• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

COOKTORIA logo

  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Vegan
    • Quick Dinners
    • Sweet treats
  • About
  • Quick Dinners
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Lunch
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Side dish
  • Quick Dinners
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Comfort Food
  • About
  • Free E-Book
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Breakfast

    Classic Potato Pancakes

    Oct 6, 2022 by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! ❤ COOKTORIA.COM
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! ❤ COOKTORIA.COM
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! This easy Latke recipe is a staple at my family! Best, when served with sour cream. ❤ COOKTORIA.COM
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! ❤ COOKTORIA.COM
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! This easy pancake recipe is a staple at my family!
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! ❤ COOKTORIA.COM

    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! Follow my simple instructions and make this easy treat today!

    Potato Pancakes on a board

    I strongly believe that this is one of those recipes every family needs to have. This Potato Pancakes recipe, requires just a few common ingredients, and I have never met a person who doesn't like them. Kids are crazy about these! You can serve them with some sour cream for breakfast or generously cover them with this Creamy Mushroom Sauce to make a scrumptious, vegetarian dinner.

    Video Tutorial

    Why I love this recipe

    I made these potato pancakes probably over a thousand times in my life, and it's always delicious. This recipe is:

    • TESTED. I cook it at least once a week.
    • QUICK. Made in under 30 minutes!
    • SIMPLE. Only 5 ingredients.
    • FILLING. It'll keep you feeling full.
    • TASTY. Oh yes! It's very tasty.

    What kind of potatoes are best?

    I recommend using russet potatoes in this recipe, because they work best, due to the high starch content. If you don't have russets, you may use Yukon Gold or Katahdin. Check out this Guide To Every Type Of Potato You Need To Know if you'd like to learn more.  Traditionally, the potatoes have to be grated, but nowadays, a food processor will do the same job, saving you time and energy. The choice is yours. 🙂

    Can you make potato pancakes ahead of time?

    Although the best way to enjoy these potato pancakes is right out of the frying pan, when they are fresh and oh-so-crispy, you may freeze these successfully. Just fully cook the potato pancakes and then let them cool down completely. Once cold, place them in a single layer onto a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours or until they are hard. Transfer the frozen pancakes to freezer storage bags. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 450 F. Arrange the frozen latkes on baking sheets, in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes.

    What is the difference between potato pancakes and latkes?

    Potato Latkes and Potato Pancakes are very similar. They are basically potato fritters fried in oil. Both latkes and pancakes use potatoes and eggs as the main ingredients. Latkes, however, also include baking powder, matzo meal, and even milk sometimes. Potato pancakes usually do not include these ingredients. Potato pancakes can be made from raw and cooked mashed potatoes.

    This recipe for Easy Potato Pancakes is one of the first recipes my mom taught me and I use it at least once a month. So you can trust me - these are super tasty! Now that I have convinced you to give these a try, there is only one thing left to say: LET'S START COOKING!

    Potato Pancakes stacked on top of each other

    HOW TO MAKE POTATO PANCAKES (LATKES):

    1. If using a food processor: peel and cube the potatoes and onion. Place the vegetables in the food processor and process for about 2 minutes, until potatoes look "grated" and no lumps remain.

    If using grater: peel the potatoes and onion and grate.

    grated potato puree

    2. Place the potato mixture into a fine strainer or kitchen towel and try to squeeze almost all of the liquid into a mixing bowl.

    squeezing the liquid out of potato puree

    3. Discard the liquid. You'll notice white powder on the bottom of the bowl after you pour the liquid out. It is potato starch and it gives texture to the pancakes, so you should keep it.

    discarding the liquid

    4. Return the potato mixture into the bowl and add eggs, flour, with some salt and pepper.

    adding eggs and other ingredients to the potato puree

    5. Mix everything well.

    mixing the potato puree

    6. Heat up some vegetable oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add a spoonful of potato mixture, spreading it slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the pancakes are crispy and golden brown.

    frying the potato pancakes in oil

    7. Place the pancakes on a paper towel, to absorb the excess oil. Serve with sour cream, fresh salad or Easy Mushroom Sauce. ENJOY!!!

    Potato Pancake dipped in sour cream

    What to Serve with Potato Pancakes

    Traditionally, we (the Ukrainians) serve it with sour cream on the side. A lot of people love to serve applesauce or yogurt with these pancakes.

    Did you try this recipe?

    Please, let me know how you enjoyed it! Share your photos on Instagram with #cooktoria. I am always so happy to see your creations.

    Love potatoes? Check out these recipes:

    • Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
    • Rosemary Fondant Potatoes
    • Spiralized Fried Potatoes
    • Fried Potatoes with Mushrooms

    Classic Potato Pancakes

    Tania Sheff
    So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! Follow my simple instructions and make this easy treat today!
    4.58 from 202 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer, Brunch, Lunch
    Cuisine American, ukrainian
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 363 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 large russet potatoes
    • 1 medium onion
    • 2 eggs
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ tsp. sea salt or to taste
    • ¼ tsp. pepper or to taste
    • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil for frying

    Instructions
     

    • If using food processor: peel and cube the potatoes and onion. Place the vegetables in food processor and process for about 2 minutes, until potatoes look "grated" and no lumps remain. If using grater: peel the potatoes and onion and grate.
    • Place the potato mixture into a fine strainer or kitchen towel and try to squeeze almost all of the liquid into a mixing bowl.
    • Discard the liquid. You'll notice white powder on the bottom of the bowl after you pour the liquid out. It is potato starch and it gives texture to the pancakes, so you should keep it.
    • Return the potato mixture into the bowl and add eggs, flour, with some salt and pepper, and mix everything well.
    • Heat up some vegetable oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a spoonful of potato mixture, spreading it slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the pancakes are crispy and brown.
    • Place the pancakes on a paper towel, to absorb the excess oil and ENJOY!

    Notes

    What to Serve with Potato Pancakes

    Traditionally, we (the Ukrainians) serve it with sour cream on the side. A lot of people love to serve applesauce or yogurt with these pancakes.

    Can you make potato pancakes ahead of time?

    Although the best way to enjoy these potato pancakes is right out of the frying pan, when they are fresh and oh-so-crispy, you may freeze these successfully. Just fully cook the potato pancakes and then let them cool down completely. Once cold, place them in a single layer onto a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours or until they are hard. Transfer the frozen pancakes to freezer storage bags. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 450 F. Arrange the frozen latkes on baking sheets, in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 100gCalories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 12gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 290mgPotassium: 1622mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below, I can't wait to hear from you!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small percentage if you make a purchase using this link. 

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Cabbage Pancake
    • Pancake Mix Crepes
    • Apple Oat Smoothie
    • The Best Vegetable Fritters
    275.6K shares
    • Share

    Filed Under: All Recipes, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Top Recipes, Vegetarian

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. olliecharles334 says

      January 02, 2023 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      Nice article! Thanks for sharing informative post Keep posting

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        January 02, 2023 at 2:08 pm

        Thank you so much, Ollie!

        Reply
    2. Leah says

      December 26, 2022 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      My mom always used to make these if we had a lot of mashed potatoes left over from a family dinner. We’re not of Ukrainian descent, but I was wondering where this food is from/if these were similar to latkes so thanks for that info! Just made this recipe for me and my two year old—big win with him (and me)! Sprinkled with shredded cheese, bacon bits and had them as a side to scrambled eggs. Perfect!

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        December 27, 2022 at 6:46 pm

        Sounds delicious, indeed, Leah! I am glad you found my recipe!

        Reply
    3. Paula Perry says

      December 15, 2022 at 2:55 pm

      When you say 4 large potatoes, what is the equivalent in lbs?

      Thank you!

      PP

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        December 16, 2022 at 11:47 am

        Hi Paula! It's about 2 lbs. Happy cooking!

        Reply
    4. Ken2112 says

      December 07, 2022 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE potato pancakes but grating potatoes with a box grater is very hard work. Using the food processer made this recipe so much easier to make. They came out fantastic! I like my potato pancakes with a sour cream and onion dip. Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        December 07, 2022 at 3:58 pm

        Thank you so much, Ken! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    5. edski says

      November 27, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      Please try these potato pancakes with Apple Butter. Oh...my...gosh!
      I enjoy the butter with sugar added, but I'll never pass up no sugar added.

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        November 30, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        These are indeed yummy! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
      • Leah says

        December 26, 2022 at 9:01 am

        That sounds fantastic! Haven’t ever tried them with something sweet.

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer 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.

    Primary Sidebar

    SEARCH COOKTORIA

    Hello friend!

    My name is Tania. I create quick, healthy, and wholesome meals. Let's get to know each other, shall we? Read More…

    BEST HEALTHY RECIPES

    Iceberg Lettuce Salad

    Marinated Tomato Salad

    The Best Vegetable Fritters

    Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

    Zucchini Noodles with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

    Easy Pickled Cabbage

    More Posts from this Category

    LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    POPULAR RECIPES

    Chicken Angel Hair Pasta

    Shrimp Fajitas

    Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes

    Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks

    Baked Cod on a tray topped with breadcrumbs

    Baked Cod

    Quick & Easy Creamy Spinach Orzo

    More Posts from this Category

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Get in Touch

    Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © Cooktoria LLC 2021

    275556 shares