These crispy and golden Potato Cheese Fritters are packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of grated potatoes, onion, carrot, garlic, and melty cheese. Fresh spring onions add brightness, while a touch of flour and a single egg bind everything together. Pan-fried until beautifully crisp, these fritters make the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. Pair them with sour cream, herbed yogurt dip, or a spicy tomato sauce for a delicious treat any time of the day.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 10 fritters
Cuisine: European-inspired comfort food
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 grams of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix), grated
- 1 bunch of spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Sunflower oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and grate the potatoes and carrot using a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This helps the fritters get crispier. Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the spring onions. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, carrot, sliced onion, minced garlic, spring onions, and grated cheese. Add salt to taste (start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust later). Beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Sprinkle in the flour and mix everything well until fully combined and evenly coated.
3. Shape the Fritters
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into small, flat patties. Place them on a plate or tray as you work.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large non-stick skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of sunflower oil over medium heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small bit of the mixture into the pan—it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Fritters
Place the patties into the hot oil, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula to cook evenly. Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat in batches.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream, garlic-dill sauce, yogurt-based dip, or a tangy ketchup. Garnish with extra chopped spring onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Optional Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together and chill before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per fritter)
Calories: 110
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Recipe Origin and Popularity
These fritters are inspired by classic European potato pancake recipes like German “Kartoffelpuffer” or Jewish “latkes,” but with a cheesy twist and a fresh mix of spring vegetables. Popular across Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, fritters are beloved for their crisp edges, soft centers, and versatility.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Kid-friendly and vegetarian
- Quick and satisfying
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Great for batch cooking and freezing
Health Benefits
While these fritters are pan-fried, they’re still full of nutritious ingredients: potatoes provide potassium, carrots offer beta-carotene, and spring onions and garlic support immunity. You can reduce oil by baking or air-frying them.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a brunch side with eggs
- Pair with a fresh salad
- Make mini versions for party appetizers
- Add smoked salmon or poached eggs for a gourmet twist
Cooking Tips
- Be sure to squeeze excess water from the potatoes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches
- Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor
- Add spices like paprika or black pepper for a kick
Variations
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens
- Use zucchini instead of carrot
- Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy bite
- Bake instead of fry for a healthier version
Conclusion These Potato Cheese Fritters are the ultimate comfort food, combining wholesome vegetables with melty cheese and savory seasonings in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family brunch, a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these fritters are guaranteed to please.
FAQ
1. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes! Store cooked fritters in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great, but feel free to use what you have. Feta adds a salty, tangy flavor.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What’s a good gluten-free substitute for flour?
Use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
5. How do I prevent soggy fritters?
Make sure to squeeze out moisture from the grated potatoes and carrots.
6. Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re mild, cheesy, and perfect finger food for little ones.
7. What dip goes best with them?
Sour cream with garlic and herbs, yogurt sauces, or even spicy ketchup.
8. Can I add meat or protein?
Yes, finely chopped cooked bacon or shredded chicken works well.
9. How do I reheat leftovers?
Use a skillet, oven, or air fryer to restore crispiness.
10. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, for a sweeter twist and added nutrients, sweet potatoes are a great option.