If you’re searching for a delightfully crispy and comforting dish that brings a fresh twist on a classic, the Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. This irresistible combination pairs golden, crunchy potato and parsnip fritters with a luxuriously creamy and tangy topping bursting with deep, sweet onion flavor. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each plays an essential role in making your Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe shine with flavor and texture. From the starchy potatoes giving crispness to the parsnip’s subtle sweetness, every component enhances the dish’s personality.
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated: These create the crispy, golden foundation of your rosti.
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and grated: Adds a sweet earthiness that balances the potatoes beautifully.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Infuses a mild, aromatic kick right into the rosti mixture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided: Essential for frying to a perfect crisp without heaviness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances overall flavor and seasons evenly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the vegetables.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the mixture while keeping it light.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a natural adhesive to hold your rosti together while cooking.
- 1 cup sour cream: The tangy base for the luscious caramelized onion topping.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Slowly caramelized to bring intense sweetness and richness.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds a velvety luxe to the caramelized onions.
- 1 tsp brown sugar: Helps the onions reach that perfect golden caramelized state.
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish): Lending a fresh, oniony note and vivid color on top.
How to Make Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and grating the potatoes and parsnips. Once grated, place them inside a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial because drier vegetables will crisp up beautifully when fried, giving you that golden, crunchy exterior everyone loves.
Step 2: Combine the Rosti Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the grated potatoes and parsnips with finely chopped onion, garlic powder, flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. The onion adds just the right bit of bite while the flour and egg come together to create a sturdy, yet tender rosti that won’t fall apart in the pan.
Step 3: Fry the Rosti Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape the mixture into small patties that fit comfortably in your palm. Fry them carefully, cooking each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden-brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer your perfectly cooked rostis onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
While your rostis cook, melt the butter in another skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion along with the brown sugar. The key here is patience—cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized, soft, and packed with honeyed flavor. This rich sweetness transforms the sour cream into a truly special topping.
Step 5: Combine Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Stir the caramelized onions into the sour cream, mixing it until beautifully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This luscious mixture is what makes the Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe so unique and crave-worthy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your golden rostis warm, topped generously with a dollop of the caramelized onion sour cream. Finish it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives to add a bright, herbal note and color contrast that’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh chives are the perfect finishing touch for this dish; their mild onion flavor complements the savory rosti and creamy topping nicely. You might also sprinkle some cracked black pepper or finely chopped parsley for more color and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple greens, like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or alongside smoked salmon for an elegant brunch spread. It’s versatile enough to be part of a light lunch or a comforting dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rostis as bite-sized appetizers topped with mini dollops of the onion sour cream on a platter. You can also use the rosti as a base for poached eggs or sautéed mushrooms to create a luxurious layered dish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store any uncooked rosti mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cooked rostis keep best when refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked rostis by letting them cool completely, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. They stay delicious for up to 2 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe is in a hot skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until the exterior is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other root vegetables instead of parsnips?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes or turnips are excellent alternatives that will give a different but equally delightful flavor and texture. Just be mindful of their moisture content and adjust squeezing accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or potato starch. Both options help with binding and maintain that perfect rosti texture.
Can I prepare the caramelized onion sour cream in advance?
Definitely. The caramelized onion sour cream tastes fantastic even after resting, so feel free to prepare it a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What can I serve if I want this as a full meal?
Pairing the rostis with a fresh green salad and perhaps a protein like grilled chicken or smoked salmon turns this dish into a satisfying meal. Adding a poached egg on top is also a delicious option that adds richness.
How do I get my rostis extra crispy?
Removing as much moisture as possible from the grated vegetables is key. Also, make sure your pan and oil are hot enough before frying, and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each rosti browns evenly and crisply.
Final Thoughts
Making the Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe is such a rewarding kitchen adventure that results in a dish full of heartwarming flavor and irresistible textures. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s not just a recipe but a new favorite to share with friends and family again and again. So go ahead and bring a little golden magic into your kitchen; you won’t regret it!
Print
Potato-Parsnip Rosti with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Potato-Parsnip Rosti recipe features crispy, golden patties made from grated potatoes and parsnips, enhanced with aromatic onion and garlic powder. Served with a luscious caramelized onion sour cream topping, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a comforting brunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Rosti
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Caramelized Onion Sour Cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Remove excess moisture: Place the grated potatoes and parsnips in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure the rosti turn out crispy.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, flour, lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a cohesive mixture.
- Cook the rosti: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape the mixture into small patties and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Caramelize the onions: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and brown sugar, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and sweet.
- Prepare the sour cream topping: Stir the caramelized onions into the sour cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the rosti warm, topped with a generous dollop of the caramelized onion sour cream, and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
Notes
- Removing excess moisture from the grated vegetables is crucial to achieving crispy rosti.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve the rosti immediately after cooking for the best texture; they tend to soften upon standing.
- Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.

