Save to Pinterest A comforting, budget-friendly dish inspired by classic Depression-era recipes, these crispy ham and potato patties are savory, simple, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I remember my grandmother making these patties to stretch ingredients during tough times, and they remain a favorite in our family for their heartiness and flavor.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2 cups (about 350 g) cooked, mashed potatoes (leftovers work well)
- Ham: 1 cup (150 g) cooked ham, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Flour: 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil or Butter: 2 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or unsalted butter for frying
Instructions
- Mix:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, chopped ham, diced onion, parsley (if using), egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and a thick mixture forms.
- Shape:
- With floured hands, shape the mixture into 8 patties, about 2.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Lightly dust each patty with flour.
- Heat:
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry:
- Fry the patties in batches for 3 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Serve:
- Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest These patties have become a weekend staple for our family gatherings, and everyone loves building their own with favorite toppings.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, skillet or frying pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Eggs, Wheat (Gluten). May contain: Milk (if using butter), potential cross-contamination in ham. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein
Save to Pinterest These ham & potato patties are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet and make excellent leftovers the next day, too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for the patties?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly, providing an easy way to reduce waste and add flavor.
- → What can I substitute for ham in this dish?
You can replace ham with cooked bacon or leftover roast beef for a different but delicious taste.
- → How do I make these patties gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to keep the patties crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What cooking fat works best for frying?
Vegetable oil or unsalted butter both fry the patties well, offering either a neutral or richer flavor.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the patties?
Adding dried thyme or a pinch of paprika enhances the flavor without overpowering the simple ingredients.