Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche
Among the most elegant and traditional pairings suggested by the Reddit community, smoked salmon and a creamy topping is a consistent favorite. This classic combination elevates the simple potato pancake into a sophisticated appetizer or a light, yet satisfying, meal. The salty, briny flavor of the salmon provides a sharp contrast to the crispy, mild potato, while the cool, tangy crème fraîche or sour cream cuts through the richness. Dill and chives are often added as a garnish to complete the flavor profile.
Why Reddit users love it:
- It feels gourmet with minimal effort.
- The flavors are a proven classic.
- It's a great option for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday appetizer.
Ground Beef and Cheese
For a hearty, comforting meal, many Reddit users suggest topping potato pancakes with savory ground beef and melted cheese. This creates a substantial, fork-and-knife meal that transforms the pancake from a side dish into the main event. Recipes often involve cooking seasoned ground beef with onions, spreading it over the warm pancakes, and then covering it with a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before melting it in the oven. Some variations even stuff the beef and cheese directly inside the pancakes for a delicious, enclosed pocket of flavor.
Why Reddit users love it:
- It's the ultimate comfort food.
- It's a versatile, crowd-pleasing option for family dinners.
- It uses simple, accessible ingredients.
Pulled Pork
In a more modern, adventurous twist, pulled pork with BBQ sauce has been praised on Reddit as an incredible pairing for potato pancakes. The tender, smoky pork adds a new dimension of flavor, while the BBQ sauce introduces a sweet and tangy element. The crispy exterior of the potato pancake provides a perfect textural counterpoint to the soft, shredded meat. This fusion of cuisines creates a unique and unforgettable dish that is both surprising and delicious.
Steak and Eggs
For a truly indulgent brunch or dinner, a Reddit user posted a mouth-watering combination of a steak and a fried egg on a large potato pancake. The idea is to create a decadent base with the potato pancake, serving as a substitute for hash browns. The steak is seared to perfection, and the egg is fried in the remaining steak fat, amplifying the rich, savory flavors. The runny yolk of the egg provides a natural sauce that blends everything together beautifully.
A Comparison of Protein Pairings
| Feature | Smoked Salmon | Ground Beef | Pulled Pork | Steak and Egg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Salty, smoky, rich, with a tangy creaminess | Savory, hearty, and cheesy | Sweet, smoky, and tangy | Rich, savory, and decadent |
| Best Occasion | Elegant appetizer, brunch, or holiday gathering | Casual family dinner or weeknight meal | BBQ, potluck, or comfort food night | Indulgent brunch or special occasion dinner |
| Difficulty | Easy (assembly) | Medium (cooking ground beef, melting cheese) | Medium (slow cooking/prepping pork) | Medium-Hard (perfecting steak temperature) |
| Cost | High | Low-Medium | Medium | High |
| Time Commitment | Low | Medium | High (for cooking pork) | Medium |
Hearty and Unexpected Proteins
Beyond the more common pairings, Reddit is also a source for more creative and substantial protein suggestions:
- Pork Schnitzel: A user shared a post featuring pork schnitzel served alongside potato pancakes, creating a classic German-inspired meal.
- Spicy Chorizo: A recipe for chorizo latkes was shared, combining the spiced sausage directly into the potato pancake mixture before frying.
- Catfish: One Redditor mentioned blackened catfish with red beans and rice, noting how the latkes could serve as an excellent accompaniment.
Vegan and Vegetarian Protein Ideas
Protein doesn't have to be limited to meat. Reddit also offers excellent plant-based protein suggestions for potato pancakes:
- Quinoa: A recipe for quinoa and potato latkes was praised for being a slightly healthier and fun alternative, mixing cooked quinoa directly into the batter.
- Mushroom Sauce: A Polish family tradition shared by a user involves serving potato pancakes with a simple mushroom sauce made with onions, veggie broth, and parsley, for a savory, umami-rich experience.
- Feta and Artichoke: A vegetarian latke with feta and artichoke hearts offers a Greek-inspired twist for a flavorful meatless meal.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Pairing
The vibrant discussions on Reddit demonstrate that there is no single right answer for what protein to serve with potato pancakes. From the classic elegance of smoked salmon and crème fraîche to the hearty comfort of ground beef and cheese, the options are plentiful. Whether you're in the mood for an indulgent steak and egg brunch, a unique pulled pork fusion, or a flavorful vegetarian option like a mushroom sauce, the platform provides endless inspiration for transforming a simple potato pancake into a complete and memorable meal. The perfect pairing ultimately comes down to personal taste and the desired meal experience, and Reddit proves to be an invaluable resource for creative culinary ideas. For more creative pairings, consider exploring the /r/Cooking subreddit for inspiration and discussions from a vast community of home cooks.
Visit Reddit's r/Cooking for more inspiration.
How to Choose Your Protein
- For a quick and easy option: Use ground beef or leftover pulled pork.
- For an elegant meal: Opt for smoked salmon with crème fraîche.
- For a decadent brunch: Choose steak and a fried egg.
- For a vegetarian alternative: Try a mushroom sauce or a quinoa blend.
Final Recommendations
Ultimately, the best protein for your potato pancakes depends on your desired flavor profile, time constraints, and dietary preferences. For a traditional, crowd-pleasing experience, smoked salmon remains a timeless choice. If you're feeding a family and want a hearty, inexpensive meal, ground beef is a solid option. For the more adventurous cook, experimenting with pulled pork or spicy chorizo can yield surprising and delicious results. Whatever you choose, the key is to balance the crispy, mild flavor of the pancake with a rich and savory protein.
