Potato Pancakes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you love crispy edges and a soft, tender center, these potato pancakes are about to become your new favorite snack. Perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, they're a delightful way to bring some comfort to your table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, using simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Crispy texture that makes every bite satisfying.
  • Versatile side dish or main course.
  • Family-friendly and sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes
1 medium onion, grated
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
Sour cream and chives for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by peeling and grating the potatoes. Once grated, you'll need to remove the excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. To do this, place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Don't be shy — the drier, the better.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything until it's well combined. You want the mixture to be uniform, with the flour and eggs evenly distributed.

Now, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, so the pancakes fry evenly. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula to flatten each pancake slightly. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden brown color.

Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they're nicely browned and crispy. Keep an eye on them — too hot, and they might burn; too cool, and they'll soak up too much oil. Once they're done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve them up hot, with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

  • Grate the potatoes just before cooking to prevent them from browning.
  • If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
  • Use a non-stick skillet if you have one to prevent sticking.
  • Test the oil's heat by dropping a small bit of the potato mixture in. If it sizzles, it's ready!

Serving Suggestions

Potato pancakes are fantastic with a simple side salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, pair them with smoked salmon or a slice of ham. They also work well as an appetizer served with different dips like applesauce or horseradish sauce for a bit of a kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before frying.
Can I freeze potato pancakes?
Absolutely. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best results.
What can I use instead of russet potatoes?
You can use Yukon Gold potatoes, but keep in mind they are waxier and might not crisp up as much.

Ingredients Explained

Russet potatoes are your go-to for this recipe because they have a high starch content, which helps the pancakes hold together and get that crispy texture. The onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the potatoes perfectly. Eggs act as a binder, holding everything together so your pancakes don't fall apart in the pan. A little all-purpose flour provides additional structure. The salt and black pepper season the mixture, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Finally, you'll need vegetable oil for frying, because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which means it will cook the pancakes evenly without burning.

Simplified Instructions

1. Peel and grate the potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
5. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with sour cream and chives.

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