Potato Pancakes

These potato pancakes are shredded potatoes combined with onions and seasoning, then pan fried until golden brown. An easy side dish recipe that pairs well with chicken, pork and steak, and always gets rave reviews.

You can never go wrong with potatoes for dinner, whether it’s homemade french fries, hasselback potatoes, or these simple, yet totally satisfying potato pancakes.

Potato pancakes are a classic dish for good reason – that combination of ultra crispy potatoes with savory seasonings just can’t be beat! With a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in the house, you can have fresh, hot potato pancakes in no time at all.

How do you make potato pancakes?

Shred the potatoes and onions, then remove any excess water. Add egg, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder to the bowl, then stir to combine. Heat oil in a skillet, then add scoops of the potato mixture, and flatten them to form patties. Cook the patties for a few minutes on both sides until crisp and golden brown. Drain the cakes on paper towels, then serve and enjoy.

Tips for the perfect pancakes

• The key to the best potato fritters is to make sure you’ve removed all the excess water from the shredded potatoes and onion. You can do this by letting the potatoes and onion drain in a colander, you can pat them dry with paper towels, or place the veggies in a clean dish towel and wring out all the excess water.
• I find that these pancakes are best served immediately, as they will soften as they cool. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pancakes in a little oil i in a hot skillet, or bake in the oven until crispy.
• The potatoes will discolor quickly after they’ve been shredded. This is normal and will not affect the taste of the finished product.
• You can grate the potatoes and onions by using a standard box grater, or use the shredding blade of a food processor to make the task even easier.
• Use a measuring cup to portion out your pancakes so that they are all similar in size and shape. This helps to have the pancakes cook evenly.
• Any type of neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point will work. I typically use vegetable oil, but other options include canola, safflower, peanut or corn oil.

What is the difference between potato pancakes and latkes?

Latkes are a Jewish specialty that are often served around the holidays such as Hanukkah and Passover. Latkes are a form of potato pancake that are very similar to this recipe. Often, latkes can contain matzo meal instead of flour so that they are kosher for Passover.

What goes with potato pancakes?

Potato pancakes are typically served as either a side dish or an appetizer. I like to serve these patties alongside a whole roasted chicken, marinated and grilled steak, or with seared pork chops. These cakes also pair nicely with sauteed shrimp or baked salmon. When I serve my potato cakes as an appetizer, I make them bite sized and add a dollop of sour cream, along with another topping such as smoked salmon or fresh dill.

Flavor Variations

These potato pancakes are delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

• Flavorings: Amp up the flavor of your pancakes by stirring in minced garlic or shallots, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning or even Cajun seasoning.
• Veggies: Add color and nutrition by mixing your potatoes with shredded carrots, brussels sprouts, parsnips or sweet potatoes.
• Toppings: Pile on the fun toppings including cooked crumbled bacon, parmesan cheese, sour cream, applesauce, caviar or creme fraiche.

If you’re a potato fan, you’ll adore these crispy and delicious pancakes!

More delicious side dishes

• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Cheese Fries with Bacon
• Corn Fritters
• Onion Rings
• Baked Potato Wedges

Potato Pancakes Video