The Best Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe for Crispy Breakfast Joy

Crispy potato pancakes dance on the culinary landscape, offering a delightful twist to comfort food.

Potatoes blend with herbs and spices, creating a golden-brown canvas of flavor.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that whispers of home-cooked memories.

Fragrant and simple, these pancakes emerge from traditional kitchens with a modern flair.

Ingredients come together effortlessly, welcoming even novice cooks to the preparation.

Salt and pepper provide the perfect seasoning, while a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast.

You’ll find these pancakes impossible to resist, a true celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Reasons to Try Savory Potato Pancakes

• Simplify Cooking: Master this potato pancake recipe with basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to create delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Craft a crowd-loving dish that brings everyone together, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its crispy texture and familiar flavors.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Transform everyday ingredients into a delightful dish that works perfectly as a hearty breakfast, tasty side, or casual dinner option with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
• Adaptable Ingredient Magic: Customize the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or cheese to suit personal tastes, making it a flexible recipe that welcomes creativity and personal culinary expression.

Ingredients for Savory Potato Pancakes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the base and texture for these crispy pancakes.
• Onion: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the pancakes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a cohesive pancake mixture.
• Flour: Helps to hold the pancakes together and provides structure to the batter.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients.
• Optional Spices: Allow for customization and additional flavor complexity to the pancakes.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creamy topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the hot pancakes.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Savory Potato Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Grate potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel.

Squeeze out as much liquid as possible over the sink to ensure super crispy pancakes. The drier the potatoes, the crunchier the result.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Mixture

• Squeezed potatoes
• Finely grated onion
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix everything until ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer.

Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.

Step 4: Form and Fry Pancakes

Scoop small handfuls of potato mixture and drop into hot oil.

Flatten each pancake with a spatula to create thin, even circles. Cook until edges turn deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Crispiness

Flip pancakes carefully when bottom is golden brown. Cook the second side until equally crisp and beautiful.

Remove pancakes when both sides are evenly colored.

Step 6: Drain and Garnish

Transfer pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley for added flavor and color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the potato pancakes immediately while hot and crispy. Serve as a delightful side dish or light main course with a fresh salad.

Helpful Tips for Savory Potato Pancakes

• Remove as much liquid as possible from grated potatoes to ensure crispy, non-soggy pancakes that hold their shape perfectly.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, using a consistent pan temperature for even cooking.
• Combine ingredients lightly to prevent dense pancakes, keeping the mixture loose and airy for a tender texture.
• Use paper towels to absorb extra oil, creating lighter pancakes that aren't greasy or heavy.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of flavor and attractive green color that elevates the dish's visual appeal.

Flavor Variations for Savory Potato Pancakes

• Gluten-Free Potato Pancakes: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Vegan Potato Fritters: Swap eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water, use nutritional yeast for extra flavor, and pan-fry in vegetable oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Herb-Infused Potato Latkes: Add fresh chopped dill, chives, or parsley directly into the batter for an aromatic herbal boost that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pancakes: Substitute half the potato with grated cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the crispy, golden exterior and satisfying taste.

Best Pairings for Savory Potato Pancakes

Create a tangy homemade applesauce with cinnamon and lemon zest to complement the crispy potato pancakes’ savory profile.

Blend Greek yogurt, fresh dill, minced garlic, and grated cucumber for a cool, refreshing accompaniment that balances the pancakes’ warmth.

Select a crisp, light German pilsner that cuts through the richness of the fried pancakes and provides a clean, hoppy contrast.

Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to provide a fresh, zesty side that offsets the pancakes’ heaviness.

Proper Storage for Savory Potato Pancakes

• Store cooled potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm and crispy.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• Are potato pancakes the same as hash browns?

No, potato pancakes are made with grated potatoes mixed with eggs and flour, creating a more complex and flavorful dish. Hash browns are typically shredded potatoes pressed into a flat shape and fried until crispy.

• Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work great as a substitute. They’ll create a slightly sweeter version of the pancake with a similar crispy texture. Just grate them the same way as regular potatoes.

• How do I prevent my potato pancakes from falling apart?

Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. The drier the potatoes, the better they’ll hold together. Also, don’t overmix the batter and use enough flour to bind the ingredients.

• What's the best oil for frying potato pancakes?

Savory Potato Pancakes Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Golden Polish potato pancakes bring rustic comfort straight from Eastern European kitchens. Crispy exterior and tender interior make these latkes an irresistible meal you can enjoy with sour cream or applesauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped fresh herbs (chives or parsley)

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Instructions

1. Grate potatoes thoroughly, then use a clean kitchen towel to extract maximum moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
2. Combine drained potatoes with finely grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients gently to maintain potato texture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to medium-high temperature (around 375°F), creating an ideal frying environment.
4. Carefully spoon potato mixture into hot oil, spreading each portion into thin, circular pancakes approximately 3 inches wide.
5. Cook pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a rich golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
6. Monitor heat levels, adjusting flame to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking throughout.
7. Remove pancakes using a slotted spatula, placing them on paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
8. Allow pancakes to rest briefly, which helps maintain their crispness and drains residual oil.
9. Plate the potato pancakes immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like dill or chives.
10. Serve alongside sour cream or Greek yogurt, offering a cool, tangy complement to the hot, crispy pancakes.

Notes

• Squeeze potatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and golden pancakes without sogginess.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and crispiness in your pancakes.
• Experiment with alternative flour options like gluten-free flour or almond meal for dietary restrictions.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or dill into the batter for extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 207 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 482 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg