Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe with you! These crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside pancakes have become one of my favorite comfort foods that I turn to when I want something satisfying with that perfect cheesy twist. They’re simple to make but feel special enough for weekend brunch or even a cozy dinner.

What makes this Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe stand out is the way the starchy potatoes hold everything together in a delicate, tender dough that crisps beautifully when fried. Plus, the mozzarella cubes inside melt just right, giving you these delightful pockets of cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe plays a key role to make sure your pancakes have the right texture and flavor. The starchy potatoes give structure, the flour helps bind everything gently, and the mozzarella brings that melty, irresistible center. When shopping, choose fresh potatoes and good-quality mozzarella for the best results.

• Starchy potatoes: I always pick russets for their fluffiness and binding ability.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder, keeping the mixture together without making it dense.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Just a gentle kick to complement the cheese.
• All-purpose flour: Helps keep the pancakes intact without making them tough.
• Oil for frying: I recommend a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
• Mozzarella: Cubed fresh mozzarella melts beautifully inside, providing gooey pockets.

Variations

I love making this Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe my own by tweaking the cheese or adding herbs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own kitchen adventure — these pancakes are really forgiving and versatile.

• Variation: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier cheese taste—I personally love cheddar for a smoky twist.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley mixed into the batter adds freshness that balances the richness.
• Vegan option: Try using a flax egg and vegan cheese; the texture will differ but still tasty!
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder to the mix for a subtle heat.

How to Make Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Mash Your Potatoes

Start by peeling and boiling your starchy potatoes until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Don’t overcook though, or the potatoes might absorb too much water and turn your batter soggy. Once done, drain them well, then mash immediately while they’re still warm for a smooth texture. I like to use a potato masher rather than a blender to avoid a gummy consistency.

Step 2: Mix in the Egg, Seasonings, and Flour

Once your potatoes are mashed, add the egg, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and flour. Stir everything gently until just combined; don’t overwork the dough or it will lose its lightness. The consistency should be soft but firm enough to shape — if it feels too wet, just add a pinch more flour.

Step 3: Shape and Fill with Cheese

Here’s where it gets fun: scoop a portion of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold and pinch the edges around the cheese to seal completely. Wet your hands slightly if the dough sticks. This sealing step is key — it keeps the cheese melting inside without leaking out during frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat—medium is important so you get golden crusts and melted cheese without burning the outside. Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. Avoid crowding your pan for even cooking. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Remove your Potato Cheese Pancakes from the pan and drain on paper towels briefly to soak up extra oil. Serve them while still warm so the cheese is deliciously gooey. You’ll love how these deliver on comfort food vibes with each bite.

How to Serve Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I top mine with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped chives—it adds a fresh tang and color that brightens up the pancakes perfectly. A little more cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

These Potato Cheese Pancakes go wonderfully alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Sometimes, I like to serve them with a side of spicy tomato chutney or even a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch or holiday table, I arrange the pancakes stacked with layers of smoked salmon or avocado slices between, then drizzle a little herbed yogurt sauce on top. It looks impressive but is super simple to pull off, and the combination of flavors is divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Potato Cheese Pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They keep their flavor but can lose a bit of their crispness, which I fix easily by reheating the right way.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! Just place the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, and you can pull out as many as you need for a quick meal later. I’ve frozen them for up to a month with great results.

Reheating

To reheat, I avoid the microwave because it can make them soggy—my go-to is reheating in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to crisp up the exterior again. Alternatively, a 350°F oven for 10 minutes does the trick nicely, bringing back that fresh-from-the-pan magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Potato Cheese Pancakes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s such a reliable crowd-pleaser—whether I’m cooking for my family or just craving something cozy myself. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the crispy exterior paired with gooey cheese pockets as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is surprisingly easy to make. So, grab your potatoes and mozzarella, and start cooking—you won’t regret it!

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