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Golden-brown crispy potato pancakes on a white plate with rosemary garnish.

Authentic German Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes)

Delightfully crispy and golden, these traditional German potato pancakes, known as Kartoffelpuffer, are a versatile dish enjoyed sweet or savory. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a festive treat, they bring a taste of Germany to your table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine German
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 900 g potatoes, finely grated
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (or potato starch for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying (such as canola or sunflower oil)

Instructions
 

Grate the Potatoes and Onion:

  • Use a box grater or food processor to finely grate the potatoes and onion.

Remove Excess Moisture:

  • Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to ensure crispiness.

Prepare the Batter:

  • In a large bowl, combine the drained potatoes and onion with eggs, flour, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and slightly sticky.

Heat the Oil:

  • Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Fry the Pancakes:

  • Scoop 1/4 cup portions of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening each into a thin pancake.
  • Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Drain and Serve:

  • Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of sweet or savory accompaniments.

Notes

Potato Pancake Preparation – Step-by-step images of making crispy potato pancakes.

Authentic German Kartoffelpuffer (Potato Pancakes) Recipe 🥔✨

Delightfully crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these authentic German Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) are a must-try! Whether served sweet or savory, they’re a staple of traditional German cuisine, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a festive treat. 🇩🇪✨
These crispy potato pancakes are a beloved dish across Germany, often enjoyed at home, served at street fairs, Christmas markets, and Oktoberfest celebrations. They’re simple to make but incredibly delicious, bringing back warm memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. 🏡💕

🏡 A Taste of Tradition: My Family’s Kartoffelpuffer Story

For me, Kartoffelpuffer evoke cherished childhood memories. Whenever we visited my Oma and Opa, the irresistible aroma of sizzling potato pancakes filled their kitchen. My brother and I would sit at the table playing cards with Opa, eagerly waiting as Oma fried batch after batch of these crispy delights. She always made extra because she knew we could never get enough! 😋
Our favorite way to enjoy them? With a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous serving of applesauce. 🍏🍯 The combination of crispy potatoes and sweet apples was pure magic! But Kartoffelpuffer can also be enjoyed in savory ways – I’ll share some delicious serving ideas below. 👇

🧐 What Are Kartoffelpuffer?

Kartoffelpuffer, also known in different German regions as Reibekuchen, Reibeplätzchen, Reiberdatschi, or Grumbeerpannekuche, are crispy, golden-brown potato pancakes made with freshly grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour. 🥔🍳
They are sometimes confused with Swiss Rösti, but the two are quite different:
✅ Kartoffelpuffer: Finely grated raw potatoes, mixed with eggs, onions, and flour, then pan-fried until crispy.
✅ Rösti: Coarsely shredded potatoes, often parboiled before grating, shaped into a larger, thicker pancake, and fried until golden brown.
The finer texture of Kartoffelpuffer gives them a unique crispness on the outside while keeping them soft on the inside – a perfect balance of textures! 🔥

🍽️ How to Serve German Potato Pancakes

Kartoffelpuffer can be enjoyed sweet or savory, depending on your mood! Here are some traditional and creative ways to serve them:

🥞 Sweet Serving Ideas:

✅ Classic powdered sugar dusting 🍚
✅ Applesauce (Apfelmus) or other fruit compotes 🍏🍓
✅ Drizzled with honey or maple syrup 🍯
✅ Served with a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream 🌟

🍽️ Savory Serving Ideas:

✅ With a side of herbed quark, sour cream, or crème fraîche 🌿
✅ Topped with smoked salmon and dill 🐟
✅ As a side dish with beef or pork and gravy 🥩🍖
✅ Paired with sautéed mushrooms and onion gravy 🍄🧅
✅ Served with Rotkohl (red cabbage) or Sauerkraut for a hearty German meal 🥬
Try both versions and discover your favorite way to enjoy these crispy treats! 🎉

🤩 Pro Tips for Perfect Kartoffelpuffer

✅ Squeeze out the liquid! Too much moisture makes soggy pancakes.
✅ Use high heat. This ensures the pancakes crisp up beautifully.
✅ Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan leads to uneven cooking.
✅ Serve immediately. Kartoffelpuffer are best enjoyed fresh and hot! 🔥

🎄 Enjoy Kartoffelpuffer Any Time of Year!

While these potato pancakes are a holiday favorite at German Christmas markets 🎅 and Oktoberfest 🍺, they’re perfect for any season. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast, a quick snack, or a hearty dinner side dish, Kartoffelpuffer never disappoint!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some potatoes, fire up the stove, and bring a taste of Germany into your kitchen today! 🇩🇪✨
Guten Appetit! 🍽️😋

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Keyword German cuisine, Kartoffelpuffer, Potato Pancakes, Traditional German recipes

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