Old-Fashioned Crispy Potato Pancakes

These golden, crispy potato pancakes are a timeless family favorite. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side dish. Serve them with butter, sour cream, or applesauce for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffier pancakes)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Butter, for serving

Instructions

1. Grate the potatoes and onion. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Drop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet for each pancake and flatten slightly with a spatula.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve immediately with butter, sour cream, applesauce, or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Butter and maple syrup
• Sour cream and fresh chives
• Applesauce
• Crispy bacon and eggs
• Smoked salmon with dill

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

Makes 8–10 potato pancakes.