
German Bratkartoffeln (Fried Potatoes) Recipe
Quick Answer
Bratkartoffeln: Festkochende Kartoffeln vorkochen (am Vortag ideal), in Scheiben schneiden. In Butter und Öl bei mittlerer bis hoher Hitze goldbraun braten, dabei nicht zu oft wenden. Gewürfelte Zwiebeln und Speckwürfel dazugeben. Mit Salz, Pfeffer und Petersilie würzen.
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 15, 2026
Bratkartoffeln are the quintessential German fried potatoes — sliced, pan-fried in a mix of butter and oil until golden and crispy, then tossed with onions and optionally bacon (Speck). Found on pub menus and home kitchens across Germany, proper Bratkartoffeln are a matter of national pride. The key technique: use pre-cooked potatoes and don't overcrowd the pan, allowing each slice to develop a golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold), boiled and cooled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 oz bacon or German Speck, diced (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cooled potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. If using bacon, cook it first in the pan until crispy, remove and set aside.
- 2
Heat butter and oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add potato slices in a single layer — don't overcrowd. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden-brown on the bottom.
- 3
Flip the potatoes and add the diced onion to the pan. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. The onions should caramelize while the potatoes crisp on the second side.
- 4
Return the bacon to the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss gently and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Finish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
Raw potato slices take too long to cook through in a pan and will turn mushy before browning. Pre-cooking (ideally the day before) dries out the surface starch, which is what creates the crispy golden crust.
What potato variety is best?
Use waxy, firm potatoes (Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or German 'festkochend' varieties). Starchy potatoes like Russets fall apart when sliced and fried.
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