What To Know
- Place the formed pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Mix the potato pancake batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Yes, you can bake potato pancakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Crispy, golden brown potato pancakes are a beloved breakfast or brunch treat. But what if you’re short on time in the morning? Can you make potato pancakes the day before and enjoy them the next day? The answer is yes! With a few simple steps, you can prepare your pancakes ahead of time and have them ready to indulge in when you wake up.
Preparing Potato Pancakes the Day Before
To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to follow these steps carefully:
1. Grate the Potatoes: Use a box grater to grate peeled potatoes into a large bowl.
2. Drain the Potatoes: Place the grated potatoes in a colander lined with cheesecloth or a clean dish towel. Allow them to drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Mix the Batter: Combine the drained potatoes with grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Form the Pancakes: Divide the batter into 12-15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick.
5. Refrigerate the Pancakes: Place the formed pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking the Pancakes the Next Day
Once your potato pancakes are refrigerated, you’re ready to cook them:
1. Heat the Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom.
2. Pan-Fry the Pancakes: Carefully place the refrigerated pancakes in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Pancakes: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Tips for Success
- For extra crispy pancakes, make sure to drain the potatoes thoroughly before mixing the batter.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the pancakes. Give them space to crisp up evenly.
- Serve your potato pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as applesauce, sour cream, or smoked salmon.
Benefits of Making Potato Pancakes the Day Before
- Save Time in the Morning: By preparing the pancakes the day before, you can save precious time in the morning when you’re rushing to get ready.
- Consistent Results: Refrigerating the pancakes before cooking helps them hold their shape better and ensures even cooking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Potato pancakes are an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Reheating Potato Pancakes
If you have any leftover potato pancakes, you can reheat them in the following ways:
- Microwave: Microwave the pancakes on high for 30-60 seconds per side, or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pancakes for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
Alternatives to Refrigerating
If you don’t have time to refrigerate the potato pancakes overnight, you can still make them ahead of time using these methods:
- Freeze the Uncooked Pancakes: Form the pancakes as directed and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw the pancakes overnight in the refrigerator and then pan-fry as usual.
- Make the Batter Ahead of Time: Mix the potato pancake batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, form the pancakes and pan-fry as usual.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in my potato pancakes?
Yes, you can add grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to your potato pancakes for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I make gluten-free potato pancakes?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the batter.
Can I bake potato pancakes instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you can bake potato pancakes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
What are some creative toppings for potato pancakes?
Try topping your potato pancakes with fried eggs, avocado slices, sautéed mushrooms, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Can I make sweet potato pancakes?
Yes, you can use grated sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to make sweet potato pancakes.
