Have you ever tried making 3 ingredient potato pancake recipe at home? I used to think it required a long list of ingredients and a complicated process. But what do you know! I was utterly surprised to find out that you only need three simple ingredients to make them! My 3 main ingredients were potato cornflour and cheese. The testiest combo.
Add a little spice twist and a pinch of salt— you can create deliciously crispy and golden pancakes in no time. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a satisfying breakfast, snack, or side dish ready in minutes. I’ll also share some tasty serving suggestions and chef’s tips to make your potato pancakes perfect!
What Are Potato Pancakes?
Potato pancakes, also known as latkes or draniki, harbor a very long tradition in Jewish, Polish, and German cuisine, originally hailing from Eastern Europe that is. Since these pancakes are so easy to make they have been loved within versatile cultures for centuries.
According to the Jewish tradition, latkes became famous as one of the dishes included in the Hanukkah dish to symbolize the miraculous oil. In Europe, latkes have long been a staple, easily prepared from basic ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and salt.
They have evolved with time to incorporate local touches like- onions, herbs, or cheese. But to this day, latkes or potato pancakes are the comfort food that you can enjoy sweet or savory. They are still a staple at breakfast tables and holiday feasts alike.
How to Make Potato Pancakes?
To make your potato pancakes, wash, peel, and chop some potatoes into small pieces, boil them until they are soft; then mash until smooth. Add a little bit of black pepper, chili flakes, salt to taste, and some corn flour.
Mix everything and knead into a dough. Shape the dough into balls, flatten, and place mozzarella cheese cubes inside. Shape into balls and flatten. Heat some oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry until golden brown, and flip to the other side until well done.
After that, your potato pancakes will be ready. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite side dish.
Potato Pancake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of potatoes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- ⅓ cup corn flour
- Mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Directions:
Once you have all your ingredients ready on your kitchen countertop, follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect crispy texture and divine taste:
- Wash, peel, and cut 200 Grams of potato into small pieces.

- Now let’s boil these pieces of potato until they become soft.

- Now, take a fork and gently mash the potato pieces until they become smooth.

- For the spices, add ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of chili flakes, and salt to taste.

- Next, Add ⅓ cup of corn flour.

- Now, mix all the ingredients together, then use your hands to knead the dough until it’s smooth.

- Next, let’s take 1 teaspoon of dough into your palms.

- Shape it into a ball using your palms. Repeat the same process for all the remaining doughs 1 teaspoon at a time.

- For the filling prepare some mozzarella cheese into small cubes.

- Using 2 fingers flatten the potato balls now.

- Now into the middle of your flattened potato ball add 2 cubes of mozzarella cheese.

- Now gently craddl the edges of your potato dough and make a ball again with the cheese inside.

- Use both of your palms and put on a little bit of pressure on the potato ball to flatten it.

- Follow the same process to make the remaining potato pancakes.

- Using 200 grams of potatoes 6 of my potato pancakes are ready to be cooked.

- For the cooking session, on a non-stick frying pan pour 3 tablespoons of cooking oil first and let it heat up a little at a medium temperature.

- Once your is moderately heated add the potato pancakes one by one.

- With intervals flip the pancakes to make sure both sides are evenly cooked.

- Keep on frying your potato pancakes until they start showing a light golden and brown color. When done take out your pancakes and enjoy with your friends and family.
Side Dish Ideas To Try with Your Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes are really scrumptious on their own. But versatility is the potato’s best nature. Try pairing them with apple sauce and sour cream. If you’re a savory lover try serving them with smoked salmon and dill for a more richer flavor.
For a heartier twist you can also pair the pancakes with fried egg and sauteed spinach. This will add a protein punch to your course. Or for a green balance, pair it with some avocado slices and vegetable salad.
If its a party time, pair the potato pancakes with a dollop of crème fraîche and caviar. However, potato pancakes with a side of crispy bacon and maple syrup are the most classic and crowd-pleasing pairing.
Chef’s Tips
- After boiling using a kitchen towel dry out extra moisture. This helps prevent sogginess.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side to confirm the crispy texture.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the batter to ensure a golden crust.
- After frying take out the pancakes onto a kitchen towel again to dry out the excess oil.

