Crispy, golden cheesy potato pancakes are a delight for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at dinner or enjoying them as a tasty snack, these savory treats are sure to impress. Made with grated russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, they pack a flavor punch that makes them irresistible. With their crunchy exterior and soft interior, these cheesy potato pancakes are perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cheesy potato pancakes come together in just 35 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh green onions adds an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or snack, these pancakes can be served with sour cream or applesauce for added taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings the warmth of comfort food to your table, satisfying cravings for something hearty and fulfilling.
- Customizable Option: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make these pancakes uniquely yours!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your cheesy potato pancakes, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This is essential for combining all your ingredients evenly without mess.
- Clean kitchen towel: Helps remove excess moisture from the grated potatoes, which is crucial for achieving crispy pancakes.
- Large skillet: Ensures even frying and allows you to cook multiple pancakes at once, saving time.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula is vital for flipping the pancakes without breaking them.
Ingredients
To create delicious cheesy potato pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pancakes
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Transfer the dried potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, beaten egg, flour, green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the bowl with the potatoes. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 4: Form the Pancakes
Using your hands, scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture and flatten it into a pancake shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all pancakes are formed.
Step 5: Fry the Pancakes
Carefully place the pancakes in the hot oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce if desired. Enjoy your cheesy potato pancakes!
How to Serve Cheesy potato pancakes
Cheesy potato pancakes are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a side dish, or an appetizer, these delightful pancakes can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
With Sour Cream
- Classic Topping: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy and tangy contrast that complements the cheesy goodness.
With Applesauce
- Sweet Contrast: The sweetness of applesauce balances the savory flavors of the pancakes, making this combination delightful.
With Green Onions
- Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh and vibrant touch that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
As a Breakfast Option
- Egg Pairing: Serve your cheesy potato pancakes alongside sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty breakfast that will keep you satisfied.
With Salsa
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle some salsa over your pancakes for an exciting burst of flavor and spice that elevates this dish.
In a Sandwich
- Savory Stack: Use cheesy potato pancakes as a filling in a sandwich with bacon and cheese for a filling lunch option.
How to Perfect Cheesy potato pancakes
To achieve crispy and delicious cheesy potato pancakes, follow these helpful tips. Each step plays a vital role in ensuring your pancakes turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh russet potatoes provide better texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged options. Grate them just before use to preserve moisture.
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess moisture from grated potatoes is crucial. It helps the pancakes crisp up nicely instead of becoming soggy during frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges on each pancake.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the salt and pepper based on your preference. Adding herbs like parsley or dill can also boost flavor.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives these pancakes a rich flavor. Choose high-quality cheese for the best results.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy potato pancakes
Cheesy potato pancakes pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the pancakes.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and tanginess, balancing out the savory taste of cheesy potato pancakes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients to your meal while enhancing its overall appeal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn offers a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the savory pancake flavors.
- Creamy Potato Soup: A bowl of creamy potato soup makes for a comforting combination that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts nicely with cheesy potato pancakes, creating an enjoyable meal experience.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment, adding more flavor to your meal without overpowering it.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies provide brightness and acidity that cut through the richness of cheesy potato pancakes effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cheesy potato pancakes can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can impact the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Overworking the mixture: Mixing too much can make pancakes dense. Stir until just combined for fluffier results.
- Ignoring moisture: Not squeezing out excess moisture from potatoes can lead to soggy pancakes. Always drain well before mixing.
- Wrong oil temperature: Frying in oil that’s too hot or too cold affects crispiness. Use medium heat for even cooking and golden color.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season the mix can result in bland pancakes. Don’t forget salt and pepper for enhanced flavor!
- Improper pancake size: Making pancakes too large can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to about ¼ cup for consistent results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cheesy potato pancakes in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- To freeze, allow pancakes to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but expect softer texture; consider using a paper towel.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until warm and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cheesy potato pancakes?
Cheesy potato pancakes are savory cakes made from grated potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and seasonings, then fried until golden brown.
Can I customize cheesy potato pancakes?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like cooked bacon, different cheeses, or herbs like parsley for added flavor.
How do I keep my cheesy potato pancakes crispy?
Ensure you remove excess moisture from the potatoes and fry them at the right temperature. Draining on paper towels also helps maintain crispiness.
What can I serve with cheesy potato pancakes?
These delicious pancakes pair well with sour cream, applesauce, or even a fresh salad on the side.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy potato pancakes are not only crispy and satisfying but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe and share it with friends and family!
Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden cheesy potato pancakes are the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly brings joy to any meal. Made with grated russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, these savory delights boast a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, they can be enjoyed as a side dish or a tasty snack on their own. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up these irresistible treats that everyone will love. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite condiment for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (peeled and grated)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup green onions (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Rinse grated potatoes under cold water and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained potatoes with cheddar cheese, egg, flour, green onions, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and shape it into pancakes; repeat until all batter is used.
- Fry pancakes for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes (90g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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