How to make Kartoffelpuffer

Why cooks start here

Kartoffelpuffer is cooked the way Rhineland cooks it — butter or clarified butter used without fuss, salt judged by hand, and no apology for a second helping. This is the home version, written down the way a German family cook actually puts it on the table.

Kartoffelpuffer, a beloved German potato pancake, is a staple in the Rhineland region. Made with starchy potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, it's fried in butter or clarified butter until golden and crisp. This home-style recipe reflects the way a German family cook prepares it, focusing on simplicity and flavor. Served traditionally with applesauce, these pancakes are seasoned with fine sea salt and black pepper. The result is a savory, slightly sweet dish that invites second helpings without hesitation. It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's enjoyed across Germany, especially in the Rhineland.