AmericanMedium · Hot
A crispy-edged potato pancake loaded with savory bacon and melted cheddar, finished with bright scallions and a cooling lemon-yogurt sauce. Nico-style: microwave-prepped for speed, stovetop-crisped for texture, never boring.
15 min
15 min
2 min
32 min
Method
Pierce potatoes with a fork and microwave on high for 6 minutes, flipping halfway. Let rest 2 minutes until fork-tender. When cool enough to handle, peel and grate on the large holes of a box grater.
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Slice scallions thinly, separating white and green parts.
Squeeze grated potato in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture (this is critical for crispiness). Transfer to a large bowl.
Add eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper to the potato. Mix until just combined.
Fold in crumbled bacon and three-quarters of the cheddar cheese. Reserve remaining cheese for the top.
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Nutri-Score
Needs balance
A–E · lower is better · score 14
Calories
520
per serving
Protein
30g
Carbs
19g
Fat
36g
Sat. fat
20g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
1371mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Moderate impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
1.4
per serving
Water
0.5m³
Land
37Pt
Runoff
0.1g P
Cheddar Cheese drives 40% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
SkilletTechniques
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cook bacon until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to eliminate pathogens. Ensure pancake is cooked through on both sides until deep golden, reaching minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
When microwaving potatoes, use a fork to pierce skin before cooking to prevent steam buildup. Let rest 2 minutes before handling to allow internal heat to distribute evenly.
Cross Contamination
Keep raw bacon separate from other ingredients during prep. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw bacon.
Squeeze moisture from grated potato in a clean kitchen towel to ensure the pancake crisps properly and reduces bacterial risk from excess moisture.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours at 40°F (4°C) or below. Consume within 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F before serving.
Handling
Use a large non-stick skillet and allow butter to melt fully before adding pancake mixture. Let pancake rest 1 minute after cooking to allow interior to set before slicing.
Equipment Safety
When flipping the pancake, use a large plate or spatula for support. The pancake is fragile when hot and may break if flipped carelessly. Work over a heat-resistant surface.
High Risk Population
For young children, elderly, pregnant individuals, or immunocompromised persons, ensure all ingredients including eggs are cooked to well-done (no runny yolk) and bacon is thoroughly crisped.
Allergen Warning
This dish contains multiple common allergens. Clearly label leftovers and avoid cross-contact with allergen-free foods during storage and reheating.
Pro Tips
Technique
Don't skip wringing out the grated potato in a clean towel—excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. You want that pancake to sizzle, not steam.
Substitution
Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions if you want a vegetarian version that still packs serious savory flavor.
Time Saver
Prep the yogurt sauce while the potatoes microwave—lemon zest and juice take 30 seconds and brighten the whole dish.
From the chef
Here's a little story about this pancake: I used to laugh at potato pancakes until I realized the secret weapon was hiding in plain sight—the microwave. By steaming the spuds for just six minutes, you jumpstart the cooking without any of that mushy, waterlogged nonsense. The result? A shredded base that crisps up like a dream in cast iron while staying fluffy inside. This is my kind of weeknight move: minimal effort, maximum crackle.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026