Crispy Golden Potato Cakes with Ham & Cheese – A Comforting Classic
Turn simple ingredients into a hearty and delicious dish with these Crispy Golden Potato Cakes with Ham & Cheese! Made with mashed potatoes, flour, ham, and gooey melted cheese, these cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, they’re crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 potato cakes 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
For the Potato Cakes:
- 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
Instructions
- Boil and Mash the Potatoes – Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with chopped ham, flour, egg, and pepper. Stir until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cakes – Take a portion of the mixture, flatten it into a patty, place a cheese slice in the center, and seal with another layer of potato mixture.
- Pan-Fry to Perfection – Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh greens and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry the potato cakes in butter and oil combined.
- If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
- These can be baked instead of fried—bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Try adding herbs like parsley or green onions for extra flavor.