German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen)

German Potato Pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer or Reibekuchen, are a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for those who love rustic dishes from European tradition.

Made with grated potatoes, onion, and a touch of chives, these pancakes have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making them irresistible with every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they are easy to prepare with a few ingredients accessible to everyone.

To achieve perfectly golden and crispy potato pancakes, it is recommended to fry them in peanut oil and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Garlic powder adds a delicate aromatic note that pairs perfectly with the flavor of the potatoes. Ideal for enjoying hot, German potato pancakes can be served with sour cream, applesauce, or other sauces of choice. A versatile and practical recipe that wins over both young and old, bringing a touch of authentic German flair directly to the table.

At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions regarding this preparation. If you still have doubts or curiosities, leave a comment or use the contact form found at the bottom of the page.

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German Potato Pancakes
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Cost: Economical
  • Preparation time: 20 Minutes
  • Portions: 4 People
  • Cooking methods: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: German
  • Seasonality: All Seasons
163.48 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 163.48 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 28.96 (g) of which sugars 2.04 (g)
  • Proteins 5.68 (g)
  • Fat 3.09 (g) of which saturated 0.94 (g)of which unsaturated 1.99 (g)
  • Fibers 3.29 (g)
  • Sodium 180.70 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients for German Potato Pancakes

  • 1.1 lbs potatoes
  • 1 golden onion (small)
  • 3 tbsps breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • to taste chives
  • peanut oil (for frying)

Tools

  • Grater
  • Tea towel
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Spatula
  • Pan
  • Paper towels

Steps

  • Start the preparation of German potato pancakes by washing and peeling the potatoes.
    Grate them with a large-hole grater onto a tea towel.
    Squeeze the grated potatoes well to remove excess water.

  • Transfer the grated potatoes to a bowl.
    Add a grated golden onion.
    Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
    Add breadcrumbs to the bowl and mix everything with a spoon.

  • Beat a medium-sized egg separately.
    Add it to the rest of the ingredients.

  • Mix the batter until homogeneous: it should be very sticky so that when you take a spoonful, it holds together and doesn’t fall apart.

  • Heat a couple of tablespoons of peanut oil in a pan.
    Add a spoonful of the mixture and flatten it with the back of a spoon.

  • When the base of the pancake is golden, flip it with a spatula and cook until golden on the other side.
    Drain the pancakes of excess oil on paper towels.
    Serve the German potato pancakes (Reibekuchen) hot with chives to taste and your favorite sauce.

  • German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen)

Check this section to clarify your doubts, if you don’t find the answer to your question, comment or write to me using the form below.

Find many ideas with potatoes in the collection Potato Recipes, 20 ideas to try

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Can I make potato pancakes in advance?

    Yes, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving. However, to maintain crispiness, it is advisable to enjoy them freshly fried.

  • Can I freeze potato pancakes?

    Yes, you can freeze them. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container, separating them with parchment paper. When serving, reheat them in the oven to regain crispiness.

  • Can they be baked instead of fried?

    Yes, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat the oven to 392°F, arrange the pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

  • What sauces go well with potato pancakes?

    In Germany, potato pancakes are often accompanied by applesauce or sour cream. You can also try them with Greek yogurt, herb-based sauces, or even a light jam for a sweet-salty contrast.

Also try the Potato and Onion Fritters

For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:

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lydiaincucina

Lydia in the Kitchen is my space dedicated to the passion for food, where I share simple, seasonal, and creative recipes. I love experimenting without preconceptions, alternating traditional dishes with original ideas, both sweet and savory, with special attention to conviviality and the pleasure of being at the table.

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