Kartoffelpuffer: German Potato Pancakes With Ham

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.

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.

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.

Ingredients For German Potato Pancakes With Ham

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

2 Potatoes – We prefer to use Russet potatoes as the have plenty of potato starch which helps the pancakes to stick.

1 Egg – The egg help to bind and thicken the mixture together.

1 Small Carrot – grated carrot adds sweetness and color to this dish.

Thyme Sprigs – Thyme adds subtle flavor and aroma to the pancakes.

Finely Chopped Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley and chives all work well in this dish.

Salt & Pepper To Taste – Use salt and pepper to season your mixture as desired.

Oil or Butter for Frying – Use either oil or butter to fry up the pancakes, both work well.

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.

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

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.

Best Substitutes For Ham In For Potato Cakes?

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.

Tips For Making Perfect Kartoffelpuffer

• 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.

How To Store German Potato Pancakes

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.

Can I Freeze Potato Pancakes?

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!

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.

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!

Gluten Free German Potato Pancake Recipe

These gluten-free potato fritters are not only a great way to turn leftovers into something completely new, but also a fantastic option for those looking for a healthier and more flavorful alternative to traditional fritters.

The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful herbs, complemented by the delicate crunch of the outer layer, is sure to make this dish a family favorite. Enjoy this Gluten free combination of textures and flavors, knowing that you are enjoying a hearty and healthy meal.

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

More Fantastic Side Dishes

If you love our German Potato recipes then why not try one of the following recipes:

• Mini Cheese Stuffed Peppers
• Food Processor Purple Cauliflower Mash
• Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
• Green Bean Salad
• Air Fryer Yellow Squash

Any of these recipes will make a fantastic addition to your next meal. Enjoy!