Perfectly Crispy Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Featured in Quick and Easy Appetizers.

This fun take on potato pancakes mixes the good old classic with a fun twist. Fresh potatoes are boiled whole for maximum taste, mashed into dough with sweetened condensed milk, and blended with cornstarch for a smooth texture. Each pancake is filled with brown sugar-coated mozzarella balls, giving it an excellent combo of crispy potato outside and melty cheese inside. Frying seals the deal, bringing out a golden, crunchy finish while keeping the cheesy surprise oozing in the middle.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:24:06 GMT
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Golden Potato Pancakes with Mozzarella | thefamilycooks.com

Discover these delightful Korean Potato Cheese Pancakes - a perfect fusion of crispy golden exterior and gooey melted cheese inside. This creative twist on traditional pancakes delivers an irresistible combination of savory potato and sweet undertones that make them ideal for snacking or entertaining.

Inspired by authentic Korean street food vendors, this homestyle version brings those same incredible textures and flavors right to your kitchen. The recipe has quickly become a cherished family favorite.

Key Ingredients

  • Potatoes: Choose starchy Russets or Yukons
  • Mozzarella: Fresh, bite-sized pieces
  • Sweetened condensed milk: For rich sweetness
  • Cornstarch: Ensures proper binding
  • Brown sugar: Enhances the cheese filling
  • Vegetable oil: For perfect frying
  • Salt: Balances flavors

Preparation Method

Prepare Potatoes:
Boil unpeeled until fork-tender. Drain well. Remove skins while hot. Mash smoothly.
Mix Dough:
Combine warm potatoes with condensed milk. Mix in sugar and salt. Add cornstarch slowly. Achieve smooth consistency.
Form Pancakes:
Portion dough into rounds. Flatten each piece. Coat cheese in sugar. Place in center. Seal edges thoroughly.
Cook Pancakes:
Heat oil to medium. Fry until golden brown. Turn once. Remove to paper towels.
Finish:
Rest briefly. Add garnishes. Serve warm. Offer sauce options.
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easy Potato Cheese Pancakes (Korean Style) | thefamilycooks.com

The aroma of these pancakes cooking brings everyone to the kitchen. That moment when the cheese stretches as you pull them apart is pure culinary magic.

Perfecting the Center

Achieving the ideal melted center requires proper sealing and consistent heat. Cook over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the exterior.

Storage Tips

The potato dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before shaping and cooking for best results.

Serving Ideas

Pair with sweet chili sauce, classic ketchup, or drizzle with honey. Create miniature versions for elegant appetizers at gatherings.

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yummy Potato Cheese Pancakes (Korean Style) | thefamilycooks.com

These potato cheese pancakes represent comfort food at its finest. The contrast between crispy exterior and gooey center creates an unforgettable taste experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why boil potatoes with the skin on?
Keeping the skin on helps lock in the nutrients and boosts the potato's natural flavors during cooking.
→ Can the dough be prepped in advance?
Absolutely! Just refrigerate it and let it come back to room temperature before you mold it.
→ What's the purpose of using sugar on the cheese?
It adds a sweet layer that balances out the savory cheese and potatoes beautifully.
→ Which type of potatoes are best for the recipe?
Russets or starchy varieties work best to get the right consistency for the dough.
→ How do I keep the cheese from leaking while cooking?
Make sure the dough completely surrounds the cheese without any cracks or gaps.

Potato-Cheese Pancakes

Enjoy these crispy, golden pancakes that hide a gooey, sugary mozzarella center. A delightful interplay of flavors made with fresh potatoes and fried to perfection.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 8 Servings (8 pancakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Potato Base

01 1 pound of potatoes, skin left on
02 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk (optional)
03 Half a cup of cornstarch
04 2 tablespoons of regular granulated sugar
05 Half a teaspoon of salt

→ Cheese Filling

06 8 small balls of ciliegine mozzarella, or shredded mozzarella works too
07 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar

→ For Cooking & Serving

08 Oil for frying in a pan
09 Optional: toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling on top
10 Serve with butter or some ketchup

Instructions

Step 01

Put the unpeeled potatoes in a pot, cover, and boil them until a fork easily goes in, around 25 minutes.

Step 02

Once the potatoes cool, peel their skins off and mash them smooth. Add condensed milk, salt, and sugar, mixing it all together.

Step 03

Slowly add in cornstarch and work it into the potato mix until it’s smooth and easy to handle.

Step 04

Cut the dough into 8 pieces. For each piece, flatten it, place a mozzarella ball covered in sugar in the middle, seal it up, and press it into a pancake shape.

Step 05

In a pan with oil, fry each pancake at medium heat. Cook for 4 minutes on one side then flip it to brown the other.

Step 06

Let the pancakes rest on some paper towels to soak up oil. If you’d like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and enjoy them nice and warm.

Notes

  1. If you don’t have condensed milk, substitute with a mix of cream and sugar.
  2. You can swap potato starch in place of cornstarch.
  3. The amount of cornstarch might need adjusting depending on how wet the potatoes are.
  4. Tastes best when eaten warm, but not overly hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • A pot with a lid that fits
  • Either a fork or potato masher
  • A non-stick frying pan or skillet
  • A strainer to drain water

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Warning: has dairy (mozzarella, and optionally condensed milk).