German Potato Pancakes—or Reibekuchen as they’re called in Germany—are a dish that speaks to the heart of traditional comfort food. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to a Christmas market or recreating your Oma’s favorite recipe, these crispy pancakes are a cultural classic that has become just as beloved in American kitchens. Served sweet or savory, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These German Potato Pancakes are:

Golden and crispy on the outside, tender in the middle.
Simple to make with pantry staples.
Ideal for both winter comfort and summer brunches.
A fantastic way to explore traditional German cuisine.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

6 medium russet potatoes
1 small onion
2 eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp baking powder
Vegetable oil for frying
Applesauce or sour cream for serving

For a tangy side pairing, try them with our homemade fermented sauerkraut.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grate and Drain

Grate potatoes and onion. Place in a towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, mix drained potatoes with eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder if using.

3. Heat the Skillet

Add oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering.

4. Fry the Pancakes

Drop 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, flatten with a spatula, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side.

5. Drain and Serve

Transfer to paper towels. Serve immediately with easy homemade applesauce or sour cream.

Flavor Pairings & Variations

Savory lovers will enjoy adding chives, garlic, or smoked paprika to the batter.
Sweet fans can dust the finished pancakes with powdered sugar and pair with spiced apple compote.

Looking for more potato ideas? Explore our crispy roasted potatoes or German-style potato salad.

Seasonal Adaptations

Summer: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad and iced tea.
Winter: Pair with bratwurst and a warm mug of mulled cider.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. For the crunch, stick to pan-frying.

Can they be made ahead?
Yes, and you can reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes.

What’s the best potato to use?
Russets are ideal because of their high starch content and low moisture.

Related Recipes

German Potato Pancakes – A Classic Crispy Delight for All Seasons

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

These pancakes are a great meal for your family when you want to make something unique and delicious. These are the pancakes to try tonight, trust me the family is going to be thrilled when you serve these up. These can be topped with what you choose or eaten plain. These German Potato Pancakes can be served with anything from Meatloaf to Chicken. You could serve them with literally anything!!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients ( serves 15 )

6 Gold potatoes , shredded
2 Eggs, Large
2 Tbsp.Flour
¼ tsp.Pepper
½ tsp.Salt
½ C. onion, Finely chopped
¼ tsp.Baking powder
¼ C.Vegetable oil , for frying

Instructions

Place the potatoes, eggs, flour, pepper, salt, onion, and baking powder into a bowl, and knead well with your hands until combined completely.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.

Add the potato mixture in small ¼ cup pancake shapes to the heated oil, and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Place the potato pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain