If you’ve been on the hunt for a snack or appetizer that’s crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, look no further than this Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe. It brings together the comforting earthiness of shredded potatoes with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a pancake that boasts a perfectly golden crust. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or already a fan, these pancakes are a total crowd-pleaser that cooks up quickly and can easily become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe depends on a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect flavor and texture. From the starchy shredded potatoes providing a crispy base to the sharp cheddar adding indulgent creaminess, every component is essential.
- 2 cups shredded potatoes: The star of the dish, shredded finely to ensure a crispy, tender pancake.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheese adds gooey richness and a sharp bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the potato mixture for the perfect pancake consistency.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a natural binder, giving structure and a slight fluffiness.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for getting that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
How to Make Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Start by warming up a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This ensures the pancakes will cook evenly and develop that golden, crispy crust without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, toss together the shredded potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe—each ingredient blends to create incredible flavor and texture.
Step 3: Mix Until Well Combined
Give everything a good stir so that all the components are evenly distributed. You want each pancake to have the right balance of potato, cheese, and seasoning.
Step 4: Add Oil to the Skillet
Pour a generous splash of vegetable oil into your heated skillet. The oil is key to achieving that beautifully crisp outside that contrasts perfectly with the soft, cheesy inside.
Step 5: Shape Your Pancakes
Using a spoon, scoop a portion of the potato mixture and gently place it into the skillet. Use a spatula to flatten it into a nice, round pancake shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect—they just need to hold together well.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown
Let the pancakes cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a satisfying crunch. Flip carefully so they maintain their shape and cook evenly.
Step 7: Repeat and Adjust Oil as Needed
Continue cooking the rest of the mixture in batches, adding more oil to the skillet if it starts to look dry. This ensures each pancake can crisp up beautifully without sticking.
Step 8: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This step removes any extra oil and keeps the pancakes light yet crispy.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve your Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese hot from the skillet for that melty cheese pull and crispy bite everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your pancakes to a new level. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and brightness. A drizzle of soy sauce or a light dusting of sesame seeds can also add lovely nuance.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair perfectly with a tangy dipping sauce—try a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of honey, and red pepper flakes. On the side, a crisp cucumber salad or simple kimchi can balance the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these pancakes stacked with layers of fresh greens or even add a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch option. They also make a delightful finger food for parties, cut into smaller pieces and skewered with toothpicks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll find the flavors even meld a bit, making for a great snack later on.
Freezing
You can freeze these pancakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen pancakes last up to a month and can be pulled out whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy your pancakes again, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps bring back their crispy edges much better than a microwave would. Alternatively, popping them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes also works well.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharpness and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or a mix of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before shredding?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture, color, and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother pancake, peeling beforehand works just fine.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal because they crisp up beautifully. Waxy potatoes may make the pancakes a little limp, so try to opt for starchy varieties if possible.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the pancakes from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded potatoes before mixing. Also, the combination of flour and eggs helps bind the ingredients well to achieve sturdy pancakes.
Final Thoughts
This Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe is one of those delightfully simple dishes that never fails to please. It’s a unbeatable mix of crispy, cheesy, and savory that’s so easy to make anytime you want something comforting and quick. Give it a try and watch how quickly these pancakes become a beloved favorite in your home.
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Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes with Cheese are a crispy and savory snack made with shredded potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and green onions. These golden brown pancakes are pan-fried to perfection, offering a delightful combination of crunchy edges and soft, cheesy centers. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, they bring authentic Korean flavors to your table with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes
- 2 cups shredded potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the pancakes evenly and to achieve a crispy texture.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add shredded potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the base of your pancakes with cheesy and mildly seasoned flavors.
- Mix the batter: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined, ensuring the flour and eggs bind the mixture properly for easy shaping and cooking.
- Add oil to skillet: Pour enough vegetable oil into the preheated skillet to coat the bottom, allowing the pancakes to fry and crisp up nicely without sticking.
- Form and cook pancakes: Scoop a spoonful of the potato mixture and place it carefully in the skillet. Flatten it gently with a spatula to form a round pancake shape. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat cooking: Continue cooking in batches for the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary to maintain a good frying surface and crispness.
- Drain excess oil: After cooking, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps absorb any excess oil, keeping the pancakes crisp and less greasy.
- Serve hot: Serve the Gamjajeon Korean Potato Pancakes warm to enjoy their crispy texture and melty cheese goodness at their best.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent pancakes from sticking and breaking apart.
- Grate potatoes finely and drain excess moisture for crispier pancakes.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated on a skillet to restore crispiness.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

