Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling

Introduction

Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling combine the comforting flavors of crispy, grated potatoes, savory onions, and gooey melted cheese into a deliciously indulgent treat. These pancakes have a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a warm, cheesy surprise inside. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or brunch centerpiece, they’re a delightful twist on classic potato pancakes, packed with flavor and texture.

I first made these Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes for a cozy family dinner, and they quickly became a favorite in our household. The crispy exterior contrasted beautifully with the soft, melted cheese filling, while the onions added a hint of savory sweetness. Everyone loved the combination of textures and flavors, and it quickly became a dish requested for special occasions.

What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for unique flavor profiles. Add herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for an extra burst of freshness, or toss in crispy beef bacon bits for a smoky touch. Whether paired with sour cream, applesauce, or a simple green salad, Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Fil

Perfect for:

Brunch gatherings
Family dinners
Cozy evenings
Appetizer platters
Cheese and potato lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling will become your new favorite comfort food:

Gooey Cheese Center: The melted cheese creates a delightful burst of gooey goodness in every bite.
Perfectly Crispy Exterior: A golden, crispy crust that adds a satisfying texture contrast.
Savory Potato & Onion Blend: A classic combination that delivers a rich, hearty flavor.
Customizable Filling: You can adjust the type of cheese or add herbs for extra flavor.
Quick and Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and instructions make these pancakes a breeze.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or side.
Comfort Food Twist: A unique twist on classic pancakes that’s both filling and satisfying.
Make Ahead Friendly: These pancakes can be made in advance and reheated easily.
Nutritious Ingredients: Potatoes provide energy, while onions and cheese add flavor and nutrients.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: A savory treat that’s perfect for gatherings and family meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Pancake Base:

2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cheese Filling:

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Optional: Chopped herbs (parsley or chives)

Ingredient Highlights

Potatoes: Provide a hearty texture and natural starchiness.
Onions: Add a savory, rich flavor to the pancakes.
Shredded Cheese: The gooey center creates an irresistible melted texture.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures a crispy, golden crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pancake Base:

Grate Potatoes: Place grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out excess moisture, and transfer to a bowl.
Mix Ingredients: Add finely chopped onions, egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the grated potatoes. Mix well until you have a cohesive batter.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

Prepare Shredded Cheese: Use your choice of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix). Optionally, add herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Form and Fry the Pancakes:

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Scoop and Shape: Take about 2 tablespoons of the potato batter, place it in the skillet, and flatten slightly into a pancake shape.
Add Cheese: Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of the pancake, then add a bit more batter on top to seal it.
Fry Pancakes: Fry each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling:

As an Appetizer: Serve alongside dipping sauces like sour cream or ketchup.
Brunch Addition: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.
Main Course Option: Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
As a Side Dish: Complement grilled meats or fish with these savory pancakes.
With Tomato Salsa: Add a burst of freshness with salsa on top.
Sprinkled with Herbs: Garnish with parsley or chives for a vibrant touch.
With a Yogurt Dip: Serve with a tangy Greek yogurt dip for a contrast of flavors.
Drizzled with Hot Sauce: Add a kick of heat with your favorite hot sauce.
With Mixed Greens: Serve on a bed of greens with light vinaigrette.
Cheesy Stack: Layer pancakes with additional cheese between each pancake slice.

Additional Tips

Use Starchy Potatoes: Use varieties like Russet potatoes, as their higher starch content makes the pancakes crispier.
Grate Potatoes Finely: Finely grate your potatoes for better texture and even cooking.
Remove Excess Moisture: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out any excess moisture from grated potatoes, ensuring crispy pancakes.
Mix Cheese Varieties: Combine different cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta) for a unique and gooey filling flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (like parsley, chives, or dill) to enhance the overall taste.
Add Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder or minced garlic can elevate the savory flavors in your pancakes.
Preheat the Pan Properly: Ensure your skillet or frying pan is hot before adding oil; this helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Use High Smoke-Point Oil: Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or ghee to prevent burning while frying.
Customize with Veggies: Consider adding finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Serve with Dips: Serve your pancakes with sour cream, yogurt, or a tangy dipping sauce like tzatziki or spicy mayo for extra flavor and contrast.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Herb Pancakes: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the cheese filling.
Beef Bacon and Potato Pancakes: Mix cooked beef bacon pieces into the potato batter.
Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute and flaxseed as a binding agent.
Spicy Variation: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a bit of heat.
Mixed Vegetable Filling: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms into the center.

Special Equipment

Grater – For shredding the potatoes and onions quickly and evenly.
Mixing Bowl – A large bowl to combine and mix your grated potatoes, onions, flour, and seasonings.
Sieve or Cheesecloth – To drain excess moisture from grated potatoes and onions to prevent soggy pancakes.
Spatula – A sturdy spatula to flip the pancakes easily and ensure even cooking.
Non-Stick Frying Pan or Griddle – For even and crispy frying of the pancakes.
Skillet Lid – Helps cover the skillet to melt the cheese filling evenly while cooking.
Piping Bag or Spoon – To fill the pancakes with cheese efficiently and neatly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise measurements of flour, potatoes, cheese, and seasoning.
Tongs – For easily flipping and removing pancakes from the skillet.
Cooling Rack – To place pancakes after frying, helping maintain their crispiness by preventing sogginess.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Fresh potatoes work best for texture and moisture control, but frozen potatoes can be a quick alternative.
Can I bake these pancakes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until golden.
What cheeses work best for the filling?
Cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, but you can mix any cheese you love.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with gluten-free flour or potato flour.
Can I add meat to the pancakes?
Yes, add beef bacon to the filling for a meaty twist.
Are these pancakes suitable for brunch gatherings?
Absolutely! They make a hearty and savory addition to brunch platters.
How do I prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy?
Use high heat for frying and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, try bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or kale for a healthy twist.
Is there a good vegan cheese substitute?
Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese blends work well as a filling substitute.

Conclusion

Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling are a delightful combination of crispy, golden perfection and gooey, cheesy goodness. These pancakes are packed with grated potatoes and sautéed onions, offering a satisfying texture and a burst of savory flavor in every bite. The melted cheese filling adds a rich, indulgent touch that elevates these pancakes into a mouth-watering comfort food experience.

Perfect for brunch, a hearty breakfast, or even as an appetizer, these pancakes are a versatile and satisfying treat. You can customize them with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, and add herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the flavors even more. Serve with sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate experience.

I’d love to see your Savory Potato and Onion Pancakes with Cheese Filling creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, cheesy masterpieces. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any personal twists or unique additions you made to this tasty recipe!