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Benjamin

Crispy German Reibekuchen – The Best Potato Pancakes Ever!

These German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen) are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor! Made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasonings, they’re pan-fried to crunchy perfection. Whether served with applesauce for a sweet touch or sour cream for a savory bite, these traditional German pancakes are a must-try for any potato lover. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a side dish, they’re easy to make and absolutely delicious!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 pancakes
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: German
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Potato Pancakes:
  • 4 large starchy potatoes about 2 lbs, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For Serving (Optional):
  • Applesauce
  • Sour cream
  • Smoked salmon
  • Fresh chives

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes:
  1. Grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor.
  2. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Mix the Batter:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
  2. Stir until well mixed.
Heat the Oil:
  1. In a large skillet, heat ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the Pancakes:
  1. Take about ¼ cup of potato mixture and shape into a small pancake.
  2. Place in the hot oil and flatten slightly with a spatula.
  3. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve & Enjoy:
  1. Serve hot with applesauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create the best crispy texture.
  • Remove Moisture: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy pancakes.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches for even cooking.
  • Keep Warm: Place cooked pancakes in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version.

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