Crispy Golden Potato Cakes with Ham & Cheese – A Comforting Classic

Name: Crispy Golden Potato Cakes with Ham & Cheese – A Comforting Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 4 cups diced); 100 to 150 grams (3.5 to 5 oz) mortadella or ham, chopped; 1 egg; 150 grams (1.2 cups) flour; A pinch of pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Cheese slices (as desired); Fresh greens, for serving

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 13, 2025

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple potato dish. Potatoes have a way of turning even the most ordinary ingredients into something warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making potato cakes whenever we had leftover mashed potatoes. She never needed a recipe—just a pinch of this, a handful of that, and somehow, they always came out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly golden brown.

She would serve them straight from the pan, steam rising, the cheese inside still melting. We would gather around the kitchen table, eager to take that first bite. Sometimes, she would add ham or mortadella for extra flavor, other times she’d sneak in fresh herbs from the garden. No matter how she made them, they always tasted like home.

Now, every time I make these Crispy Golden Potato Cakes, I’m transported back to those moments—simple, happy, and filled with the warmth of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a side dish for dinner, these potato cakes are proof that the best meals are often the simplest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Made with Simple, Everyday Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here! Just potatoes, flour, ham, and cheese, with a few seasonings to bring it all together.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

These potato cakes come together in under 30 minutes and cook quickly in a pan—perfect for busy days.

3. Crispy on the Outside, Soft and Cheesy Inside

The combination of golden-brown crust and gooey melted cheese inside makes every bite irresistible.

4. Perfect for Any Meal of the Day

Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. They pair wonderfully with fresh greens, a fried egg, or a dollop of sour cream.

5. Customizable to Your Taste

You can easily swap out ingredients to make them vegetarian, add different cheeses, or spice them up with herbs and seasonings.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Medium-sized potatoes, diced	3 (about 4 cups)
Mortadella or ham, chopped	100–150g (3.5–5 oz)
Egg	1
Flour	150g (1.2 cups)
Pepper	A pinch
Vegetable oil	1 tablespoon
Cheese slices	As desired
Fresh greens (for serving)	As desired

Directions

Boil and Mash the Potatoes – Cook the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with chopped mortadella or ham, flour, egg, and pepper until a dough-like consistency forms.
Shape the Cakes – Divide the mixture into portions and shape them into round patties. Place a slice of cheese between two patties and seal the edges.
Pan-Fry to Perfection – Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the potato cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh greens and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Potato Cake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	8 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	320 mg

Tips for the Best Potato Cakes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They mash well and hold their shape when cooked.

2. Make Sure the Potatoes Are Completely Drained

If there’s too much moisture in the mashed potatoes, the mixture can become too soft and difficult to shape. Let them cool slightly before mixing in the other ingredients.

3. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Mix just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make the potato cakes dense rather than light and fluffy.

4. Use the Right Amount of Flour

Flour helps bind the potato mixture, but too much can make them dry. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.

5. Get That Perfect Golden Crust

Pan-fry the potato cakes over medium heat to get a crispy exterior without burning them. A non-stick pan or cast iron skillet works best.

6. Experiment with Different Fillings

While ham and cheese are a classic combination, try switching things up with:

Crispy bacon or smoked turkey instead of ham
Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor
Chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Side of Sour Cream or Yogurt

The creamy tang of sour cream pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the potato cakes. Add a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for extra flavor.

2. As a Breakfast Dish

Serve with a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty breakfast. Add a side of fresh greens or sliced avocado for balance.

3. With a Light Salad

Pair these potato cakes with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.

4. As a Side for Soup

A warm bowl of tomato soup, creamy mushroom soup, or even a rich broth-based soup makes the perfect pairing.

5. As a Sandwich Alternative

Use the potato cakes as a base for an open-faced sandwich, topping them with smoked salmon, cream cheese, or roasted vegetables.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If needed, dust them lightly with flour before frying to help them hold their shape.

Q: Can I freeze them?

Absolutely! Arrange the uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! While frying gives them the crispiest texture, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush them with a little oil before baking for better color and crunch.

Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure the mashed potatoes are not too wet—drain them well.
Don’t skip the flour and egg, as they help bind the mixture.
If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping.

Q: What can I use instead of ham or mortadella?

For a vegetarian version, try:

Sautéed mushrooms and onions
Chopped spinach or kale
Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes! Sweet potatoes will make the cakes slightly softer and sweeter. If using sweet potatoes, reduce the flour slightly and consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with these potato cakes?

Garlic yogurt sauce
Homemade ranch dressing
Spicy sriracha mayo
Classic ketchup or mustard

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The best recipes are the ones that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of home, and these Crispy Golden Potato Cakes with Ham & Cheese do exactly that.

They’re:
✔ Quick and easy to make
✔ Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
✔ Versatile and customizable
✔ Made with simple, everyday ingredients
✔ Perfect for any time of day

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a quick snack, these potato cakes are guaranteed to hit the spot. One bite, and you’ll understand why crispy, cheesy potatoes will always be a favorite comfort food.

So go ahead, grab those three potatoes and an egg, and create a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. You won’t be disappointed!