Stuffed Potato Pancakes with a Cheesy Twist

**For the Potato Pancakes:**
– **4 medium potatoes** (russet potatoes work well)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **1 large egg**
– **1/4 cup all-purpose flour** (for binding)
– **1/4 cup breadcrumbs** (optional, for extra crunch)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **2 tablespoons vegetable oil** (for frying)

**For the Cheesy Filling:**
– **1 cup shredded cheese** (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites)
– **2 tablespoons cream cheese** (for extra creaminess)
– **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional, for added flavor)
– **Fresh herbs** (such as chives or parsley), finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

**Optional Add-ins:**
– **Cooked bacon bits** or **ham** (for a heartier version)
– **Sautéed spinach** or **mushrooms** (for extra vegetables)
– **Chopped jalapeños** (for a spicy twist)

### **Step-by-Step Instructions**

#### **1. Prepare the Potatoes**
Start by peeling and grating the **potatoes**. You can use a box grater or a food processor to speed up the process. After grating, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This is an important step because drier potatoes will give you a crispier pancake.

Transfer the grated potatoes to a large bowl, then add the finely chopped **onion**, **egg**, **flour**, and **breadcrumbs** (if using). Season the mixture with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. This mixture should hold together when formed into a patty. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.

#### **2. Make the Cheesy Filling**
In a separate bowl, mix together the **shredded cheese** and **cream cheese**. You can use one type of cheese or a combination of cheeses like **cheddar** for sharpness and **mozzarella** for its meltiness. If you’d like, add a bit of **garlic powder** for flavor. The cream cheese helps make the filling rich and creamy, ensuring it melts perfectly inside the pancake.

#### **3. Form the Pancakes**
Take a small handful of the potato mixture and form it into a ball. Flatten it into a round patty shape, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the cheesy filling in the center of the patty. Gently fold the edges of the potato patty over the cheese, sealing it inside. Carefully flatten the stuffed potato ball into a round pancake shape, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.

#### **4. Fry the Pancakes**
Heat **2 tablespoons of vegetable oil** in a large skillet over **medium heat**. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed potato pancakes into the skillet. Cook for about **4-5 minutes per side**, or until golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping, as the cheesy filling can make the pancakes delicate.

If needed, you can cook the pancakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which helps them cook evenly. Add more oil to the skillet as necessary to ensure the pancakes fry up crispy and golden.

#### **5. Drain and Serve**
Once the pancakes are cooked to a golden perfection, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve these crispy, cheesy potato pancakes while they’re hot, as the cheese inside will be perfectly melted and gooey. You can garnish with some freshly chopped **herbs** like **chives** or **parsley** for a fresh touch. Serve with a side of **sour cream** or a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

### **Tips for Perfect Stuffed Potato Pancakes**

1. **Use Starchy Potatoes**: For the crispiest pancakes, opt for **russet potatoes**, as they have a high starch content that helps create a crisp texture when fried.

2. **Avoid Overstuffing**: While it’s tempting to load up the pancakes with tons of cheese, be careful not to overstuff them. A little cheese goes a long way, and too much can make them difficult to seal.

3. **Season Well**: Don’t forget to season the potato mixture with **salt** and **pepper**—this is the foundation of flavor. You can also add **garlic powder** or **onion powder** to the mix for extra depth.

4. **Use a Non-stick Skillet**: If you have a non-stick skillet, it will help the pancakes cook more evenly and prevent the cheesy filling from sticking to the pan.

5. **Experiment with Cheese Blends**: While **cheddar** and **mozzarella** are classic options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like **Swiss**, **Gouda**, or **parmesan**. A cheese blend adds complexity to the flavor.

6. **Serve with Dips**: For extra flavor, serve these potato pancakes with a variety of dipping sauces such as **sour cream**, **ranch dressing**, or a **spicy sriracha mayo**. These sauces will complement the richness of the cheese and potatoes.

### **Conclusion: A Cheesy Twist on a Classic Favorite**

**Stuffed Potato Pancakes with a Cheesy Twist** are the ultimate comfort food upgrade. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy center that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack, these cheesy potato pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling with different types of cheese, add-ins like bacon or spinach, or even experiment with different herbs and spices. The result is a warm, indulgent dish that combines the best of both worlds—crispy, savory, and cheesy.

So next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, give these **Stuffed Potato Pancakes with a Cheesy Twist** a try. With their delicious flavor and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!