
Crispy on the outside, tender and yielding within, this Swiss potato cake is one of those dishes that feels far more impressive than the effort it actually demands. The whole thing comes together with just potatoes, butter, oil, salt, and pepper — nothing hidden, nothing complicated, and absolutely no grains in sight. For anyone navigating a rice-free lifestyle, potatoes are the ultimate comfort carb, and this recipe leans into that fully without any fillers or starchy substitutes to second-guess. The technique is the real star here: par-boiling the potatoes, chilling them overnight, and squeezing out every drop of moisture before they hit the pan is what gives you that deeply golden, shatteringly crisp crust. The confident flip halfway through cooking is a little theatrical moment in the kitchen that pays off with a beautifully even browning on both sides. Cut into wedges and served straight from the board, it works as a hearty side, a brunch centerpiece, or honestly just dinner on its own with a fried egg on top.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings




Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until a skewer meets firm resistance about halfway through — the potatoes should be just barely tender at the outer edge but still raw at the center, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) until completely cold.
Peel the cold potatoes and coarsely grate them on the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper and toss gently to distribute. Spread the grated potato onto a clean kitchen towel, roll it up, and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
