Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe

Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe: Golden Bites of Pure Joy

Sautéed onions and grated potatoes create the most delectable potato pancakes that instantly transport you to comfort food heaven.

These golden potato pancakes bring remarkable crispiness to your plate with minimal effort.

Every bite promises a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a classic dish loved across generations.

Authentic and easy to prepare, these pancakes work perfectly for breakfast or as a savory side dish.

Your taste buds will dance with excitement when these crispy delights emerge from the skillet.

Let’s turn humble potatoes into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Inside Stuffed Potato Pancakes with Cheese

For Base Ingredients:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation that gives pancakes their soft, comforting texture and rich potato flavor. Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for best results.
  • Flour: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the pancake dough. Opt for all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough. Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile and balance the ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the potato mixture. Choose high-quality powder for robust flavor.
For Filling Ingredients:
  • Shredded Cheese: Provides melty, gooey center and tangy flavor. Select a cheese that melts well like cheddar or mozzarella.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, rich filling with extra creaminess. Use full-fat version for best texture.
For Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
  • Oil or Butter: Creates crispy, golden exterior and prevents sticking. Use vegetable oil or clarified butter for even browning.
  • Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds color and bright herbal note. Choose fresh, vibrant green leaves.
  • Sour Cream or Yogurt: Cool, tangy accompaniment that complements the rich pancakes. Select full-fat version for richer taste.

Equipment You’ll Need for Stuffed Potato Pancakes

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing potato dough ingredients smoothly and creating the perfect base.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for preparing the creamy cheese filling mixture.
  • Skillet: Key tool for frying pancakes to golden, crispy perfection.
  • Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from freshly fried pancakes.
  • Spatula: Helpful for flipping pancakes evenly and gently in the skillet.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for precise cheese filling and seasoning measurements.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed for shredding cheese for the filling.

Making Stuffed Potato Pancakes with a Cheesy Kick

  • Create Potato Dough

Grab mashed potatoes and blend smoothly with egg, flour, and seasonings. Work the mixture until it feels soft and manageable. If the blend seems too wet, sprinkle in extra flour to help it come together.

  • Craft Cheese Center

Whip shredded cheese with cream cheese until you have a luxurious, melty core that will surprise everyone when they bite into the pancake.

  • Craft Delicious Parcels

Dust hands with flour to keep dough from sticking. Pinch out palm-sized portions of potato mixture. Press each piece into a flat circle. Drop a spoonful of cheesy goodness right in the middle. Carefully fold edges over the filling, sealing it completely. Gently press into a pancake shape.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Slide pancakes into the pan, giving each enough space to crisp up beautifully. Cook until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let excess oil drain on paper towels.

  • Serve with Flair

Scatter fresh herbs on top. Offer a cool dollop of sour cream alongside for an extra creamy companion to these crispy, cheesy treasures.

Cheesy Pancake Fixes and Flavor Ideas

  • Perfect Potato Pancake Secrets: Culinary Tips & Twists
  • Dough Consistency Magic: Ensure potato mixture isn't too wet by using well-drained, slightly cooled mashed potatoes. Add flour gradually to achieve perfect binding without becoming dry.
  • Cheese Filling Hack: Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella for deeper flavor complexity. Room temperature cheeses blend more smoothly.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. These alternatives maintain texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Healthier Cooking Method: Instead of deep-frying, bake pancakes at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once midway. Brush with olive oil for crispy exterior and reduced calorie content.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare uncooked stuffed pancakes and freeze between parchment paper layers. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking for convenient meal preparation.

Serving Up Stuffed Potato Pancakes Your Way

  • Cozy Side Companion: Pair these cheesy potato pancakes with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich, hearty dish.
  • Dipping Delight: Create a zesty herb-infused sour cream by mixing fresh chopped chives, dill, and a pinch of garlic powder into plain sour cream for an amazing complementary sauce.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve these pancakes alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a weekend breakfast that transforms a simple recipe into a restaurant-worthy spread that'll impress family and friends.
  • Appetizer Transformation: Cut the pancakes into smaller bite-sized portions and serve as crowd-pleasing appetizers during game nights or casual gatherings, perfect for sharing and enjoying together.

Storage Help for Stuffed Potato Pancakes

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover potato pancakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Carefully stack pancakes with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Freeze uncooked or cooked pancakes flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Uncooked pancakes stay fresh for 2 months, while cooked versions maintain quality for 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Perfection: Restore crispy edges by warming pancakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even heating and minimal cleanup.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare potato pancake dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep separated in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and optimal flavor profile.
Print
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Crispy Potato Pancakes Recipe

Crispy Potato Pancakes


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Polish potato pancakes embrace comfort with crispy edges and gooey cheese centers. Sour cream and chives complement these golden, hearty delights that connect home cooks with traditional Eastern European culinary warmth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (500g / 17.6 oz) mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup (100g / 3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup (40g / 1.4 oz) cream cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (30g / 1 oz) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • 23 tbsps vegetable oil or butter
  • Sour cream or yogurt (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Potato Dough Preparation: Merge mashed potatoes with egg, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, kneading until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Adjust flour quantity if the mixture feels excessively sticky.
  2. Cheese Filling Creation: Blend shredded cheese and cream cheese thoroughly to craft a luxurious, creamy filling with uniform consistency.
  3. Dough Shaping and Filling: Dust hands with flour, divide potato dough into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each into thin 3-inch discs, placing a generous spoonful of cheese mixture at the center. Carefully fold and seal edges, creating compact, filled dumplings.
  4. Pancake Formation: Gently press stuffed dough balls into flat, pancake-like shapes, ensuring cheese remains securely enclosed.
  5. Frying Process: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium temperature. Arrange stuffed pancakes with sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
  6. Finishing and Serving: Transfer pancakes to paper towel-lined plates to remove excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside sour cream or yogurt for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

  • Manage Potato Moisture: Ensure mashed potatoes are not too wet; excess moisture can make dough sticky and difficult to handle, compromising pancake structure.
  • Control Flour Consistency: Gradually add flour to potato mixture, checking elasticity and preventing dry or tough pancakes; aim for a smooth, pliable dough that holds shape.
  • Seal Filling Securely: Press dough edges firmly when encasing cheese filling to prevent leakage during frying; use gentle pinching technique to create tight seal.
  • Optimize Frying Temperature: Maintain medium heat for even golden-brown exterior; too high temperature burns pancakes, while low heat leads to greasy, soggy results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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