Cheesy Potato Pancakes!

🧀🥔 Cheesy Potato Pancakes (Crispy Outside, Melty Inside)

⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 15–20 minutes

• Total: ~35 minutes

🍽 Servings

• Makes 8–10 pancakes

🧾 Ingredients

For the pancakes

• 3 medium potatoes (about 450–500 g), peeled

• 1 large egg

• ½ small onion, finely grated

• 3–4 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the filling

• 120–150 g mozzarella or cheddar cheese (grated or sliced)

For frying

• Vegetable oil or olive oil

For garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes

   • Grate the potatoes using a coarse grater.

   • Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible (very important for crispiness).

2. Make the batter

   • In a bowl, combine grated potatoes, grated onion, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

   • Mix until everything is evenly combined.

3. Form the pancakes

   • Take 1–2 tablespoons of potato mixture and flatten it in your palm.

   • Place a small amount of cheese in the center.

   • Cover with a little more potato mixture and gently seal the edges.

4. Fry

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

   • Fry pancakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

   • Don’t overcrowd the pan.

5. Drain & serve

   • Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

   • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Garlic sauce

• Ketchup or chili sauce

• Fresh salad on the side

❓ Q & A (Common Questions)

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?

A: Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush lightly with oil for better color.

Q: What cheese works best?

A:

• Mozzarella → best melt

• Cheddar → stronger flavor

• Gouda or Emmental → excellent alternatives

Q: Why must I squeeze the potatoes?

A: Removing liquid prevents soggy pancakes and helps them get crispy.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?

A: Yes. Store cooked pancakes in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or oven.

Q: Can I freeze them?

A: Yes. Freeze after frying and cooling. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Q: Can I add extra ingredients?

A: Absolutely! Try:

• Corn

• Chopped ham or turkey

• Green onions

• Paprika or chili flakes.