Description
Potthucke, or German Potato Cake, is a traditional Westphalian dish featuring a savory loaf made from a blend of raw grated and mashed starchy potatoes. Enhanced with smoky bacon, sautéed onions, and a hint of nutmeg, this baked potato cake offers a crisp golden crust with a tender, flavorful inside. Ideal for cold evenings or family gatherings, it’s typically served warm with sour cream or applesauce, embodying rustic German comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 lbs (about 900g) starchy potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (from about 2 medium potatoes)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3.5 oz bacon, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing and brushing)
Optional for Serving
- Sour cream
- Applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan generously with butter to prevent sticking and help develop a golden crust.
- Sauté Bacon and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Grate and Drain Potatoes: Grate the raw potatoes and then squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel. This ensures the cake will hold together and prevents sogginess.
- Combine Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated raw potatoes with the cup of mashed potatoes. This blend provides both texture and creaminess.
- Add Other Ingredients: Stir in the cooled bacon and sautéed onions, eggs, milk, flour, and ground nutmeg. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix all the ingredients well until they form a thick, batter-like consistency that holds together for baking.
- Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Brush with Butter: Melt some butter and brush it over the top of the mixture to help create a crisp, golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is firm when tested with a skewer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the loaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm, accompanied by sour cream or applesauce if desired.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or floury varieties for best texture and binding.
- Wring out grated potatoes thoroughly to avoid a soggy cake.
- Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven; monitor the crust color and cake firmness.
- Allow the loaf to rest after baking to firm up for clean slices.
- Potthucke can be served as a main dish or side, pairing well with sausages, sauerkraut, or light salads.
- Vegetarian variations can omit bacon or substitute with smoked tofu or mushrooms.
- Optional additions like grated cheese or herbs can be included for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Potthucke, German Potato Cake, Westphalian potato loaf, savory potato cake, baked potato casserole, traditional German comfort food, bacon potato cake, German cuisine, rustic potato dish
