• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Momcrieff
  • About Me
    • Contact me
  • My 100 year old home
  • Recipes
    • Four Ingredients or Less!
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
    • Soups
    • Baked Items
    • Desserts & Treats
  • Gardening
    • Spring Gardening
    • Fall Gardening
    • Gardening And Landscaping
    • Planters / Containers
    • Misc. & Chores
  • DIY
    • DIY
    • Valentine's Day
    • Spring
    • Fabulous Fall!
    • Christmas & Winter
  • Misc.
    • Vacations
      • Family Vacation
    • Home Ownership
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • 1923 House
  • Easy Recipes
  • Gardening
  • DIY
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Easy Recipes » Sides

    Easy Potato Pancakes.

    Published: May 27, 2023 by Susan Moncrieff · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Potato pancakes are a traditional side eaten in Wisconsin. Folks here in Wisconsin take their fish fry on Fridays very seriously. Fish fry potato pancakes are a side that will be served, rated and devored by all family members. They are easy to make!

    potato pancake garnished with sour cream. this to Pinterest

    Along with rye bread, potato salad, and baked beans. Friday night fish fry is not a low-calorie meal! In this recipe, I've made the potato pancakes a little healthier by adding sweet potato. That's totally optional, you can use all regular potato too! If you have a craving for a potato side and you want a baked potato, try this baked potato in the toaster oven.

    Table of contents

    • Why I love these
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How to reheat
    • FAQs
    • Recipe Printable

    Why I love these

    • Easy to make at home. The toughest part is grating the potato
    • Quick to prepare and make. They take less than 30 minutes
    • Family friendly side. That means the kids love them!
    • Love using leftovers with breakfast the next day
    • Kids love these as a filling snack (use applesauce as the side to keep it healthier)
    • An inexpensive easy recipe. This was a friend's college staple when money was low!

    Ingredients

    These are simple ingredients often already at home! That's part of why this is such an easy recipe and why I like it.

    Potatoes. I like using russet.
    Sweet Potato - just a small one to add color and make them a touch healthier
    Eggs
    Flour
    Onions

    Instructions

    Step 1
    Peel and coarsely grate two russet potatoes. Use a clean but thin dishtowel and squeeze all the juice out of the potatoes. I added about a ¼ cup of sweet potato (that I had patted dry with a paper towel). It adds just a little more color and makes me feel these are a little healthier.

    grated potato with grated sweet potato

    Step 2
    Add three lightly beaten eggs, 1 ½ tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon finely grated onion and a bit of salt (1 ¼ tsp) to the potatoes.

    grated potato, sweet potato with egg mixed in.

    Step 3
    Heat ¼ cup vegetable oil in a heavy skillet. Medium high heat. Make sure the oil is nice and hot when you add the potato mixture.

    Drop large spoonfuls of mixture into a frying pan with hot oil spread with the back of the spoon until the potato pancake is approx. ¼ inch thick. Fry until a nice golden brown on the bottom. Anywhere from 3 -5 minutes, depending on how hot your oil is.

    Step 4
    Flip and cook the second side until brown and crisp. About another 3-5 minutes.

    potato pancakes

    Some sour cream is wonderful with these. Another favorite way to serve potato pancakes is with applesauce. I have heard Worcestershire sauce is also good, although I haven't tried that myself.

    How to store

    These store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure the container is well covered or the potato pancakes are wrapped in plastic wrap. I've also put them in plastic ziplock type bags so I can remove a couple at a time.

    Well wrapped, these would freeze well.

    a planter with colorful plants
    FREE SIGN UP

    Looking for DIY ideas for beautiful planters? You will receive lots of ideas and inspiration. Plus, tutorials on how to plant planters.

    How to reheat

    Microwaving works well. However, if you want to keep the crispy outside, they heat up really well in a frying pan with just a touch of oil.

    FAQs

    If I don't have russet potatos can I use a different potato?

    Yes, I'm a big believer in using what you have.

    Is this a classic potato pancake?

    In Wisconsin it is! But you need to leave out the sweet potato. It's a Friday night fishfry staple.

    What would I eat this with for breakfast?

    Think of these as delicious, flavorful hashbrowns. I personally love a couple of fried eggs with these.

    Recipe Printable

    Potato Pancakes

    Delicious potato pancakes. These can be made with all potato or add a little extra color and nutrition by adding some sweet potato. Leftovers are great with breakfast. Family friendly recipe!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 11 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 potato pancakes
    Calories: 273cal
    Author: Susan Moncrieff

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups potatoes Russet - coursely grated
    • ¼ cup sweet potato coursely grated
    • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
    • 1 ½ tablespoon flour
    • 1 tablespoon onion coursely grated
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Grate two cups of potato and about ¼ cup of sweet potato
    • Wrap grated russet potato in a clean tea towel and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. An older, thinner dishtowel works best.
    • Dry grated sweet potato with a paper towel (I didn't want to stain my tea towel).
    • Add eggs, grated onion and salt to potatoes and mix in.
    • Sprinkle flour over the mixture and mix into the potato mixture.
    • Heat oil in heavy skillet - medium high.
    • Drop heaping spoonfuls of potato mixture into pan. Using back of spoon, spread to about ¼ inch thick.
    • Fry for about 3-5 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom.
    • Flip and fry other side to golden brown (3 - 5 minutes).
    • Serve with either sour cream or apple sauce. I heard Worcestershire sauce is a good option too.
    • Makes about 5-6 potato pancakes.

    Notes

    ** calorie content is actually lower since not all the oil these potato pancakes are fried in is used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 273cal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 936mg | Potassium: 529mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1384IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
    potato pancake garnished with sour cream.

    More Sides

    • white chicken chili in a white bowl.
      Easy White Chicken chili
    • bowl of cabbage soup
      Easy Vegetable Soup with cabbage
    • collage showing soup in a mug, a salad and flatbread with mushrooms cheese and spinach
      20+ Easy Lunch Ideas for Adults!
    • baked potato with butter and chives
      Baking Potatoes in a Toaster Oven
    2.0K shares
    • Share52
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline

      March 20, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      These look delicious! When I was growing up my Mom would make potato pancakes and they were one of my favorite dinners. I haven't had them in ages. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
    2. Bluwatergal

      March 19, 2016 at 8:30 pm

      These look so good! I'm trying these out Sunday morning 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Bwg ~~~

      Reply
    3. krclegg

      March 14, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love potato pancakes so much. I can't wait to try these out. They will be perfect, I just know it.

      Reply
    4. [email protected] Freshman Cook

      March 10, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      These look amazing, and potato pancakes are one of my favorites. Can't wait to give these a try!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:20 am

        Thank you Teri! I tried this just before I wrote the post. And, now I've made them a couple of times since. Hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!

        Reply
    5. imarancher

      March 10, 2016 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      We made something called potato cakes which I assume is a variant of these. It is made with left over mashed potatoes (leave overnight in the fridge without a cover on them to dry them out). Then add the eggs and such for a new flavor, shape the patties and fry away. De...licious! But I like your idea even better, they would cook faster and be much less messy on the hands. And we love sweet potatoes (this is the South; Florida specifically) so that is a nice touch to this recipe. Thanks!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:22 am

        People have mentioned potato cakes to me recently. I will have to try them next time I have leftover mashed potatoes. I always hate throwing them away but no one in my house eats leftover mashed potatoes. But, I think they would eat the potato cakes! Thanks for being such a faithful reader of my blog! I read and appreciate every comment you make!!

        Reply
    6. mylifecookbook

      March 10, 2016 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      These look wonderful! I love that you use both russet and sweet potato in your recipe. My son doesn't like sweet potatoes but I bet he would even notice! I personally would scarf up a whole plate full.

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:24 am

        Be careful when you are taste testing these. I was taste testing them and ate two of them. Then I wasn't hungry for dinner! I love when I find a new recipe that everyone in the family loves!

        Reply
    7. terristeffes

      March 09, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      My mom made potato pancakes with mashed potatoes. She added an egg, fried them up and served them with horseradish cream sauce. We gobbled those babies right up, horseradish and all!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:25 am

        Hmmmm. My husband is a horseradish fan. Maybe I'll try making the horseradish cream sauce for him. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    8. This Ole Mom

      March 09, 2016 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      I never had potato pancakes before. I liked that you mixed russet potato and sweet potato together.

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:27 am

        Sometimes, it's so hard to eat healthy. That's why I sneak some healthier options into many of my recipes. Plus, I like the color of the sweet potato when you cut into the potato pancake. Thanks for visiting my site and for your comment!

        Reply
    9. shelstring

      March 09, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      Oh, ho-ho!! Gotta try these! I get tired of the same rotation too. Can't wait for it to be warm enough to pull out the grill, but in the meantime...gotta give these winners a try! 😉

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:28 am

        I hope you like them as much as we do. It is nice to change up the menu at this time of year. But, like you, I can't wait for grilling season. Soon, I hope!!

        Reply
    10. Susie from The Chelsea Project Blog

      March 09, 2016 at 8:13 am

      These look totally delish. My family will love! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:28 am

        Not only did my family love these, but, they really are easy to make! Hope yours loves them too!

        Reply
    11. Meegan

      March 09, 2016 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      I haven't ever made potato pancakes. I know it is a recipe my family would love to try. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:30 am

        Enjoy trying this recipe! It is easy to make, with no weird ingredients.

        Reply
    12. Patti Estep

      March 09, 2016 at 7:08 am

      Hi Susan,
      They really look delicious and I love the idea of adding some sweet potatoes in the mix.
      Yum!

      Reply
      • momcrieff

        March 11, 2016 at 9:31 am

        Thanks Patti!
        I liked adding the sweet potato since they add some color and a little more nutrition. My kids won't normally eat sweet potatoes but they eat them in the potato pancakes!

        Reply
    13. thekimsixfix

      March 09, 2016 at 6:29 am

      5 stars
      Growing up my grandma always made potato pancakes and so your post is making me nostalgic!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Susan Moncrieff! I love sharing easy recipes, especially those that take less than 30 minutes and have less than 5 ingredients. I'm passionate about gardening and creating flower planters. My home is 100 years old and sometimes you will see it in my posts! It was a true fixer upper and I love it!

    More about me →

    Subscribe to Momcrieff

    Trending Articles...

    • close up of three ingredient peanut butter cookies
      Peanut Butter Cookies - 3 Ingredients
    • raised garden beds in metal fire pit rings
      Raised Garden Beds
    • 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins in muffin tin
      2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
    • knob and tube wiring
      Knob and tube wiring
    • shortbread cookies on a white plate
      Shortbread cookies
    • front door planter full of pink petunias, purple fountain grass and sweet potato vine.
      How to plant flower pots
    • 3 ingredient chocolate banana muffins
      Banana chocolate muffins - 3 ingredients.
    • three ingredient peach cobbler
      Three Ingredient Peach Cobbler
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Susan Moncrieff
    • Advertising and Disclosures
    • Contact

    Categories

    • My 100 year old home
    • Easy Recipes
    • Gardening
    • DIY
    • Misc

    Most Popular

    • 25 Outdoor Planters
    • My Raised Garden Beds
    • My white kitchen remodel 
    • Knob and tube wiring
    • Three Ingredient Peach Cobbler
    • Deconstructed cabbage rolls

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023

    2.0K shares
    • 52