Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute love for German potato pancakes! These crispy little wonders, known as Reibekuchen, have been a staple in my family for years. I can still remember my grandmother teaching me how to make them in her cozy kitchen, the scent of sizzling potatoes wafting through the air. They’re not just a dish; they’re a delightful experience! The combination of grated potatoes and onions, fried to golden perfection, is simply irresistible. Whether you’re having them for breakfast or as a side dish for dinner, they never fail to impress! Trust me, once you try this German potato pancakes recipe, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients for German Potato Pancakes
To get started on these delicious German potato pancakes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. First, grab 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated—this is where the magic begins! Next, you’ll need 1 onion, also grated, which adds a lovely flavor. Don’t forget 2 eggs to bind everything together, along with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for that perfect texture. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste. Lastly, have some vegetable oil on hand for frying; it’s essential for achieving that crispy outer layer we all crave. Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start frying!
How to Prepare German Potato Pancakes
Making German potato pancakes is a fun and rewarding process! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy these crispy delights in no time.
Step 1: Grate the Potatoes and Onion
Begin by grating your peeled potatoes and onion using a box grater or a food processor. To prevent the potatoes from browning too quickly, you can place them in a bowl of cold water as you work. Just remember to drain and squeeze out the excess moisture before mixing!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes and onion. Add in the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands! You want a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Now, let’s heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously. To test if it’s ready, drop a small spoonful of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Step 4: Form and Fry the Patties
Using your hands, form the potato mixture into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully place them in the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell is amazing!
Step 5: Serve
Once fried, drain the pancakes on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. Serve them warm with a side of applesauce or sour cream for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Tips for Success with German Potato Pancakes
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your German potato pancakes turn out absolutely scrumptious! First off, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes; this helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you want to mix things up, try adding a bit of grated carrot or even some chopped herbs for extra flavor. Also, don’t rush the frying—give each pancake enough time to develop that beautiful golden crust. Lastly, keep your oil at a steady temperature; too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll become soggy. Happy frying!
Nutritional Information for German Potato Pancakes
When it comes to enjoying these delightful German potato pancakes, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Each pancake is approximately 180 calories, making them a satisfying yet reasonable option for a side dish. You’ll find about 10g of fat, including 1g of saturated fat and 8g of unsaturated fat. They also provide 3g of protein and 20g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber to keep you feeling full. Plus, there’s a little bit of 1g of sugar and 200mg of sodium per serving. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. Enjoy these pancakes guilt-free, knowing they pack delicious flavor and a bit of nourishment too!
Serving Suggestions
These German potato pancakes are so versatile, and there are plenty of delicious ways to serve them! One of my all-time favorites is pairing them with a generous dollop of applesauce—the sweet and tangy contrast is just heavenly! If you’re in the mood for something richer, sour cream or even a sprinkle of chives adds a nice touch. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside braised meats or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. Don’t forget a glass of crisp German beer or a lovely white wine to elevate the experience. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with these pairings!
FAQ About German Potato Pancakes Recipe
Got questions about making these scrumptious German potato pancakes? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give a different flavor and a hint of sweetness, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend it, as the grated potatoes can brown and lose their texture. It’s best to mix just before frying.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the crispiest results, pop them in a hot frying pan for a few minutes instead of the microwave.
Can I freeze the pancakes?
Yes! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and store in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about a month.
What are some variations I can try?
Try adding ingredients like grated carrots, herbs, or even cheese for a fun twist on the classic recipe!

German Potato Pancakes Recipe: 5 Irresistibly Crispy Tips
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A classic German dish made with grated potatoes, onions, and spices, fried until crispy.
Zutaten
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Anweisungen
- Grate the potatoes and onion into a bowl.
- Mix in the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Form the mixture into patties and place them in the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with applesauce or sour cream.
- For crispier pancakes, ensure the oil is hot before adding the patties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Frying
- Küche: German
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 pancake
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: german potato pancakes recipe