Potatoes with onion and cheese make for an incredibly delicious and satisfying dish. These potato pancakes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even as a side dish for dinner. The combination of crispy potato pancakes and a savory cheese filling is simply irresistible. Here’s a detailed recipe to create these delightful pancakes at home.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3 eggs
- 4 potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons flour
- Olive oil (or regular oil) for frying
For the Filling:
- 100 grams of grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tomato, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (or chives, cilantro)
For Assembling:
- Grated mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Baking dish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- Mix Onion and Eggs: In a bowl, add the grated onion. Crack in three eggs and whisk them together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
- Grate the Potatoes: Peel and grate four potatoes. Once grated, squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to ensure the pancakes hold together and get crispy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the grated potatoes to the bowl with the egg and onion mixture. Season with one tablespoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Add four tablespoons of flour and mix everything thoroughly. The mixture should have a thick, cohesive texture.
Step 2: Fry the Pancakes
- Heat the Oil: Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You can use regular cooking oil if you prefer.
- Form the Pancakes: Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly to form pancake shapes. Ensure the pancakes are not too thick to allow even cooking.
- Cook the Pancakes: Cook each pancake for a few minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula or plate to cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 100 grams of grated cheese, one grated tomato, and chopped parsley. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This filling will add a burst of flavor to the pancakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pancakes
- Layer the Pancakes: In a baking dish, place one potato pancake at the bottom. Spread a generous amount of the cheese and tomato mixture over the pancake. Repeat this process, layering another pancake on top, followed by more filling, until you have used all the pancakes and filling.
- Top with Cheese: Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the final pancake layer.
Step 5: Bake the Pancakes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 380°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the assembled pancakes in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve the pancakes warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy potatoes and savory cheese filling.
Cooking Notes
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work wonderfully.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add garlic powder, paprika, or other spices to the pancake batter for an extra flavor boost.
- Frying Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the pancake mixture to achieve a crispy exterior. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pancakes.
- Serving Suggestion: These potato pancakes pair well with a side salad, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make these pancakes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter and filling in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and cook the pancakes just before serving for the best results.
Q2: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter and different flavor profile. The method remains the same.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that any other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Q4: Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage can be added to the filling for a meaty twist.
Q5: How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop until warmed through.
These potato pancakes with onion and cheese filling are a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they’re a wonderful addition to any meal. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness with your family and friends. Happy cooking
