German Potato Pancake Casserole

Ingredients

• 6 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 800g / 1.75 lbs) 6 large potatoes, peeled and grated (about 800g / 1.75 lbs)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Sour cream or applesauce, for serving Sour cream or applesauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 42g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized.
4. 4.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, cooked onions, and crispy bacon.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the egg mixture over the potato mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. 7.
   Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then pour the potato mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve the German Potato Pancake Casserole hot, with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help achieve a crispier texture.
• Bacon — Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial and flavorful result. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use turkey bacon as a substitute.
• Onions — Caramelizing the onions adds a sweet and rich flavor to the dish. Take your time to cook them slowly until they turn golden brown.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can brush the top of the casserole with melted butter before baking.
• Serve the German Potato Pancake Casserole with a side of sauerkraut for a traditional German flavor combination.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add some grated cheese to the potato mixture for added richness.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or on a stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

The German Potato Pancake Casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce to complement the flavors. It can be enjoyed as a main dish for breakfast or brunch, or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or sausages.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.