5 Delicious Potato Pancake Recipes You'll Love

Potato pancakes, or latkes, are a culinary delight with a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior that are loved worldwide. Whether it's for a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, these potato pancake recipes can transform a simple tuber into a gourmet treat. From traditional European recipes to creative twists, here are five delicious potato pancake recipes that you can master in your kitchen.

The Classic Potato Latke

The classic potato latke is a beloved dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled
  • 1 onion, peeled
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¹⁄₂ cup flour or matzo meal
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Grate the potatoes and onion. Use a food processor or the fine holes of a grater.
  2. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated mixture, using a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Mix the squeezed potatoes with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the oil, flattening them with a spatula.
  5. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

👨‍🍳 Note: For a crispier result, you might consider adding a spoonful of potato starch to the mix, which helps with binding and crispness.

Green Onion and Cheddar Potato Pancakes

This recipe adds a touch of sophistication with green onions and sharp cheddar:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Mix mashed potatoes with cheese, green onions, egg, and breadcrumbs.
  2. Form patties and let them rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a pan, fry patties until golden on both sides.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

If you fancy something sweet and nutritious, try these sweet potato pancakes:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • ¹⁄₂ cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until you have a batter consistency.
  2. Pour batter by spoonfuls onto a hot, greased griddle.
  3. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the second side is browned.

Crispy Parmesan Potato Pancakes

Add some Parmesan for an irresistible crunch:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • ¹⁄₄ cup flour
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Grate potatoes, mix with all other ingredients, and form into patties.
  2. Fry in hot oil until crispy on the outside.

Herbed Garlic Potato Pancakes

Enhance the flavor with garlic and herbs for a savory treat:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large potatoes, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, rosemary)
  • 2 eggs
  • ¹⁄₄ cup flour or matzo meal
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Combine ingredients and form into pancakes.
  2. Fry in oil until crispy and golden.

These potato pancake variations offer something for everyone, whether you prefer savory or sweet. Each recipe can be adjusted to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability. Remember, potato pancakes are versatile and forgiving, allowing for plenty of creativity in the kitchen.

In wrapping up, these five potato pancake recipes offer a delightful journey through different flavors and textures, suitable for various occasions or simply for a comforting meal at home. From the classic latke to the Parmesan-crusted delight, there’s a pancake for every palate. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and don’t hesitate to add your own twist to make them uniquely yours.

Can I make potato pancakes ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day. Fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

What can I serve with potato pancakes?

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Potato pancakes can be served with sour cream, applesauce, or even a dollop of crème fraîche. They also pair well with salmon or as a side to a hearty stew.

Are there gluten-free alternatives to the flour used in the recipes?

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Absolutely, you can use gluten-free flour blends or even oat flour in most of these recipes for a gluten-free option.