If you're searching for a delicious and satisfying dish that combines comfort food with a delightful crunch, look no further than these irresistible ham cheese potato cakes! Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with a creamy, cheesy filling that bursts with flavor, these cakes are sure to become a family favorite. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch that serves six, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, diced cooked ham, shredded cheese, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish, preparing for coating the potato cakes.
- Using clean hands, form the potato mixture into round, flat patties approximately 3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Each patty should be roughly the size of a small hamburger.
- Carefully coat each potato cake in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the surface of the patty on all sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the potato cakes into the skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each potato cake for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, with a nice crunchy exterior.
- Remove the cooked potato cakes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let the potato cakes rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow them to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally with a side of sour cream, applesauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Tips
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Perfectly Mashed Potatoes: For the best texture, use freshly made mashed potatoes. If using leftovers, ensure they are smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that crispy exterior. For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Temperature Check: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the potato cakes. A temperature of around 350°F will ensure they fry up perfectly without absorbing too much oil.
- Batch Cooking: Fry the cakes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cakes.
- Let Them Rest: After frying, allow the cakes to rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps drain excess oil and allows them to set up nicely for serving.
- Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve your potato cakes with a variety of dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli to elevate the flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
