zucchini, bacon, and potato pancakes

Appleton, WI
Updated on Jul 12, 2024

Growing up as part of a German family in southeastern Wisconsin, potato pancakes were a staple on our dinner table, especially during a Friday night fish fry. I've adapted my mom's recipe to include fresh from-the-garden zucchini and my favorite add-in, bacon! These are the perfect side with fish, some farm fresh eggs, or even as a stand-alone dish!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

After one bite, we fell in love with these zucchini, bacon, and potato pancakes. Grated zucchini is the star of these fritters and its flavor is prominent. But, there is savory flavor from the bacon and sweetness from the onions. Once fried, the crust is crispy but inside the pancakes are creamy. We topped ours with a little Creme Fraiche, but sour cream or Greek yogurt can also be used.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Pan Fry
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, grated
  • 10 ounces potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 - 3 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
  • 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • - sour cream or creme fraiche, for serving

How To Make zucchini, bacon, and potato pancakes

Test Kitchen Tips
We used a 1/4 cup scoop to make the pancakes and liked the slightly larger size. We got a total of 11 pancakes.
  • Place zucchini and potato into a colander over a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.
    Step 1
    Place zucchini and potato into a colander over a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Let the mixture sit in the colander for about 10 minutes, then press down with a clean towel to squeeze out the excess water.
  • Saute bacon and onion.
    Step 2
    While waiting for the mixture to drain, place a medium-sized sauté or fry pan over medium heat. Place diced bacon into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until some of the bacon has rendered and there is approximately 1-2 Tbsp of grease in the pan. Add onion and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the bacon is almost crispy. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove bacon, onion, and garlic from the pan with a slotted spoon. Place on a paper towel to drain. Remove the pan from the heat, but do not remove grease from the pan.
  • Whisk together the egg, flour, baking powder, pepper, and paprika.
    Step 3
    Whisk together the egg, flour, baking powder, pepper, and paprika in a medium-sized bowl.
  • Add the bread crumbs, cooked bacon mixture, and the zucchini and potato mixture.
    Step 4
    Add the bread crumbs, cooked bacon mixture, and the zucchini and potato mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Fold in the Parmesan cheese.
    Step 5
    Fold in the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Pan fry the pancakes.
    Step 6
    Place the sauté pan used to cook the bacon back over medium heat. If the pan seems dry, add 1 Tbsp of butter. Once the pan has reheated, drop in the batter 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) at a time. Flatten each pancake gently with a fork. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Flip the pancakes over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Place in the oven to keep warm.
    Step 7
    Place on an oven-safe plate. Keep the cooked pancakes warm in the preheated oven until ready to serve.
  • Top with sour cream or creme fraiche before serving.
    Step 8
    If desired, top with sour cream or crème fraiche before serving.

Discover More

Category: Potatoes
Keyword: #potato
Keyword: #zucchini
Keyword: #bacon
Ingredient: Vegetable
Method: Pan Fry
Culture: German
Collection: Summer Recipes
Collection: Fresh Finds

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