Kartoffelpuffer: German Potato Pancakes With Ham

Name: German Potato Pancakes With Ham
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Vegetables
Ingredients: 2 Potatoes; 1/2 cup diced smoked ham; 1 Small Carrot; 1 egg beaten; 1 Tbsp Cornstarch; 2 Thyme Sprigs; 1/4 Cup Finely chopped fresh herbs; Salt And Pepper To Taste; Olive Oil For Cooking

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These delicious German Potato Pancakes are the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. Made with crispy potatoes, smoked ham and onions they are sure to please! Enjoy Kartoffelpuffer with applesauce, sour cream or your favorite condiment. Either way your going to love this easy German Potato Pancakes recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

To make Kartoffelpuffer with ham, you will need the following ingredients:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes provide the necessary starchiness, forming the pancake’s foundation.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, keeping the potato mixture intact.
Carrot: Grated carrot injects a touch of sweetness and color.
Thyme: Adds an aromatic subtlety to the pancakes.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives enhance the dish with their fresh flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that fine-tune the taste.
Oil or Butter: Used for frying, they ensure a crispy, golden exterior.

How To Make German Potato Pancakes

Here are the steps for making classic German Potato pancakes Kartoffelpuffer

Step One: Prepare Mashed Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and chop. Place potato pieces into a steamer or Instant Pot and add thyme. Cook potatoes for 25 minutes on the stove top or 8 minutes in the pressure cooker.

If you have left over mashed potato mixture then you can use this instead.

Step Two: Prepare The Ham

Cut the ham into small cubes.

Step Three: Grate The Carrots

Shred the carrots and place them in a bowl. Add 1-2 tbsp of water and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes. The grated carrot will become softer but will remain al dente.

Step Four: Mash Potatoes

Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, mash them. Add salt, pepper and egg. Stir the mixture.

Step Five: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, starch, chopped herbs, ham and carrots.

Using a spatula or your hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients until smooth. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step Six: Form The Pancakes

Divide the mass into 8 parts. Roll each part into a ball. Place the balls on a board greased with vegetable oil.

Step Seven: Cook The German Potato Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or use cooking spray to lightly coat the surface.

Place the pancakes in the large skillet.

Depending on the size of the pan, you can cook several pancakes at a time, but don’t overload the pan.

Cook the pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side or until golden brown. Gently flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. The goal is to achieve a crispy outside while warming the inside at the same time.

Step Seven: Serve And Enjoy

Serve and enjoy: When the pancakes are nicely crisp and golden on both sides, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serve these authentic german potato pancakes warm, either on their own or with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or sprinkled with extra chopped herbs for a touch of freshness.

Expert Tips

Be sure to chop the potatoes into small cubes so they cook faster and evenly.
Boil or steam the potatoes ahead of time for an easier preparation.
Don’t over mix the mixture, as this will make it too sticky.
If you are using grated potato then add extra starch and egg to bind the mixture together.

Substitutions

If you don’t have or want to use ham then you can substitute bacon, chorizo or any other type of sausage. You can also omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell pepper, , grated onion, mushrooms or even sweet potatoes for a vegetarian option.
Another great substitute is smoked salmon which can be added to your kartoffelpuffer recipe.
Now that you know how easy it is to make German Potato Pancakes with ham, why not give it a try? Enjoy this delicious side dish or snack any time of day or night.

storage Instructions

Fridge: Once cooled, store these Kartoffelpuffer in an airtight container or baggie and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on a skillet with a little oil until warmed through.
Freeze: You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw the pancakes in the refrigerator and warm on a skillet until heated through. Enjoy!

Best Sauce For German Potato Pancakes

Kartoffelpuffer are delicious served on their own but adding a sauce can really take this dish to the next level. Here are some of our favorite sauces and condiments to serve with Kartoffelpuffer:

Apple Sauce
Sour Cream
Ketchup
Mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Maple syrup
Yogurt Herb Sauce
Cranbery Sauce

What To Serve With This Recipe?

Applesauce: A classic pairing with Kartoffelpuffer, the sweetness of the applesauce complements the savory flavor of the potato pancakes. You can serve it on the side or even dollop it on top for extra indulgence.
Sour Cream: Another traditional accompaniment, sour cream adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the crispy Kartoffelpuffer. You can garnish it with chopped chives or dill for a pop of freshness.
Smoked Salmon: For a more gourmet touch, serve Kartoffelpuffer with thinly sliced smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine.
Salad: A light salad of mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette is a refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the potato pancakes. You can add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and radishes for extra crunch and color.
Bratwurst or Sausages: Serve Kartoffelpuffer alongside grilled bratwurst or your favorite sausages for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.

FAQ’S

What Is Kartoffelpuffer?

Kartoffelpuffer is a traditional German dish made from mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, and onions. The German pototo pancake mixture is then formed into small pancakes or patties and pan-fried in butter or oil.

This dish can be served with various accompaniments and is a popular side dish or snack. Kartoffelpuffer is easy to make at home and is a great way to use up leftover Mashed Potatoes.

What Part of Germany Are Kartoffelpuffer from?

Kartoffelpuffer are popular in many parts of Germany, but it is particularly well-known in the North. Hamburg, Bremen, and Schleswig-Holstein are some of the regions where you will find this potato dish served very commonly.The dish can also be found in various restaurants throughout the country. Kartoffelpuffer is a great way to experience German cuisine and it’s an easy dish to make at home.

Kartoffelpuffer Pronuciation

Wondering how to prounce Kartoffelpuffer? Here is a break down of the sounds: Car-tawf-el-pooffer.

Can I Use Grated Potatoes Instead Of Mashed?

Yes! Of course you can use grated potatoes or shredded potatoes instead of mashed. The main difference is the texture. Grated potatoes will give you a crunchier outside while mashed potatoes will give a softer inside.
Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes before adding them to the mixture.
If using grated potatoes, increase the amount of starch and egg to bind the mixture.

What Are The Best Potatoes For Kartoffelpffer?

The best potatoes for Kartoffelpuffer are starchy varieties like russet potatoes or Yukon golds. These types of potatoes will hold up better during the cooking process and will help give your pancakes a nice crispy texture. For this recipe, you can either boil the potatoes first or use already cooked mashed potatoes for an easier preparation. Either way these German pancakes will be amazing.

Are Potato Cakes The Same As Latkes

No. Potato pancakes, also known as Kartoffelpuffer, are different from Latkes.

Latkes are usually made with grated potatoes and onions and typically served with applesauce or sour cream. They are a traditional dish of Eastern European Jewish cuisine.

\Kartoffelpuffer is a German potato pancake that includes mashed potatoes, ham and herbs. It is usually served as a side dish or snack.

Both are delicious and worth trying! Enjoy!

Enjoy Traditional German Potato Pancakes Today!

Try making these German potato pancakes with ham for your next party, potluck, or family dinner. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for a great conversation starter about the origins of this traditional dish

German Potato Pancakes With Ham

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

These german potato pancakes with ham are a delicious and tasty side dish

Ingredients

2 Potatoes
1/2 cup diced smoked ham
1 Small Carrot
1 egg beaten
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
2 Thyme Sprigs
1/4 Cup Finely chopped fresh herbs
Salt And Pepper To Taste
Olive Oil For Cooking

Instructions

Peel the potatoes and chop. Place potato pieces into a steamer or Instant Pot and add thyme. Cook potatoes for 25 minutes on the stove top or 8 minutes in the pressure cooker.
If you have left over mashed potato mixture then you can use this instead.
Cut the ham into small cubes.
Shred the carrots and place them in a bowl. Add 1-2 tbsp of water and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes. The grated carrot will become softer but will remain al dente.
Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, mash them. Add salt, pepper and egg. Stir the mixture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, starch, chopped herbs, ham and carrots.
Using a spatula or your hands, thoroughly mix the ingredients until smooth. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Divide the mass into 8 parts. Roll each part into a ball. Place the balls on a board greased with vegetable oil.
Step Seven: Cook The German Potato Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or use cooking spray to lightly coat the surface.
Place the pancakes int he large skillet.
Depending on the size of the pan, you can cook several pancakes at a time, but don't overload the pan.
Cook the pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side or until golden brown. Gently flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. The goal is to achieve a crispy outside while warming the inside at the same time.Serve and enjoy: When the pancakes are nicely crisp and golden on both sides, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve these authentic german potato pancakes warm, either on their own or with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or sprinkled with extra chopped herbs for a touch of freshness.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 181mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g