Easy Crispy Potato Cake with Caramelized Onions and Fresh Herbs
Make this crispy German potato cake with caramelized onions—a savory appetizer that's easier and tastier than meat dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into half-moons
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- Fleur de sel for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Soak the sliced potatoes in ice water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 15-18 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- 4
Return the pan to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- 5
Layer half of the dried potato slices evenly across the bottom of the skillet, seasoning with half the salt, pepper, and paprika.
- 6
Scatter the caramelized onions and minced garlic evenly over the potato layer, then sprinkle with thyme leaves.
- 7
Arrange the remaining potato slices on top in an even layer, seasoning with the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.
- 8
Pour the vegetable broth gently around the edges of the potato cake and press down gently with a spatula to compact the layers.
- 9
Cook over medium heat without stirring for 8-10 minutes until the bottom begins to brown and crisp, listening for a gentle sizzle.
- 10
Whisk together the egg yolk and mustard in a small bowl, then carefully brush this mixture over the top of the potato cake.
- 11
Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the surface and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom is deeply golden brown.
- 12
Invert the potato cake onto a serving plate using a large flat plate or cutting board, sliding it carefully to maintain the structure.
- 13
Garnish the warm potato cake with fresh parsley, sliced chives, and a pinch of fleur de sel before serving.
- 14
Cut into wedges and serve immediately while the exterior is still crispy and the interior remains creamy and tender.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Ghee or clarified butter | Ghee has a higher smoke point and richer, nuttier flavor while being easier to digest for some people |
| Gruyère cheese | Aged Emmental or Swiss cheese | These cheeses offer similar melting properties with slightly lower fat content and a milder flavor |
| Whole grain Dijon mustard | Tahini mixed with lemon juice and garlic | Tahini provides similar binding properties with added nutritional benefits including calcium and healthy fats |
| Regular russet potatoes | Purple or Peruvian potatoes | Colored potatoes contain higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidants with a lower glycemic index |
| Extra virgin olive oil | Avocado oil | Avocado oil has a higher smoke point suitable for medium-high heat cooking with similar healthy monounsaturated fats |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 318 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 54mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 9g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | restaurant | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 318 | 285 | 380 | 280 |
| Protein | 9g | 14g | 8g | 9g |
| Carbs | 38g | 22g | 42g | 38g |
| Fat | 15g | 16g | 19g | 11g |
| Fiber | 5g | 8g | 4g | 5g |
| Sugar | 4g | - | - | - |
| Health Scores | ||||
| Gut Health | 7/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 6/10 | 9/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
