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- Kartoffelpuffer
- What is the Difference Between Latkes and German Potato Pancakes?
- Background for This German Potato Pancake Recipe
- Traditional Kartoffelpuffer Ingredients
- How to Make German Potato Pancakes - Step-by-Step Instructions
- What to Serve with German Potato Pancakes?
- Storage and Reheating
- German Recipes You Might Like
- Recipe
Kartoffelpuffer
Regardless of the name kartoffelpuffer are an ubiquitous German side dish, appetizer, popular street food and any time of day snack. They are popular on beer garden menus and at folk festivals such as Oktoberfest, they are also sold as at Christmas markets alongside roasted nuts and Gluehwein. Everyone loves them - they a virtually a staple of the cuisine, especially when presented with applesauce.
What is the Difference Between Latkes and German Potato Pancakes?
German potato pancakes are similar to latkes or Irish boxty but do not use matzo meal like the former or flour, buttermilk and soda like the latter. They are completely gluten free and there is no potato boiling involved either.
Background for This German Potato Pancake Recipe
This recipe is based on how German homecooks prepare Kartoffelpuffer and is as authentic as it gets. I learned how to make them from my landlady in Freiburg when I studied there. On Sunday afternoons she frequently conjured up a batch of potato pancakes and we had a beer or two while I told her about my week and she kindly corrected my German.
When she made Kartoffelpuffer she didn't add a thickening agent but instead used the potatoes' own starch - the traditional approach. On occasion she determined that she only needed the yolk of the eggs in order not to make the potato mixture too runny.
After cooking the crispy treats myself over the years I find that it is easier to just add a tablespoon of potato or other starch (corn, arrowhead root etc). But if you'd like to make authentic Kartoffelpuffer - use the starch from the potatoes (see prep steps below).
Traditional Kartoffelpuffer Ingredients
To make German potato pancakes you need:
starchy potatoes - for example Russet potatoes in the US
eggs - to use as a binding agent for your potato mixture
corn or potato starch - you can use the starchy water released by the potatoes as well, but this is an old-fashioned method that requires a bit of time
seasonings - salt and pepper, nutmeg and anything you might fancy to add such as onion or garlic powder
vegetable oil - for frying
a heavy bottomed pan - a cast iron skillet is very convenient for frying them
TIP: You can also grate a couple of garlic cloves and/or half an onion and mix it in with the potatoes - this is commonly done. In this case I recommend that you only use egg yolks due to the extra moisture from the onion.
How to Make German Potato Pancakes - Step-by-Step Instructions
- First grate the potatoes. The most efficient way is to place a colander, a large sieve or large cheese cloth over an appropriately sized bowl and use a box grater right over the ste up. You can use a food processor with the right setting if you'd like and then transfer the grated potatoes to a colander/sieve/cheese cloth.
- Let the grated potatoes drain for 10-15 minutes. You can press them down a few times to squeeze out more moisture. You will notice that the starch from the potatoes settles to the bottom of the bowl underneath the drained liquid (see step #3). This is the stage where you can choose to discard the water and reserve the starch to use for the Kartoffelpuffer or discard everything altogether.
- Next beat the eggs with the salt, pepper, nutmeg and starch. Mix with the drained grated potatoes and heat about ¼ cup of cooking oil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Drop a spoonful of the potato mixture into the hot oil and press with the back of the spoon to flatten.
- Fry the potato cakes until golden brown on each side and do not overcrowd the pan. Drain over paper towels. You can keep them warm in the oven while cooking the following batches.
TIP: If you want to use the actual potato starch instead of adding starch it is very helpful to grate a few of the potatoes very finely and the rest coarsely as shown.
SHORTCUT: For really easy potato pancakes it is absolutely possible to use store-bought frozen hash-brown potatoes. Simply bring them to room temperature (you may need to drain them as well) and follow the rest of the recipe.
What to Serve with German Potato Pancakes?
Kartoffelpuffer are such a versatile item - delicious on their own as a snack/appetizer but also great as a side dish to roasts and brats.
In beer gardens they are traditionally served with apple sauce. In Bavaria sauerkraut is commonly added to them.
My favorite way to enjoy them is with lax and green onions. If you like sour cream - add a dollop.
You can also consider creamy horseradish sauce like this one to dip the potato pancakes in. Or make a traditional German quark dip if you can source the correct dairy product.
If enjoying as a side dish to a pork roast or pork shanks prepare these creamy mushrooms for a decadent sauce to ladle over the entire meal.
Storage and Reheating
German potato pancakes taste best when just prepared. Try to make just enough to have them all eaten.
If you do have leftovers however, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
To reheat use a medium heat non-stick frying pan so that they warm through as their outsides crisp up a bit.
German Recipes You Might Like
Obatzda Dip | Golden Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic | German Potato Salad - Three Ways |Krustenbraten - German Pork Roast with Crackling |Schweinshaxe - Roasted Pork Knuckles | Beer Potatoes | Frikadellen
Recipe
German Potato Pancakes - Kartoffelpuffer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs starchy potatoes such as Russet (see substitute suggestion in notes)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon corn or potato starch use if you do not intend to use the starch from the potatoes
- cooking oil as needed for pan frying
Instructions
- Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes*. Place in a colander or large sieve over appropriately sized bowl and let drain for 10-15 minutes. Press a couple of times to help the process along. (Alternatively, place the grated potatoes in a clean cheese cloth and squeeze out all the water.)
- Once most of the liquid from the potatoes has collected at the bottom of the bowl, move the drained potatoes to the side and either discard the liquid and reserve the starch settled underneath it or discard everything.**
- Beat the eggs with the salt, pepper, nutmeg and if using the 1 tablespoon of corn or potato starch, then add to the potatoes.
- Heat ¼ cup of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. When hot, add a large spoonful of potato egg mixture to the oil and flatten it out using the back of the spoon. (Do not overcrowd the pan).
- Fry until each side is golden and crispy, about 4 minutes per side, depending on how large the pancakes are.
- Drain the cooked potato pancakes over paper towels before serving. Serve while still hot with apple sauce or sour cream as a dip.
Elaine
How long would these last in the fridge? Or can they be frozen? Planning and Oktoberfest party and want to know what I can make ahead of time. Thanks!
Milena Perrine
Elaine, you can easily freeze them. Spoon them over appropriately sized parchment paper squares (cut them yourself), place those onto a baking sheet and then in the freezer. Once firm, stack them on top of each other (sort of like sliced procsiutto is sold) and wrap them with more parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. Freeze the bag until needed. To cook do not thaw, just be sure your oil is not too hot and allow enough time knowing that they do start frozen.
Darcy
I feel like you missed a step of combining the egg mixture with potatoes? Guessing you combine all once slices and eggs are mixed? Just clarifying. Thanks!
CraftBeering
Yes, correct. Picture #3 from the grid, once you beat the eggs with the spices you add them to the drained grated potatoes and mix everything together.
Susan Fanslau
Step 3 is beat the egg with the seasonings and starch then add potatoes ...
Kimberlee
In Wisconsin, settled by so many German immigrants that German was the dominant language in many areas at the turn of the last century, it is very common to serve these with both applesauce and sour cream at the same time! Tangy, sweet and creamy combine very nicely with the crispy earthiness of the potatoes! Maybe Germany has that specific flavor combo somewhere, too, but I'd like to think it is uniquely Wisconsin German-American due to that classic Himmel und Erd flavor plus our absolute love of dairy. We truly embrace the dairy lifestyle here in the Dairy state, haha!
Dana
Easy enough and they tasted great! Keeping them in the oven to stay warm (my lowest setting) was helpful - bought me extra time to grill burger patties.
CraftBeering
That is a great idea, Dana!
Marvellina | What To Cook Today
I have no one to blame but myself to come to your blog when it's almost time for bed and my tummy has been growling ever since! I'm a potato freak and these German potato pancakes look incredible! What a clever idea to use the starches from the potatoes too! Love traditional recipe like that!
CraftBeering
Thank you, Marvellina! Definitely something about potato pancakes that makes them irresistible:)
Jean | Delightful Repast
I'll have two, please, with applesauce. Those are some gorgeous German potato pancakes! Must make them soon! #MMBH
Jeanne
Can I make these a day ahead and reheat in the oven?
Craft Beering
Jeanne, you should be able to. Do not fry them until too deep golden, that way they will not too dark when reheated in the oven (use 300 F) and will get nicely crisp. If you can, reheat onto a baking rack placed over a baking sheet or use a fan assisted oven for a better overall outside crust.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I LOVE potato pancakes! Like I'm legit obsessed. I'm going to have to try your recipe because I've only ever made them with flour. Have a great weekend!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I'm definitely a sour cream and chive girl when it comes to potato pancakes and I'm long over-due for a feed 🙂 These look perfect!
CraftBeering
Definitely, sour cream and chives is one of the best, simplest dips ever!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Every time I see a deep fried something I jump right in 🙂 ! And these potato pancakes are seriously the yummiest! Lax and green onion sounds like a good plan. With a side of beer 😉 .
CraftBeering
Thank you, Nicoletta:) Yes, we also never frown upon fried foods:)
Lynda Grosso
Can you make these ahead of time and reheat in the oven, if so what temp and how long, thanks. Love potatoe pancakes with sauerbraten and red cabbage
Craft Beering
Hi, Lynda, yes you can reheat them in the oven. After you fry them and dry them a bit on top of paper towels arrange them onto a baking rack to cool down completely. Only then refrigerate. To reheat also use a baking rack on top of a sheet pan. Arrange them as if you were going to bake breaded chicken tenders. About 375-400 F hot oven for 5 mins if you brought them to room temperature first or for 7-8 minutes if straight from the refrigerator. Still watch them closely, oven calibrations vary.
annie@ciaochowbambina
I could eat these every day! Seriously, I could!! Every. Day. Pinned!
CraftBeering
We believe you, Annie:) Cheers!
Dawn
I've never had these before, but now I feel like I've been missing out. I would devour the whole batch! Love the nutmeg in here too - goes so well with potato! How delicious would a stack of these be right now with a poached egg over top??
CraftBeering
Yes! The nutmeg rocks in this recipe:) I tell you - whatever we don't eat right away we have had with a fried or poached eggs on top (pan reheated of course, gotta stay crispy:)