Amish Potato Pancakes

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The “Homestead” Amish Potato Pancakes

These are savory, slightly salty, and traditionally served with a side of cold applesauce or thick sour cream.

CategoryDetails
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Yield8–10 pancakes

🍴 Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cold leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 Large egg, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup All-purpose flour (adjust based on the moisture of your potatoes)
  • 2 Green onions, finely sliced (or ¼ cup minced yellow onion)
  • ¼ tsp Garlic powder
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted butter or bacon drippings (for frying)
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese folded into the batter.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. The Batter Bind

  • In a medium bowl, break up the cold mashed potatoes with a fork.
  • Add the egg, flour, green onions, and spices. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
  • The “Hand Test”: The mixture should be thick enough to form a ball with your hands without sticking excessively. If it’s too wet, add 1 more tablespoon of flour.

2. The Patty Formation

  • Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture and flatten it into a disc about ½ inch thick.
  • Pro Tip: Dredge the outside of the patty very lightly in a bit of extra flour. This creates an even more pronounced “crunch” when it hits the oil.

3. The Sizzle

  • Melt butter or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the butter is foaming, place the patties in the pan. Do not overcrowd; work in batches.

4. The Golden Rule

  • Fry for 3–4 minutes per side.
  • The “Patience” Tip: Don’t try to flip them too early! Wait until you see a dark golden ring forming around the bottom edge. This ensures the egg has set and the pancake won’t fall apart when you turn it.

5. The Drain & Serve

  • Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate for 60 seconds to remove excess oil. Serve while piping hot.

The “Sweet & Savory” Debate: In traditional Amish households, these are often served with maple syrup for breakfast or chives and sour cream for dinner. If you want to go truly old-school, serve them with a dollop of apple butter.

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