Pin it 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.
My grandmother often made these patties with leftover ham and potatoes after holiday meals. They bring back warm memories of family gatherings and resourcefulness.
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
- Vegetable oil or butter: 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or unsalted butter for frying
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
- Combine mashed potatoes, chopped ham, diced onion, parsley (if using), egg, flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until a thick mixture forms.
- Shape Patties:
- With floured hands, form mixture into 8 patties about 2.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Lightly dust each patty with flour.
- Heat Pan:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry Patties:
- Fry patties in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Serve:
- Transfer cooked patties to a plate. Serve hot.
Pin it Making these with my kids is a wonderful way to share family cooking traditions while spending quality time together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
You'll need a large mixing bowl, skillet, spatula, and measuring cups and spoons to make this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain milk if using butter. Always check ingredient labels if food allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy these crispy patties any time of day – they're delicious served hot and make great leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover meat in this dish?
Yes, cooked bacon or leftover roast beef can replace the ham for a different twist without changing the preparation method.
- → What is the best way to shape the patties?
Use floured hands to form 8 evenly sized patties about 2.5 inches wide and half an inch thick for even cooking and crisp edges.
- → How can I make these patties gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to maintain texture while avoiding gluten.
- → Which cooking fat works best for frying?
Vegetable oil or unsalted butter both provide good results; butter adds richness, while oil offers a neutral flavor and higher smoke point.
- → What are good serving suggestions for these patties?
Serve hot with mustard, ketchup, or topped with a fried egg to enhance the comforting flavors.