Potato Pancakes with Melted Cheese

Potato pancakes with melted cheese are a delightful and savory dish that's perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the comforting taste of potatoes with the rich flavor of melted cheese, creating a satisfying culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, a side dish, or a tempting snack, these potato pancakes are sure to impress. The secret to their deliciousness is in the combination of freshly grated potatoes, creamy melted cheese, and a hint of garlic and fresh herbs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pancakes are perfect served with a dollop of sour cream. They are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy days. With just a few steps, you'll have a plate of golden brown pancakes ready to enjoy. Plus, they can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. This recipe will become a favorite in your household, creating memories with every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg potatoes
200 g melted cheese
3 eggs
Salt to taste
Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them finely. Once grated, press out as much juice as possible to prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy.
Collect the Starch: Allow the extracted potato juice to settle. Once the starch is settled at the bottom, drain the liquid and add the starch back to the potato mixture. This will help bind the pancakes together.
Mix the Cheese and Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the melted cheese. Make sure the cheese is well incorporated.
Combine Ingredients: Add the egg and cheese mixture to the grated potatoes. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Season the Mixture: Season the potato mix with salt, freshly chopped herbs, and minced garlic. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Heat the Oil: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot enough to sizzle when the batter hits the pan.
Form the Pancakes: Take spoonfuls of the potato mixture and carefully place them in the hot oil, flattening them slightly to form pancake shapes.
Cook Until Golden: Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain the Pancakes: Once cooked, place the pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve Warm: These pancakes are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking.
Garnish: For an added touch, garnish with extra chopped herbs before serving.
Serve with Sour Cream: Offer a side of sour cream for dipping or spreading over the pancakes for extra richness.

Tips

For a fluffier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to the potato mixture.
If you're not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or substitute with onion powder for a milder flavor.
Use a non-stick pan to prevent the pancakes from sticking.

Nutritions

Each pancake provides approximately 150 calories, 5g protein, 8g fat, and 14g carbohydrates.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with almond or rice flour.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to introduce a slight kick to the pancakes.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter taste profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pancakes with:

A fresh green salad for a light meal.
Grilled sausages or smoked salmon for a more substantial plate.
A glass of chilled white wine or a light beer.

Best Places

Restaurant Schönberg - Renowned for its exceptional potato pancakes. Location: Schönbergstrasse 2, Zurich, Switzerland.
Pike Market Bar & Grill - Offers a unique twist on classic dishes. Location: 86 Pike St, Seattle, USA.
The Wolseley - Classic European dishes with a modern flair. Location: 160 Piccadilly, London, UK.
Le Procope - A delightful mix of history and gastronomy. Location: 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, Paris, France.
Café Imperial - For traditional European charm. Location: Na Poříčí 15, Prague, Czech Republic.
Restaurant zum Dürnbräu - Bavarian specialties in an inviting setting. Location: 3 Dürnbräugasse, Munich, Germany.
Diethnes Restaurant - A piece of Greece with every bite. Location: 336 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia.
Intourist Hotel Restaurant - A taste of local traditions. Location: 2 Sadovaya St, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Karavan Sarai - Fusion of flavors in a modern ambiance. Location: 12 Amir Temur St, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Osteria Francescana - Innovative and classic at once. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.