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Authentic German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelklöße) Recipe

A stack of golden-brown, crispy fried potato dumplings, with one broken open showing the soft interior.

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Make soft, fluffy German Potato Dumplings from scratch. This easy recipe delivers traditional Kartoffelklöße perfect as a side dish for stews and roasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs starchy potatoes (like Russet), peeled
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for optional browning)

Instructions

  1. Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until they are very tender. Drain them completely and let them steam dry for about 10 minutes.
  2. While the potatoes are still warm, mash them thoroughly until completely smooth. You can use a potato ricer for the best texture.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture. Mix just until a soft, workable dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Lightly flour your hands. Take about 2 tablespoons of the dough and gently roll it into a smooth ball, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed dumplings on a lightly floured tray.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer (do not boil rapidly). Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering water.
  7. Cook the dumplings until they float to the surface, then let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain well.
  9. For a traditional finish, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the dry breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown and crispy. Toss the boiled dumplings gently in the buttered breadcrumbs before serving.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes for the fluffiest texture. Waxy potatoes will result in a denser dumpling.
  • If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can use them, but ensure they are cold and firm before mixing with the flour and egg.
  • Serve these **classic dumpling recipes** immediately with rich gravy or alongside pot roast for a **hearty potato side**.

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