Herbed Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh herbs for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. These golden, pan-fried delights are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, delivering the perfect balance of crunch and comfort.
I first made these when I wanted a simple yet satisfying way to use up extra potatoes, and they quickly became a staple. The combination of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill adds a bright, aromatic touch that makes them irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can serve them with sour cream, applesauce, or even a dollop of yogurt for a delicious finishing touch.
What’s great about Herbed Potato Pancakes is their ease of preparation. Whether using grated potatoes for a classic texture or mashed potatoes for a softer bite, they come together quickly and fry up beautifully. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack, these crispy, herb-infused pancakes are always a hit!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Holiday dinners
- A crispy side dish
- Snack time
- Potato lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Herbed Potato Pancakes will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Crispy and Golden: Achieve the perfect crunch with every bite.
- Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs and seasonings enhance the natural taste of potatoes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy as a side, appetizer, or light meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday feasts.
- Pairs Well with Dips: Serve with sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce for extra flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to get kids to eat more vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and reheat for convenience.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour substitute for a celiac-friendly version.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Potato Pancakes:
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- ½ small onion, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Applesauce
- Additional chopped herbs
Ingredient Highlights
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture creates the perfect crispiness.
- Fresh Herbs: Adds a burst of fresh flavor to every bite.
- Onion: Enhances the savory depth of the pancakes.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Grate the Potatoes: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the potatoes.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, beaten egg, flour, herbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir until well incorporated.
Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Form the Pancakes: Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and shape it into a small patty.
- Fry Until Golden: Place the pancakes in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or additional chopped herbs.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Herbed Potato Pancakes:
- With Sour Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the crispy texture.
- With Applesauce: A slightly sweet contrast to the savory pancakes.
- Topped with Smoked Salmon: Elevate the dish with a gourmet twist.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
- With Poached Eggs: A delicious brunch option.
- With Avocado: Add slices of fresh avocado for a creamy texture.
- With Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar on top.
- With Hot Sauce: For those who love a bit of spice.
- As a Sandwich Base: Use instead of bread for a unique twist.
- With Fresh Greens: Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes – Starchy potatoes like Russets yield crispier pancakes, while waxy potatoes hold their shape better. A mix of both can create the perfect balance.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture – Grated potatoes contain a lot of water. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible for crispier pancakes.
- Mix in Fresh and Dried Herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill add brightness, while dried herbs provide depth of flavor. A combination of both works well.
- Season Generously – Potatoes absorb seasoning, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor.
- Use a Starchy Binder – Adding a little flour or cornstarch helps hold the pancakes together and creates an extra-crispy texture.
- Preheat the Oil – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, and heat it properly before adding the batter to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Keep Them Uniform – Shape the pancakes into even sizes for consistent cooking. Using a cookie scoop or measuring cup can help maintain uniformity.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches, leaving enough space between pancakes to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
- Drain on a Wire Rack – Instead of paper towels, place fried pancakes on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Serve with Complementary Sauces – Classic sour cream and applesauce are great choices, but try yogurt-based dips, herbed aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Herb Pancakes – Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese to the batter for a rich, savory twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Pancakes – Mix in finely chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Garlic & Parmesan Pancakes – Incorporate roasted garlic puree and grated Parmesan for a bold, umami flavor.
- Zucchini & Herb Pancakes – Grate ½ cup of zucchini into the batter for added moisture and a slight sweetness.
- Beef Bacon & Chive Pancakes – Stir in crispy crumbled beef bacon and fresh chives for a smoky, salty boost.
- Sweet Potato Herb Pancakes – Substitute half of the potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and earthy variation.
- Lemon & Dill Pancakes – Add lemon zest and fresh dill for a light, citrusy flavor that pairs well with seafood.
- Carrot & Thyme Pancakes – Mix in grated carrots and fresh thyme for a slightly sweet and aromatic variation.
- Curry-Spiced Pancakes – Infuse the batter with a teaspoon of curry powder and a dash of turmeric for warm, fragrant flavors.
- Gluten-Free Herb Pancakes – Use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version with a nutty taste.
Special Equipment
- Box Grater or Food Processor: For grating potatoes quickly.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine ingredients evenly.
- Kitchen Towel: For squeezing out excess moisture.
- Large Skillet: For frying the pancakes.
- Spatula: To flip the pancakes easily.
- Paper Towels: To absorb excess oil after frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness. - Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer and reheat in an oven or toaster oven. - What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. - Can I use different potatoes?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work but may result in a softer texture. - How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Ensure you squeeze out all moisture and use enough binding ingredients (egg and flour). - What can I substitute for eggs?
Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). - Why are my pancakes greasy?
The oil might not be hot enough. Ensure the oil is properly heated before frying. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.
Conclusion
Herbed Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with fresh, aromatic herbs for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite! These golden-brown pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy potatoes, whether as a side dish, appetizer, or a light meal.
Customize them by adding grated cheese for richness, a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, or even a dollop of sour cream and chives for extra indulgence. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, alongside eggs for breakfast, or as a savory snack anytime!
I can’t wait to see how your Herbed Potato Pancakes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!