
Welcome back, my friend. I’m Shivam, and today I’m excited to share my take on the famous Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe.
Have you ever tasted something so simple yet so comforting that it sticks in your memory for years? That’s exactly how these crispy, golden potato pancakes feel to me. They bring that classic diner warmth right into my kitchen, and I can’t wait to help you make them at home too.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: Makes 6–8 pancakes
Course: Breakfast / Brunch
History of Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
Before we go into the history or ingredients, here’s a quick look at what this recipe really is. These Perkins-style potato pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of that diner-style flavor that makes mornings feel warm and cozy.
I always wonder about where a recipe truly started, do you think about that too? Perkins is an American restaurant chain known for its homestyle breakfasts, and Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe have been on their menu for decades.
They are inspired by old European recipes, especially from German and Jewish cooking, where shredded potatoes were mixed with eggs and fried into a crisp cake.
Over time, Perkins gave it their own diner-style twist, making the pancakes a little softer and more flavorful than traditional latkes. I find that mix pretty addictive, what about you?
Equipment Needed
I like keeping things simple, don’t you? Here’s what you actually need in Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe:
- A box grater or food processor
- A mixing bowl
- A cheesecloth or clean towel to squeeze moisture
- A nonstick skillet or cast iron pan
- A spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients Table
Here’s the neat ingredient table of Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe. Have you already checked what you have in your kitchen?
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes, peeled and grated | 4 medium |
| Onion, grated | 1 small |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Sugar (optional, Perkins-style hint) | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable oil or butter | For frying |
Step-by-Step Methods
I always feel cooking becomes easier when the steps are clear, do you feel the same?
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Grate the potatoes and immediately place them in cold water so they don’t turn brown. After a minute, drain and squeeze out every drop of water using a towel.
Removing moisture is super important, otherwise the pancakes won’t crisp up. Have you ever tried squeezing potatoes like this before?
Step 2: Mix the base
Add the grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and sugar to the potatoes. Stir everything until it looks like a sticky batter. It shouldn’t be runny. If it feels too wet, add a spoon of flour. Do you like your batter thicker or lighter?
Step 3: Heat the skillet
Warm your skillet over medium heat and add a nice thin layer of oil. I sometimes mix a bit of butter too because it adds that diner flavor. What do you prefer, butter or oil?
Step 4: Fry the pancakes
Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and gently flatten it onto the pan. Cook until each side becomes golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. The smell will tell you when you’re close, trust me. Are you smelling it already in your imagination?
Step 5: Serve fresh
This Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe taste best hot. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce the way Perkins does. Which one would you choose?
Recipe Card

Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe

- Grate the potatoes and immediately place them in cold water so they don’t turn brown. After a minute, drain and squeeze out every drop of water using a towel. Removing moisture is super important, otherwise the pancakes won’t crisp up. Have you ever tried squeezing potatoes like this before?
- Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Add the grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and sugar to the potatoes. Stir everything until it looks like a sticky batter. It shouldn’t be runny. If it feels too wet, add a spoon of flour. Do you like your batter thicker or lighter?

- Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Warm your skillet over medium heat and add a nice thin layer of oil. I sometimes mix a bit of butter too because it adds that diner flavor. What do you prefer, butter or oil?

- Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Scoop a spoonful of the mixture and gently flatten it onto the pan. Cook until each side becomes golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. The smell will tell you when you’re close, trust me. Are you smelling it already in your imagination?

- Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Potato pancakes taste best hot. Serve them with sour cream or applesauce the way Perkins does. Which one would you choose?

Notes
- Squeezing water from potatoes is the most important step.
- If the pancakes fall apart, add a little extra flour or cook longer on low flame.
- Use Russet potatoes only; waxy potatoes won’t crisp as nicely.
- Let the mixture rest 5 minutes for better binding.
- Serve immediately; they lose crispiness as they cool.
Nutritional Information
I know many readers like to keep track, do you also count calories sometimes?
| Nutrition | Approx. per Pancake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Recipe Notes Helpful Tips
- Squeezing water from potatoes is the most important step.
- If the pancakes fall apart, add a little extra flour or cook longer on low flame.
- Use Russet potatoes only; waxy potatoes won’t crisp as nicely.
- Let the mixture rest 5 minutes for better binding.
- Serve immediately; they lose crispiness as they cool.
Conclusion
The Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes that bring a warm, diner-style feeling right into your kitchen. I love how simple ingredients turn into something so crispy, soft, and flavorful.
Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or brunch, they always hit the spot. Did you also feel that nostalgic taste while cooking them? Try serving them fresh and hot, and you’ll see why this classic recipe never fades away.
You may also like: Macadamia Nut Chicken Kona Grill Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do Perkins-style pancakes taste different?
They add a hint of sweetness and keep the inside softer.
Can I use pre-shredded potatoes?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze excess water.
Why are my pancakes falling apart?
Usually because the potatoes weren’t dry enough.
Can I air-fry these pancakes?
Yes, at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, but pan-frying is crispier.
Can I freeze potato pancakes?
Yes. Freeze after frying and reheat in a skillet or air fryer.