Potato pancakes, also known as latkes or boxty, are a beloved comfort food for many people. They are made primarily from shredded potatoes, onion, egg, flour, and seasoning that are formed into pancake shapes and fried until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Potato pancakes make a delicious side dish or appetizer, and they are a traditional part of Jewish holiday meals.
One of the biggest questions people have about potato pancakes is whether they can be frozen and reheated. Freezing leftovers allows you to enjoy potato pancakes again at a later date without having to go through the whole process of grating potatoes and frying them. Reheating premade potato pancakes can provide a quick and easy side dish or snack.
Can You Freeze Potato Pancakes?
The good news is that yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover or freshly made potato pancakes for later use. Freezing is actually a great way to preserve potato pancakes for up to 3 months.
To freeze potato pancakes:
- Allow freshly made pancakes to cool completely.
- Place them in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and put in the freezer until completely frozen, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen pancakes to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air and seal.
- Label the container with the contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
The key things to keep in mind when freezing potato pancakes are:
- Make sure pancakes are completely cooled before freezing. Freezing them while still hot can make them soggy.
- Freeze pancakes in a single layer first. This prevents them from freezing together in a big clump.
- Use an airtight container. This protects them from freezer burn.
- Don’t overcrowd the container. Leave a little space between pancakes for best results.
As long as you follow these tips, freezing should not significantly change the texture or taste of reheated potato pancakes.
How to Reheat Frozen Potato Pancakes
Reheating frozen potato pancakes is easy, but there are some tricks to getting the best results:
Oven
One of the easiest and most effective methods is reheating the pancakes in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place frozen pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and starting to become crispy.
The oven allows the pancakes to crisp up nicely on the outside while heating all the way through.
Skillet
You can also reheat frozen potato pancakes on the stovetop:
- Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat.
- Add the frozen pancakes and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through.
Use a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cook over medium heat to make sure the centers have time to thaw and heat.
Microwave
For a quick option, microwave:
- Place frozen pancakes on a microwave safe plate.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through, 1-2 minutes total.
The microwave will defrost and reheat the pancakes quickly, but can sometimes leave them soggy. Cook in short intervals and allow to sit for a minute before eating.
Air Fryer
An air fryer makes crispy potato pancakes:
- Place frozen pancakes in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through.
The circulating hot air crisps up the outsides nicely. Monitor closely so they don’t overcook.
Deep Fryer
For an extra crispy result, deep fry:
- Heat oil to 350-375°F in a deep fryer or pot.
- Add frozen pancakes and fry for 1-2 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Frying will recrisp the exterior, but take care not to burn them.
Tips for the Best Results
To get the best results when reheating frozen potato pancakes, keep these tips in mind:
- Always reheat fully frozen pancakes. Letting them thaw first can make them soggy.
- Reheat at a high temperature to make the outsides crispy again.
- Cook pancakes through fully until hot in the center.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes after reheating before serving.
With the proper method, reheated potato pancakes can taste nearly as good as fresh. The outer crust gets crispy again while the interior turns tender and hot.
Freezing vs. Refrigerating Potato Pancakes
While freezing works beautifully for preserving leftover potato pancakes, refrigerating them is not recommended. Some key differences between the two methods:
| Freezing | Refrigerating |
|---|---|
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As you can see, refrigeration is not well suited for storing cooked potato pancakes. The moisture causes them to get soggy and lose their appeal. Freezing is the best method if you want to reuse leftovers.
Recipes Using Frozen Potato Pancakes
Beyond just reheating and serving frozen potato pancakes on their own, you can also incorporate them into some tasty recipes:
Potato Pancake Breakfast Sandwiches
Sandwich reheated potato pancakes with fried eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast.
Loaded Potato Pancake Nachos
Top reheated potato pancakes with cheese, bacon, salsa, and sour cream for easy nachos.
Potato Pancake Sliders
Use reheated potato pancakes in place of buns for mini pulled pork, sloppy joe, or burger sliders.
Potato Pancake Tacos
For a fun taco Tuesday, fill reheated pancakes with ground beef or turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and taco sauce.
Potato Pancake Appetizers
Turn bite-size reheated pancakes into appetizers by topping with smoked salmon, caviar, or herb cream cheese.
Get creative with your reheated potato pancakes by using them in place of buns, tortillas, or bread in any recipe. The options are endless!
Conclusion
In summary, potato pancakes freeze remarkably well for up to 3 months as long as they are properly cooled, stored in an airtight container, and reheated thoroughly when ready to eat. Oven baking or frying are ideal methods for making frozen potato pancakes crispy and hot again. Refrigerating pancakes causes them to get soggy and is not recommended. Beyond enjoying reheated potato pancakes as a side dish, you can also transform them into tasty breakfast sandwiches, loaded nachos, sliders, tacos, and more. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious potato pancakes anytime by freezing and reheating leftovers.