If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy delight that’s both comforting and indulgent, look no further than these Cheesy Potato Pancakes! Golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—every bite is pure satisfaction. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side to dinner. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those cozy moments. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend breakfast, a brunch with friends, or just treating yourself, these cheesy potato pancakes are sure to steal the show. Here’s why it’s a crowd favorite:
Versatile: They’re great for any time of day—whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pancakes are always a hit. They also make a perfect snack or side dish for any gathering.
Comforting: There’s something about the combination of crispy potatoes and melty cheese that feels like a warm hug.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these pancakes come together in no time. Even beginner cooks can pull them off with ease!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack. You can also add in herbs or spices to make it your own.
Kid-Friendly: These pancakes are cheesy and crispy, making them a big hit with kids! Plus, they’re easy to eat with hands, making them fun to enjoy.
Ingredients
Here’s the secret behind these addictive pancakes—it’s all about the right combination of simple ingredients that come together to create pure magic:
Potatoes: The base of these pancakes, providing the crispy texture and fluffy interior.
Cheese: Loads of cheese for that melty goodness in every bite. You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar, but feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Onion: A bit of onion adds savory depth and balance to the potatoes.
Eggs: Binding everything together to create that perfect pancake consistency.
Flour: Just enough to hold everything together and give the pancakes their golden, crispy exterior.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any extra herbs you love, such as parsley or chives.
Oil: For frying, so you can get those crispy edges that make these pancakes irresistible.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these cheesy delights:
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by grating the potatoes and squeezing out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. This helps make sure your pancakes get that crispy texture.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, cheese, eggs, onion, flour, and seasonings. Stir everything together until well-mixed and you have a thick, sticky batter.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. You want enough to cover the bottom of the pan so the pancakes get that nice golden crisp.
4. Fry the Pancakes: Scoop a spoonful of the potato mixture into the hot pan and press it down gently to form a pancake shape. Fry each pancake for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give them space to cook evenly.
5. Drain and Serve: Once they’re crispy and golden, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Pancakes
These cheesy potato pancakes are the perfect standalone treat, but they can also be paired with a few sides to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: Pair them with a refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the pancakes. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of these pancakes adds a creamy contrast that complements the crispy texture.
Eggs: Serve them with sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty, delicious breakfast.
Smoked Salmon or Bacon: Add a touch of luxury with some smoked salmon or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make these pancakes even more amazing:
Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just fry the pancakes in the morning or when you’re ready to eat.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for a little kick.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re gluten-free, substitute the flour for a gluten-free version or potato flour for a smooth consistency.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet for that crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
A1: It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Frozen potatoes may release too much moisture, making the pancakes soggy.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in a skillet to keep them crispy.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these pancakes?
A4: Yes, these pancakes freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet.
Q5: Can I use different cheeses?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even parmesan for different flavors.
Q6: How can I make these pancakes spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even jalapeños to the mix for a spicy twist.
Q7: Can I make these pancakes without eggs?
A7: Yes! You can use a flax egg or chia egg substitute to make these pancakes egg-free.
Q8: What can I serve these with besides sour cream?
A8: You could try pairing them with ketchup, a spicy dipping sauce, or even apple sauce for a unique twist!
Q9: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A9: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give these pancakes a slightly sweeter flavor and pair wonderfully with the cheese.
Q10: How do I make sure the pancakes stay crispy?
A10: Make sure to drain excess moisture from the potatoes before cooking, and use medium-high heat to get that golden crisp on both sides.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Cheesy Potato Pancakes, a crispy, cheesy treat that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With the golden crust and gooey cheese inside, these are sure to be a new favorite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them alone, they’re the kind of dish you’ll always want to make again. Enjoy!
Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with melted cheese and seasoned to perfection. This savory dish is perfect as a side or even a main, ideal for any easy dinner recipe. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream or as a snack, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Grate the potatoes and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, eggs, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Take a scoop of the potato mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and form it into a pancake shape. Place it in the skillet and flatten slightly.
- Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Add more oil as needed.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a twist, add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- These pancakes can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- Serve with sour cream, apple sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70mg