Few dishes embody comfort food as perfectly as cheesy stuffed potato pancakes. Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, these pancakes are the kind of food that instantly makes you feel at home. Paired with a creamy garlic-herb sauce, they strike the perfect balance between hearty, indulgent, and flavorful. What’s more, they’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you serve them as a cozy dinner, an appetizer at a gathering, or even as a side dish, these stuffed potato pancakes never fail to impress. They are rustic yet refined, familiar yet elevated, and they hit that irresistible spot between crispy potatoes and gooey melted cheese.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (about 500 g), peeled and coarsely grated

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

• 150 g cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), shredded

For the Creamy Garlic-Herb Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, parsley, or chives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Grate the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to ensure crispy pancakes rather than soggy ones.

2. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, beaten egg, flour, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined into a thick batter.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about two tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten it slightly with a spatula. Place a small handful of cheese in the center, then cover with another spoonful of potato mixture, pressing the edges to seal the cheese inside.

4. Fry the pancakes for three to four minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. While the pancakes cook, prepare the creamy garlic-herb sauce. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve the cheesy stuffed potato pancakes hot, with the creamy garlic-herb sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 310 kcal

• Protein: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 420 mg

• Calcium: high from cheese and sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it brings together the satisfying crunch of potato pancakes with the melty indulgence of cheese. The garlic-herb sauce adds freshness and tang, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. It’s quick to make, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can enjoy these pancakes as a snack, side, or even the star of a meal. Few things beat pulling apart a pancake and watching gooey melted cheese stretch from the center—it’s comfort food at its finest.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Potato pancakes, often known as latkes in Jewish cuisine or draniki in Eastern European cooking, have been around for centuries. They emerged as a way to stretch simple, inexpensive ingredients into hearty meals. This recipe takes inspiration from those traditions but adds a modern twist by stuffing the pancakes with cheese and pairing them with a creamy sauce. The result is a dish that honors its humble roots while appealing to contemporary palates that crave comfort with a touch of indulgence.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes are the backbone of this dish, providing texture and heartiness. The key is squeezing out moisture so they crisp properly when fried. Cheese is the soul of the stuffing—cheddar offers sharpness, mozzarella brings gooey stretch, and blends create balance. Onion adds sweetness and depth, while the egg and flour bind the mixture together. The garlic-herb sauce elevates the dish, with sour cream offering creaminess, garlic providing punch, and fresh herbs adding brightness. It’s a perfect marriage of ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These potato pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10–12 minutes, which restores their crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the crust. If you’d like to freeze them, lay cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to two months and can be reheated directly from frozen in the oven.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can experiment with different cheeses—try smoked gouda for a bold flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add cooked bacon bits, ham, or mushrooms inside for more variety. For a lighter version, bake the pancakes instead of frying them, though they won’t be quite as crispy. You can also swap the garlic-herb sauce for marinara, spicy aioli, or even guacamole to give the dish a new personality. Vegetarian? It’s already meatless, but you can lean into the theme with more vegetables inside, like sautéed spinach or roasted peppers.

Pairing Recommendations

These pancakes pair beautifully with both casual and more refined meals. Serve them with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a heartier plate. They also work well as party food, paired with a variety of dipping sauces for guests. For drinks, consider a cold beer, sparkling water with lemon, or even a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness. If serving at brunch, coffee or fresh juice makes an excellent complement.

Health Benefits

While cheesy stuffed potato pancakes are indulgent, they also offer some nutritional perks. Potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, while cheese contributes calcium and protein. Using olive oil instead of heavier fats keeps them lighter, and fresh herbs in the sauce add antioxidants and micronutrients. If you want to make the dish healthier, you can pan-fry with less oil or bake them instead. Balance the meal with a salad or vegetables on the side, and you’ll have comfort food that fits into a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Cheesy stuffed potato pancakes with creamy garlic-herb sauce are a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, gooey, flavorful, and comforting. Inspired by old-world potato pancakes but elevated with a cheesy filling and fresh sauce, they’re a recipe that blends tradition and modern comfort food. Easy enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for guests, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or full meal, these pancakes deliver big flavor with simple ingredients. Next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the frozen options and make these at home—you won’t regret it.