German Potato Pancakes - Nana's Easy Recipe - Dishes Delish (2024)

German potato pancakes, or Latkes, are a classic dish served in various forms for centuries. Not only do they make an incredibly tasty comfort food meal, but they’re easy to prepare and quite versatile. If you haven’t enjoyed trying them yet, now is your chance to learn how delicious potato pancakes can be.

My grandmother was from Germany, and came to the U.S. with her family when she was a toddler. We have enjoyed many of her ethnic foods but these potato pancakes which are also called kartoffelpuffer were my favorite.

Years ago, my grandmother’s handwritten recipe book went missing. No one in the family knows what happened to it.

This recipe was in it. I have tried over the years to duplicate it but it always was off a little bit. Until now.

I can’t begin to tell you how delighted we all were when I finally figured it out. I also figured out how to make her apple pancakes.

I can’t explain how gratified I feel about it.

This recipe utilizes basic ingredients already likely to be found in your pantry or refrigerator, even novice cooks will be equipped to create a scrumptious meal sure to please everyone at the table.

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What is the difference between these German pancakes and latkes?

The main difference between my grandmother’s German potato pancakes and latkes is the potatoes aren’t shredded or grated the same way, and there isn’t any added onion. I love them both ways, but these German pancakes have a special place in my heart.

How to make German potato pancakes

Pre-step

Get a food processor or hand grater, mixing bowl, two spatulas – one rubber and one metal and cast iron skillet.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – potatoes, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Step two

Wash and peel two potatoes.

Step three

Cut the potatoes so they fit in the food processor and process on high for 2 minutes until the potatoes are close to being pulverized. (A)

Although I didn’t measure the potatoes but I’d say that it was 2 1/2 to 3 cups.

You could also use a box grater if you prefer or don’t have a food processor.

Step four

Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Add flour, salt, black pepper, and an egg. Mix with a rubber spatula. You want the texture to be slightly liquid. (B)

Red versus green

You’ve probably grated or processed potatoes before, so you will have noticed that the potato oxidizes, which means it turns a little reddish in color.

The funny thing is, when you cook the potato pancakes, they turn greenish.I have no idea why!

Step five

Heat a sauté pan on medium. Once it heats up, add olive oil and once that shimmers, take a ladle like the one you use for gravy and ladle the potato mixture into the pan.

I only cook four pancakes at a time.

Step six

Cook for 3 minutes on each side until the pancakes are golden brown. They shouldn’t be too greasy, but you can place them on paper towels to remove any oil.

Step seven

As you remove them from the pan to a plate, add a little butter between the pancakes.

Continue until all the batter is gone.

This recipe makes16potato pancakes. If you want to make a bigger batch, the recipe card has a serving section that you can adjust.

Here they all are stacked on a plate.

Now just for fun, I’m going to stack eight of these beauties on a plate together.

I pour on maple syrup.

Let me cut into the pancakes.

I can’t talk anymore, I have to eat now.

But before I do, I hope you enjoyed this German potato pancake recipe.

Other breakfast recipes

• French toast
• Bacon broccoli quiche
• Butter rum muffins
• Oat bran muffins
• Egg croissant sandwich

And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

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