Why You’ll Love these Crispy Potato Pancakes
When it comes to comfort food that everyone gravitates toward, these crispy potato pancakes are absolute perfection on a plate. I’m talking about golden-brown edges with that satisfying crunch giving way to a tender, savory center.
You’ll love how the garlic and onion salt infuse every bite with flavor that reminds you of home.
What makes these pancakes special? The perfect balance of textures. That crispy exterior, achieved through the right heat and patience, contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
They’re versatile too—serve them with sour cream for breakfast or alongside dinner. Can you already hear that sizzle in the pan?
What Ingredients are in Crispy Potato Pancakes?
To make perfect crispy potato pancakes, you need just a handful of simple ingredients that transform humble potatoes into golden discs of deliciousness. The beauty of this recipe is how basic pantry staples come together to create something that tastes so special.
I find that using fresh potatoes makes all the difference—their natural starch helps create that perfect crispy exterior we’re all looking for. Ready to see what makes these pancakes so irresistible?
- 2½ pounds of potatoes, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons oil (for frying)
When selecting your potatoes, starchy varieties like Russets work particularly well for this recipe. Notice how the ingredient list offers flexibility too—you can adjust the flour amount depending on your preferred pancake thickness.
Want them a bit thinner? The recipe notes you can add a splash of milk to loosen the batter. And while vegetable oil works perfectly fine, you might consider using something with more flavor like olive oil or even a bit of bacon fat if you’re feeling indulgent.
Might as well go all in on comfort food, right?
How to Make these Crispy Potato Pancakes
Making potato pancakes couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by combining your 2½ pounds of freshly grated potatoes with 2 eggs in a medium mixing bowl. This creates the base for your pancakes, with the eggs acting as the essential binding agent that keeps everything together when frying.
Add 1¼ cups of flour to the mixture, followed by 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of onion salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a cohesive batter. For professional-grade results, consider using a professional wok set that provides superior heat distribution and ample cooking space. The consistency should be somewhat thick but still spoonable—think somewhere between regular pancake batter and mashed potatoes.
Now comes the cooking part, where all the magic happens. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking—that sweet spot where a small drop of batter sizzles immediately when it hits the pan. For professional-level heat control and authentic results, a carbon steel wok burner can provide the intense, even heat needed for perfect crispiness.
Using a measuring cup or large spoon, drop about ½ cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil, then quickly flatten it with a spatula to create that classic pancake shape. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes before flipping. Patience is key here; rushing the flip might leave you with a half-cooked pancake that falls apart.
After flipping, give it another 5 minutes until both sides sport that gorgeous golden-brown color we’re after.
Crispy Potato Pancakes Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of these crispy potato pancakes lies in their versatility—you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Want to add more flavor? Try mixing in chopped herbs like dill or chives. Need a dairy-free version? Simply omit the milk mentioned in the note. For a gluten-free option, swap the regular flour with rice or chickpea flour.
I love adding grated onions instead of onion salt for a more rustic texture. And for those who enjoy heat, a pinch of cayenne or paprika works wonders. Remember, the thickness of your batter determines the pancake’s texture—thicker for heartier cakes, thinner for crispier edges.
What to Serve with Crispy Potato Pancakes
Now that you’ve got your potato pancakes just right, let’s talk about perfect pairings.
I love serving these crispy delights with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Talk about a match made in heaven.
For a heartier meal, pair them with smoked salmon or applesauce – both traditional accompaniments that balance the savory pancakes perfectly.
Want something green? A simple side salad with light vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Breakfast? Add a fried egg on top.
Dinner? Serve alongside roasted chicken.
The versatility of potato pancakes is what makes them so wonderful.
Final Thoughts
Perfecting these crispy potato pancakes might take a practice round or two, but I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
The beauty lies in their versatility—dress them up with smoked salmon for brunch or serve them alongside a hearty stew for dinner. What I love most is how forgiving the recipe is.
Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Sprinkle in more flour. And those crispy edges, oh my goodness, they’re what potato dreams are made of.
For a complete meal option, consider pairing these potato pancakes with a chicken broccoli casserole that combines tender meat with nutritious vegetables in a creamy sauce.
