Love the crispy Perkins potato pancakes from the diner? This easy copycat recipe brings the classic Perkins potato pancakes right to your kitchen. Made with mashed potatoes and a few basic ingredients, they turn out golden, crispy, and full of comforting flavor. We will cover the ingredients, how to make them, nutrition, and even answer: Are Perkins potato pancakes gluten-free? If you are craving a cozy breakfast or snack this might be the best potato pancake recipe ever.
Why You’ll Love These Potato Pancakes (Perkins Style)
- Rich comforting texture and flavor.
- You’ve probably got all the ingredients right at home.
- Warm filling and perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
- Kids and adults love them tasty with sour cream or applesauce and any dip you like.
- This easy copycat pancake recipe brings that classic Perkins flavor at home.

What Makes Perkins Potato Pancakes Special?
This easy copycat potato pancake uses mashed potatoes and simple ingredients to bring that classic Perkins diner taste home. Whether you are looking for the best potato pancake recipe ever or wondering are perkins pancakes are gluten-free, this recipe covers it all flavor ingredients and nutrition in one easy dish.
What are the ingredients in potato pancakes?
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 eggs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 2½ cups thawed frozen hash browns or 3–4 peeled and shredded russet potatoes
To serve:
- Butter
- Syrup (optional)
- Applesauce (for the true Perkins experience!)
How to Make Perkins Potato Pancakes Step-by-Step
Start with cold mashed potatoes
They work best for this Perkins potato pancakes recipe. Crack in one egg to keep everything mixed and held together. Mix in flour and a pinch of salt and pepper and a little minced onion for flavor.Gently fold the mixture so the texture stays just right like the classic potato pancakes from Perkins dinner.
Heat the Pan
Warm up your skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter with a splash of oil the butter gives that rich Perkins diner potato pancakes taste and the oil keeps it from burning. Test with a small drop of batter if it sizzles you are good to go.
Scoop and Sizzle

Scoop about 1/4 cup of your Perkins potato pancake mix an ice cream scoop works great if you have one. Drop it into the pan and gently press it down with a spatula until it is about half an inch thick. Let it cook without crowding the pan.Potato pancakes with mashed potatoes need room to get crispy.
Time to Flip
After 3–4 minutes check the bottom. If it is golden brown carefully flip it over. Let the other side cook for another 2–3 minutes until both sides are perfectly crispy. That is how you get that copycat Perkins potato pancakes look and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve three per plate just like the Perkins potato pancakes recipe. Add a scoop of applesauce or dip in sour cream and chives for extra flavor.Crispy outside soft inside this really is the best potato pancake recipe ever.

Why This is the Best Potato Pancake Recipe Ever
Let’s be honest no one likes soggy potato pancakes.These are the kind that make you close your eyes after the first bite.
Nothing Fancy Inside
Just simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs and flour the kind of things already in your kitchen. No weird stuff or hard-to-pronounce extras.
Leftover Magic
Those mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge? They just became tomorrow’s best breakfast. No waste no stress.
3-Minute Customization
Want cheesy? Add cheddar. Feeling fancy? Throw in smoked salmon. Sweet tooth? Drizzle honey. One base recipe, endless possibilities.
Works Every Time
Unlike those Pinterest fails that never look like the photo, these turn out right – even if you’re half-asleep and burning your first pancake (we’ve all been there).
How to Store Perkins Potato Pancakes
- Let them cool down first
- Pop them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge they will stay good for 3 to 4 days.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
Freezing Storage Tip
- Freeze on a baking sheet first until solid
- Then transfer to freezer bags
- They will keep for 2 to 3 months
Are Perkins Potato Pancakes Gluten Free?
Sadly, no they are not gluten-free. The original Perkins potato pancake recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. But you can still enjoy them just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even a bit of potato starch.Same crispy edges same cozy comfort just no gluten.
Perkins Potato Pancakes Calories and Nutrition
Total Fat 41g || 60% Saturated Fat || 12g Trans Fat 0g || 45%Cholesterol 135mg || 57%Sodium 1310mg || 15%Total Carbohydrate 46g || 11%Dietary Fiber 3g || Sugars 10g || Protein 15g
Nutrition Source: myfooddiary
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Final Thoughts
If you have been craving that classic diner taste this Perkins potato pancake recipe is the answer. Crispy on the outside soft and fluffy on the inside—just like the real deal at Perkins. Whether you serve them with applesauce, sour cream or load them up with toppings. These homemade potato pancakes are comfort food at its best
They are easy to make freezer-friendly and perfect for breakfast, brunch or even a cozy dinner.So grab those potatoes and get cooking you are going to love every bite.
Equipment You Will Need
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Perkins Potato Pancakes (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ Cup frozen hash browns (thawed) or 3–4 russet potatoes,
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 eggs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- Butter or oil, for frying
Instructions
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, parsley, and onion until smooth.
- Add potatoes: Stir in the thawed hash browns or shredded potatoes until evenly combined.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter and oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook the pancakes: Scoop ¼ cup of the batter into the pan. Gently flatten. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Keep warm: Place cooked pancakes on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm (200°F) oven to stay crisp.
- Serve: Plate with a dollop of applesauce or sour cream for the classic Perkins diner taste.
Storage Tips
- Let pancakes cool completely.Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.