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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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 potato cakes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: International
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Boil and Mash the Potatoes – Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with chopped ham, flour, egg, and pepper. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.