German Culture

All about Germany

  • Home
  • Learn German
  • Articles
    • Famous Germans
    • German Holidays
    • German Cuisine
    • How To In Germany
    • Daily Life
    • German Facts
    • German Traditions
  • Facts About Germany
  • German History
    • Early History of Germany
    • Middle Ages in German History
    • German Reformation Period
    • 19th Century and German Unification
  • German Recipes
    • German Baking Recipes
    • German Bread Recipes
    • German Christmas Recipes
    • Desserts
    • German Easter Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • German Salad Recipes
    • German Salads
    • Sauerkraut Recipes
  • Travel to Germany
  • Contact

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)

Potato Pancakes

German potato pancakes are a quick and easy vegetarian dish. They are shallow-fried pancakes of grated or shredded potatoes, flour and eggs, often flavored with garlic or onion and seasoning. Potato pancakes may be topped with a variety of toppings, ranging from the savory (such as sour cream or cottage cheese) to the sweet (such as apple sauce or sugar), or they may be served ungarnished. Potato pancakes are sometimes made from mashed potatoes to produce pancake-shaped croquettes.

Apart from Kartoffelpuffer, potato pancakes are also known as Reibekuchen and Kartoffelpfannkuchen in Germany. Although the Reibekuchen always contain salt, they are often eaten with sweet applesauce or plum compote. On the salty side, they are eaten with liverwurst, or served with smoked salmon and sour cream. But the most traditional way to eat potato pancakes is with apple sauce.

Ingredients:

6 medium-size potatoes, washed, peeled and shredded
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
vegetable oil for frying
toppings (recipes below)

Directions:

  1. Combine potatoes, beaten eggs, flour, salt and pepper in a large bowl and stir well, until flour is no longer visible.
  2. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet, and use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop three piles of potato mixture into hot oil. Let fry on medium-high heat about until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  3. Turn pancakes and press down with a spatula, flattening them as much as possible. Fry until golden brown, and remove onto paper towels. Repeat with remaining potato mixture.
  4. Serve pancakes immediately.

Toppings:

Apple sauce

In a saucepan, combine 4 apples (cored and cut into medium chunks), 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork.

Black Forest Ham & Sauerkraut

Combine 2 cups sauerkraut in white wine, drained, and 4 slices of Black Forest ham, sliced into strips. Add 3 tablespoons light olive oil and 1 teaspoon sweet mustard. Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Stir gently and serve.

Smoked Salmon & Spicy Crème Fraiche

Combine 6 ounces smoked salmon, 1 finely diced large scallion, 1/4 cup crème fraiche, 1 tablespoon creamy horseradish, and 1 teaspoon minced fresh dill. Stir gently and serve.

BBQ-Curry Chicken

Combine 3 tablespoons German curry ketchup, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar in a saucepan. Add the shredded meat of 2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout.




Related Articles:
Brägele – Fried Potatoes
Schupfnudeln – German Potato Dumplings
Kartoffelklöße (German Potato Dumplings)
German-Style Fried Potatoes (Bratkartoffeln)
Crispy German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)
The Role of Potatoes in German Cuisine

You might also like:

  • Swabian Pancakes
    Swabian Pancakes
  • The Role of Potatoes in German Cuisine
    The Role of Potatoes in German Cuisine
  • Rotkohlsalat – Traditional German Recipe
    Rotkohlsalat – Traditional German Recipe
  • Krautsalat – Traditional German Recipe
    Krautsalat – Traditional German Recipe
  • Rotkohl – Traditional German Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
    Rotkohl – Traditional German Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
  • Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Recipe
    Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Recipe
  • Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Potato Salad Recipe
    Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Potato Salad Recipe
  • Kartoffelbrot - German Potato Bread Recipe
    Kartoffelbrot - German Potato Bread Recipe

Recent Posts

Germany’s Wine Regions: A Traveler’s Guide

Germany’s Wine Regions: A Traveler’s Guide to Rhine and Mosel Valleys

Exploring the Rhine Valley: Castles, Riesling, and Wine Towns

Exploring the Rhine Valley: Castles, Riesling, and Wine Towns

Mosel Magic: Germany’s Most Scenic River for White Wine Lovers

Mosel Magic: Germany’s Most Scenic River for White Wine Lovers

German Wine 101: Grape Varieties, Label Terms, and What to Drink

German Wine 101: Grape Varieties, Label Terms, and What to Drink

When to Visit German Wine Country

When to Visit German Wine Country: Seasons, Festivals, and Travel Tips

Copyright © 2025 · German Culture

Go to mobile version