper, flour and herbs (if using). Mix the potato pancakes mixture really well and it’s ready to cook!A hand holding a quarter cup measuring cup filled with potato pancake mixture portioned and ready to cook it in hot oil.
  6. Our favorite way to portion the potato pancakes is to use a quarter cup measuring cup. This helps us get them all to the same size. Have some neutral oil such as avocado oil heating up over a skillet, and when it’s ready you’re going to portion the pancake mixture and add it over the oil.Golden potato pancakes, flipped and cooking in a hot skillet with oil
  7. Flip the pancakes when it is golden and has cooked on one side. Look at that gorgeous crisp golden crust! PERFECTION! This takes 2-3 minutes per side. Cooked potato pancakes draining on paper towels after being removed from the skillet
  8.  Repeat with the remaining pancake mix and your potato pancakes are ready to serve! You can top them with sour cream and green onions for a simple serving. Today we’re making a Holiday or Thanksgiving/Fall inspired plate, so we used brie, honey and cranberries for topping.A board filled with stacks of potato pancakes topped with cranberries and brie cheese, surrounded with a honey jar

Potato Pancakes TIPS and FAQ

  1. It’s best to peel the potatoes for a soft inside, however we have tested the skin on potatoes as well and it works. 
  2. Make sure to line a bowl with kitchen towel before grating potatoes and onions.
  3. We opt for white or yellow onions to avoid discoloration of the pancakes.
  4. Squeezing the moisture out of the grated potatoes and onions will yield crispier potato pancakes. 
  5. When squeezing the moisture out, do it as best as you can but don’t worry about removing every single piece of moisture.
  6. Start by mixing the egg first into the potatoes and onions to help bind them and other ingredients.
  7. We LOVE the addition of fresh herbs, you can additionally add some chilli flakes–so GOOD!
  8. Use a measuring cup size 1/4 cup (ideal for us) to get even and portioned pancakes.
  9. A neutral oil such as avocado oil is best for cooking these pancakes.
  10. drain the cooked pancakes on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

What Kind of Potatoes are BEST for Potato Pancakes?

We love Russet Potatoes since they have the highest starch content, however Yukon Gold are a great alternative. Theres a wonderful Guide to Potatoes on the Huffington Post which is worth a read!

How to Make Potato Pancakes ahead of time?

Thanks to our wonderful Air Fryer, we found that once the pancakes are cooked and cooled, they can be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remove them once frozen and place them in a tight container or ziploc in the freezer. 

To reheat, simply place them in a single layer and Air fry them at 350 for 4 minutes, flip the pancakes and air fry for 4-5 minutes more.

Potato Pancakes VS Latkes?

While there’s our Mashed Potato Pancakes, today’s pancakes and latkes -these are all similar yet quite different. Both potato pancakes and Latkes are fried in oil and use grated potatoes and onions as the base ingredients, however thsi recipe relies on eggs and flour for binding. Latkes rely on baking powder and matzo meal for binding. 

They have slightly different texture because of that, but BOTH are equally TASTY! 

What to Serve with Potato Pancakes?

  • Sour cream and green onions. 
  • Smoked Salmon and sour cream for a breakfast dream!
  • Roast Chicken and Gravy for a complete dinner.
  • Brie and cranberries, herbs and honey for the Holidays!
  • Side salad for a light lunch.
  • Soups.
  • Ribeye Steak or Best NY Strip Steak!

I can’t urge you enough to try this easy recipe and let us know how you enjoyed it!!

A hand holding a fork showing a stack of potato pancakes cut in half and showing the inside texture of the pancakes

More Potato Recipes

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Pan Fried Potatoes

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Crunchy Sweet Potato Gratin

Air Fryer Potatoes and Poblano Sauce

Grill Foil Packets with Lamb and Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes With Spicy Lamb

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes


One Pan Chicken Potato Bake With Zaatar

Close up of a stack of potato pancakes showing the golden crisp crust
5 from 6 votes
Print

Potato Pancakes

These Potato Pancakes are so easy, tasty and make a great side dish! For this potato pancakes recipe, you need only a few ingredients and you can top them endlessly. So here I present you, the best potato pancake recipe!

Course Appetizer, side, Side Dish
Cuisine European
Keyword latkes, pancake recipe, pancakes, Potato Pancakes, Potato Pancakes recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 12 pancakes
Calories 84 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 lbs potatoes peeled
  • 2 onions peeled
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup Flour packed
  • 2 Tablespoons Herbs minced

To Cook

  • 3-4 tablespoons Avocado oil any neutral oil

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup Cranberries dried
  • 1/3 cup Brie cheese
  • 1/3 cup Walnuts chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons honey

Instructions

  1. Begin by peeling the potatoes and onions. Set a kitchen paper towel over a large bowl and use a box grater or a food processor.

    A hand grating the peeled potatoes using a box grater over a bowl lined with kitchen towel to hold excess moisture
  2. Grate the potatoes over the kitchen towel in the bowl.

    A hand holding onions and grating them using the same box grater over the bowl of grated potatoes lined with kitchen towel
  3. Repeat the same with onions, use the same grater or food processor and have the onion and potatoes sit over the kitchen towel for 10 minutes.

  4. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the grated onions and potatoes by squeezing them in the kitchen towel.

    A hand squeezing out all the excess moisture from the onions and potatoes grated in the bowl
  5. Put the squeezed potatoes and onions in a new bowl and start mixing in the remaining ingredients beginning with the eggs.

    A hand holding an egg and pouring it over the squeezed potatoes and onions in a new bowl
  6. Make sure to mix in the eggs well before adding in the remaining ingredients. Mix them well using a spatula.

    The remanning ingredients are added to the potato bowl such as flour, herbs and seasoning
  7. Heat a skillet with the oil over medium heat and then take a 1/4 cup measuring cup. You can use a 1/3 or even 1/2 cup for larger size pancakes. We love the 1/4 cup. Scoop out 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and add it to the skillet.

    A hand holding a quarter cup measuring cup filled with potato pancake mixture portioned and ready to cook it in hot oil.
  8. Use a spatula, press slightly to flatten the potato pancakes and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook on the other side for 2-3 minutes as well.

    Golden potato pancakes, flipped and cooking in a hot skillet with oil
  9. Once cooked, remove the potato pancakes on to a kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture.

    Cooked potato pancakes draining on paper towels after being removed from the skillet
  10. To serve, stack the potato pancakes in 2-3 layers and top with your favorite toppings, finish off with a drizzle of honey.

    Close up of a stack of potato pancakes showing the golden crisp crust
  11. Enjoy.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Potato Pancakes TIPS and FAQ

  1. It's best to peel the potatoes for a soft inside, however we have tested the skin on potatoes as well and it works. 
  2. Make sure to line a bowl with kitchen towel before grating potatoes and onions.
  3. We opt for white or yellow onions to avoid discoloration of the pancakes.
  4. Squeezing the moisture out of the grated potatoes and onions will yield crispier potato pancakes. 
  5. When squeezing the moisture out, do it as best as you can but don't worry about removing every single piece of moisture.
  6. Start by mixing the egg first into the potatoes and onions to help bind them and other ingredients.
  7. We LOVE the addition of fresh herbs, you can additionally add some chilli flakes--so GOOD!
  8. Use a measuring cup size 1/4 cup (ideal for us) to get even and portioned pancakes.
  9. A neutral oil such as avocado oil is best for cooking these pancakes.
  10. drain the cooked pancakes on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.

What Kind of Potatoes are BEST for Potato Pancakes?

We love Russet Potatoes since they have the highest starch content, however Yukon Gold are a great alternative. Theres a wonderful Guide to Potatoes on the Huffington Post which is worth a read!

How to Make Potato Pancakes ahead of time?

Thanks to our wonderful Air Fryer, we found that once the pancakes are cooked and cooled, they can be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remove them once frozen and place them in a tight container or ziploc in the freezer. 

To reheat, simply place them in a single layer and Air fry them at 350 for 4 minutes, flip the pancakes and air fry for 4-5 minutes more.

Potato Pancakes VS Latkes?

While there's our Mashed Potato Pancakes, today's pancakes and latkes -these are all similar yet quite different. Both potato pancakes and Latkes are fried in oil and use grated potatoes and onions as the base ingredients, however thsi recipe relies on eggs and flour for binding. Latkes rely on baking powder and matzo meal for binding. 

They have slightly different texture because of that, but BOTH are equally TASTY! 

What to Serve with Potato Pancakes?

  • Sour cream and green onions. 
  • Smoked Salmon and sour cream for a breakfast dream!
  • Roast Chicken and Gravy for a complete dinner.
  • Brie and cranberries, herbs and honey for the Holidays!
  • Side salad for a light lunch.
  • Soups.
  • Ribeye Steak or Best NY Strip Steak!

I can't urge you enough to try this easy recipe and let us know how you enjoyed it!!

Nutrition Facts
Potato Pancakes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 84 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 0.003g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 231mg10%
Potassium 69mg2%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 84IU2%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: American Recipes, Holidays, Parties, Potluck, Quick & Easy, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Videos Tagged With: easy appetizers, flour, herbs, holiday side dishes, latkes, onions, potato cakes, potato side dishes, potatoes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. TAYLER ROSS

    October 3, 2023 at 4:09 pm

    5 stars
    I made these potato pancakes with dinner last night and my family loved them! Definitely going to be making them often!

    Reply
  2. Justine

    October 3, 2023 at 3:41 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! Potato pancakes are so good, and these were great!

    Reply
  3. Jess

    October 3, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    5 stars
    Loving the cranberry topping!

    Reply
  4. Shelley

    October 3, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    Freezing these and reheating them in the air fryer is total genius – thanks for that great tip. And I just have to say – wow! – what lovely photos, too!

    Reply
  5. Nathan

    October 3, 2023 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    Love these potato pancakes, easy to make and so satisfying. The cranberry topping is such a nice touch! Will definitely be making these again 🙂

    Reply
5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Mahy PicHi, I'm Mahy, a recipe developer, food stylist, culinary instructor, photographer, wife and busy mom! Welcome to my blog!...Read More

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