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Crispy Potato Pancakes with Chives and Sour Cream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 potato pancakes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy and golden potato pancakes made from creamy mashed potatoes, flour, and fresh chives, pan-fried to perfection. These versatile pancakes serve wonderfully as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, especially when topped with a dollop of sour cream and extra chives.


Ingredients

Scale

Potato Pancakes

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (plus more for tossing)
  • ¼ cup chopped chives (or green onion, plus more for topping)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving (Optional)

  • Sour cream


Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, chopped green onions (or chives), kosher salt, ground black pepper, and the egg. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and form a sticky batter.
  2. Portion Mixture: Scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of the potato mixture into your hands and sprinkle generously with additional flour. This helps prevent sticking and makes shaping easier.
  3. Form Patties: Gently toss the floured mixture between your palms to form a compact ball, then flatten it into a patty shape about half an inch thick.
  4. Prepare Pancakes: Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the shaping process for the remaining potato mixture to make about 8 cakes.
  5. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, which ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
  6. Fry Pancakes: Carefully add the potato pancakes to the hot skillet in batches without crowding. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Drain Pancakes: Remove the cooked pancakes and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  8. Serve: Sprinkle the pancakes with extra chopped chives and serve warm with a side of sour cream if desired for a tangy, creamy contrast.

Notes

  • If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are well seasoned prior to mixing.
  • For crispier pancakes, squeeze out excess moisture from the mashed potatoes before mixing.
  • Adjust heat as needed during frying to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • These pancakes can be reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture retention.
  • To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Chives can be substituted with green onions or fresh parsley for flavor variation.