Potato Fritters Recipe

Crispy outside and tender inside, these cheesy Potato Fritters will surprise you at first bite. Believe me when I say that these are the best potato pancakes ever! Simple and delicious.

This recipe dates back to my childhood. Back then, potato fritters were one of the most popular recipe of my dad. My brother and I would beg him to make his delicious “Friciulin“, namely the way how locals call potato fritters in Piedmont (Italy). Unlike others, my dad’s dish is very basic and simple. Potatoes, egg, olive oil, little flour and some cheese for those who like. I liked and I liked a lot, so I begged him for both ingredients and directions before moving out of home.

Although Tino’s friciulin remain the unquestionable best, over the years I came to master the art of making delicious potato fritters as the traditional. Quick, simple and irresistibly delicious, this is one of those recipes that I like making when I have guests. Like last night. Some friends were coming over for dinner, but it was late and I still hadn’t prepared any food. About to order pizza, a couple of potatoes lying in the kitchen called my attention. “I have potatoes, eggs and cheese. Let’s make potato fritters. They are whipped up in minutes and taste so good that everyone will love them”.

The ingredients

Presented with a plate full of cheesy fritters, my friends remarked that I must have spent so much time cooking. Well, in reality I didn’t because my recipe for potato pancake is pretty simple. It comes together in minutes and requires just a handful of basic ingredients. More precisely, you will need: 

• Egg: When making potato fritters, the egg serves the purpose of binding the dough while adding more taste.
• Russet potatoes: This recipe works best with starchy potatoes. I used Russet potatoes, but also Yukon potatoes or red potatoes work great. Another option is sweet potatoes, if you like their unique taste. 
• All purpose flour: the flour helps bind the mixture and improves the texture of potato fritters. If you prefer, replace with whole wheat flour, oat flour, almond flour or gluten-free alternatives.
• Cheese: My potato fritters recipe uses Parmesan cheese, but you can easily replace with shredded or cubed mozzarella, shredded cheddar and even feta cheese. If you are not a fan of cheese; omit this ingredient. 
• Olive oil: I like extra virgin olive oil, but you can substitute with any other oil such as avocado oil, seed oil or walnut oil. Even melted butter works.
• Seasonings: As simple recipes are my favorite, I normally only use sea salt and black pepper. Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika or Italian seasoning if you desire something more elaborate.

Recipe variations

One recipe, endless options. What I like about this dish is that it is very basic, so that it leaves plenty of room for your creativity. With hidden veggies or bacon, here are some recipe variations to try.

• Use sweet potatoes instead of the classic white potatoes for more nutrients and flavor. 
• Mix in grated zucchini or carrots and make healthier potato fritters that are loaded with nutrients and taste.
• Add bacon or chunks of ham and no one will be able to resist your potato fritters!
• Besides salt and pepper, flavor the fritters with a selection of your favorite seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder and Italian herbs are my favorite!

Vegan potato fritters 

As it mainly consists of potatoes, adapting this recipe to a vegan diet is quite simple. The only animal ingredients are egg and cheese, which can either be omitted or substituted as follows.

• Egg: Although it significantly enhances both taste and texture; the egg can be left out from the ingredient list. In case the dough doesn’t bind well, make sure to increase the amount of flour until fixed.
• Cheese: You can indeed skip the cheese, but the taste won’t be the same. As nowadays there are many options, my suggestion is to opt for plant based cheeses. 

How to make potato fritters

Prepare the potatoes. Wash and peel the potatoes. Transfer to a large pot and cover with cold water, then turn on the heat and cook for about 6 minutes. After cooking, drain and let cool. Using a grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, shred the potatoes.

Make the fritters. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes with egg, flour, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, Parmesan cheese (optional) and any seasoning of your choice (garlic powder, onion powder, etc). Mix until the you get a well-combined dough.

Cook the fritters. Take a small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a disc. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Heat a nonstick skillet, slightly greased or oiled. When hot, place the fritters without overcrowding the pan. Cook over medium heat until the underside is golden, then flip with a spatula and cook on the other side.

Serve. Once they are cooked, remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or as a snack.

How to store leftovers

If you have any, leftovers can be stored in the fridge or in the freezer. For the best storage, allow the potato pancakes to cool completely at room temperature first. This step helps prevent condensation and therefore preserve texture.

• In the fridge. Once they have cooled, line in an airtight container in single layers, spacing each layer with parchment paper if you stack them. Make sure you seal the container tightly so that the pancakes do not go get soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer. To freeze leftover potato patties, place in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag, separating each layer with parchment paper if stacked. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving ideas

For breakfast or lunch, the ways how you can serve cheesy protein fritters are endless. And if you need inspiration, here are some ideas for you.

• Appetizer or snack: Serve alongside a dipping sauce such as aioli, mayonnaise, ketchup, salsa, guacamole or a homemade buffalo dip.
• Side dish: Enjoy alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken as a delicious alternative to bread or fries.
• Breakfast or brunch: Top your savory pancakes with a poached egg and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. The combination of runny yolk, crispy pancakes, and fresh herbs will charge you up for the entire day! Or serve alongside smoked salmon, bacon, sliced avocado, chopped red onions, and dill cream cheese.
• Lunch or dinner: Versatile and simple, potato fritters are also great for a delicious lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to pair with a source of protein such as chicken or white fish for a more complete meal.

More healthy side dishes

• Air fryer potato tater tots
• Zucchini fries in the air fryer
• Chickpea nuggets
• Low calorie chicken tenders
• Low calorie fries
• Cornflake chicken nuggets