Golden Potato Pancakes

Golden, crispy, and packed with that irresistibly warm potato flavor, these Golden Potato Pancakes are pure comfort food at its finest. Every bite offers the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, fluffy centers. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. These pancakes are so simple to make, yet so satisfying—it’s like biting into a cozy memory of home. Pair them with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’ll be a hit every single time.

Why You’ll Love Golden Potato Pancakes

You’re going to love these for so many reasons—let me tell you why:

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly fried potato pancake. The outside is golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft, fluffy, and full of rich potato goodness. It’s the perfect texture contrast.

Quick and Easy

No complicated steps here—just a few simple ingredients, a hot skillet, and you’re good to go! In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious, crispy pancakes ready to enjoy.

Versatile

Golden Potato Pancakes are wonderfully versatile. Eat them with breakfast eggs, use them as a side dish for dinner, or serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering. You can top them with sour cream, applesauce, or even a dollop of your favorite sauce to mix things up.

Budget-Friendly

Made with just a few basic pantry staples, this recipe is a great way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, crispy pancakes:

• Potatoes: The heart and soul of the pancakes. Russet potatoes are great for their starchy texture, which helps make them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Onion: Adds a bit of savory sweetness that enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the pancakes structure.
• Flour: Helps hold everything together and gives the pancakes a light texture. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• Baking Powder: A little touch of baking powder gives these pancakes some extra fluffiness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course—these ingredients really bring the flavor of the potatoes forward.
• Oil: For frying. A neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil works best to get that golden, crispy finish.

(Note: Exact measurements will be provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and bring these crispy pancakes to life!

Step 1: Grate the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them finely using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step helps achieve the crispy texture we’re looking for.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely chopped onion, egg, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and forms a loose batter.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. You want the oil to be hot, but not smoking—test it by dropping a small bit of the batter into the skillet. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

Step 4: Form the Pancakes

Spoon a generous amount of the potato mixture into the skillet, shaping it into a round pancake. You can make them as big or small as you like, but keep them relatively thin so they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them carefully, making sure they don’t fall apart. When they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the pancakes are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite toppings. They’re fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with sour cream, applesauce, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Golden Potato Pancakes

These Golden Potato Pancakes are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Sour Cream: A classic! The creamy tanginess of sour cream perfectly balances the crispy, savory pancakes.
• Applesauce: For a sweet contrast to the salty pancakes, a spoonful of applesauce is a perfect match.
• Eggs: Serve them alongside scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Smoked Salmon: Feeling fancy? Top your pancakes with some smoked salmon, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh dill for a more elegant dish.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Skimp on the Draining: Be sure to squeeze out all the moisture from the grated potatoes. This is key to getting those crispy edges.
• Make Them Ahead: You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it super convenient when you’re ready to cook.
• Flavor Additions: Try adding garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or even grated cheese to the batter for extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these pancakes without eggs?
A1: Yes, you can! Use a flax egg or a chia egg as an alternative to bind the ingredients together.

Q2: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A2: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give the pancakes a slightly sweeter flavor and a beautiful color. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture, just like with regular potatoes.

Q3: How do I make the pancakes extra crispy?
A3: Make sure your oil is hot before frying and try not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches to allow each pancake to crisp up perfectly.

Q4: Can I bake these pancakes instead of frying them?
A4: While frying gives them that crispy texture, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious!

Q5: Can I freeze these pancakes?
A5: Yes, you can! After frying, let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture.

Q6: Can I add cheese to the pancakes?
A6: Absolutely! Grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan would melt nicely into the batter and add extra flavor.

Q7: What type of oil should I use for frying?
A7: A neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil works best because it won’t interfere with the flavor of the pancakes.

Q8: Can I make a batch of pancakes and reheat them later?
A8: Yes, you can! These pancakes reheat well in the oven or skillet. Just be sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning them.

Q9: What toppings can I serve with these pancakes?
A9: You can serve them with a variety of toppings, including sour cream, applesauce, chives, or smoked salmon. They’re incredibly versatile!

Q10: How do I make sure the pancakes stay crispy?
A10: To keep the pancakes crispy, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate as they come out of the skillet. You can also keep them in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Golden Potato Pancakes are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, savory, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a side dish, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Simple ingredients, quick prep time, and that unbeatable crispy texture—it doesn’t get better than this! Go ahead and make a batch today—you won’t regret it.

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