The Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes Recipe Grandma Swore By

Crispy potato cakes bring back memories of grandma’s hearty kitchen celebrations.

Childhood comfort always started with these golden-brown delights sizzling in her well-seasoned skillet.

Potatoes, humble yet magical, create pure magic when transformed into these delectable rounds.

Each bite whispers stories of traditional cooking passed through generations.

Rustic ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising a delightful meal that connects you to culinary roots.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet remarkable dish.

Let’s uncover the secret to making these irresistible potato cakes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes Bring Back Cozy, Classic Flavors

• Recreate Leftovers Magic: Transform humble mashed potatoes into crispy, golden potato cakes that breathe new life into yesterday's side dish.
• Quick Kitchen Hack: Whip up these potato cakes in just 15 minutes, making them a perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend brunches.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Delightfully crispy exterior and soft interior appeal to both kids and adults, creating a universally loved dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable with cheese, herbs, or toppings, these potato cakes work as a satisfying breakfast, appetizer, or side dish for any meal of the day.

Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes Ingredients

• Potatoes: Hearty base that provides creamy texture and classic potato flavor. Russet or Yukon Gold work best for smooth, starchy results.
• Flour: Helps bind ingredients and creates crispy exterior. All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold potato cakes together. Fresh eggs ensure better structure.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out natural potato flavors. Freshly ground black pepper adds extra depth.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color. Adds a subtle zingy note to the potato cakes.
• Cheese: Optional ingredient that adds rich, creamy texture and extra flavor. Sharp cheddar or mild cheese both work well.

• Oil, Butter: Create golden-brown crispy exterior and add rich flavor. Use a combination for best results. Vegetable or canola oil works great with butter.

Potato Cakes Old-Fashioned Prep Guide

Step 1: Whip Up the Potato Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Fresh egg
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Chopped green onions
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well combined and create a consistent texture.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Potato Discs

Gently form the potato mixture into round patties about half an inch thick.

If the mixture feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to prevent clinging.

Step 3: Prepare the Sizzling Skillet

Heat a combination of oil and butter in a sturdy skillet over medium heat.

Ensure the pan is evenly heated for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place potato patties into the hot skillet.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and crispy edges.

Flip them gently using a spatula to maintain their shape.

Step 5: Drain and Plate

Transfer the cooked potato patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pair with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra deliciousness.

Tried-and-True Tips for Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes

• Dust hands with flour to prevent sticky potato cake mixture from clinging to your fingers during shaping.
• Maintain medium heat to ensure golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior without burning the potato cakes.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles.
• Use a combination of oil and butter for enhanced browning and rich, delicious taste when frying potato cakes.
• Repurpose mashed potatoes from previous meals to create these quick and delightful potato cakes with minimal prep time.

Potato Cakes That Stay Crispy

• Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual potato cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks when frozen properly.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange potato cakes on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway for even heating.
• Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook potato cakes 2-3 minutes per side until they regain their crispy exterior and are thoroughly heated.

Sweet or Savory Ideas for Potato Cakes

• Comfort Wine Companion: Pair these crispy potato cakes with a light-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the rich, savory flavors without overpowering the delicate potato texture.
• Zesty Herb Sidekick: Create a quick fresh herb sour cream by mixing chopped chives, dill, and parsley into cool sour cream for a tangy, bright dipping sauce that cuts through the cake's richness.
• Brunch Beverage Blast: Serve alongside a classic bloody mary with extra celery salt and pickled vegetables, whose spicy, acidic profile perfectly balances the potato cake's creamy interior and crispy exterior.
• Complementary Protein Partner: Top the potato cakes with a soft poached egg, letting the runny yolk act as an extra luxurious sauce that adds protein and creates a more substantial meal experience.

Potato Cakes With Texture Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free rice flour to create a celiac-friendly potato cake.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips and use coconut flour instead of regular flour to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh herbs like dill, chives, or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile and create a more aromatic potato cake experience.

FAQs

• Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but freshly mashed potatoes will provide a better texture and more authentic flavor for potato cakes.

• What type of cheese works best in potato cakes?

Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also use parmesan, gouda, or monterey jack for added flavor and richness.

• How do I prevent potato cakes from falling apart while cooking?

Make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients, use enough flour to bind the mixture, and carefully flip the cakes with a spatula to maintain their shape.

• Are potato cakes good for meal prep?

Potato cakes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in a skillet or oven, making them a convenient option for quick meals or snacks.

Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy old-fashioned potato cakes bring nostalgic comfort from grandma’s kitchen, blending simple ingredients into golden-brown perfection. Hearty and satisfying, these classic potato cakes invite you to savor a timeless culinary tradition with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cold mashed potatoes
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped green onions (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar or Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate the smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with flour, whisking in a beaten egg to bind the ingredients. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper, then fold in finely chopped green onions and optional shredded cheese for extra flavor complexity.
2. Using floured hands, delicately shape the potato mixture into uniform patties approximately half an inch thick. If the consistency proves overly adhesive, lightly dust hands with additional flour to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet by melting a combination of oil and butter over medium heat, creating a golden, sizzling cooking surface that ensures a crisp exterior.
4. Gently lower the potato cakes into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a rich, amber-brown crust. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, carefully maneuvering a spatula to flip them without breaking.
5. Once achieved a perfect golden-crisp texture, transfer the potato cakes onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess cooking fat and maintain their delightful crispness.
6. Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by your preferred condiments or toppings to elevate the classic comfort dish.

Notes

• Flour Flexibility: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Moisture Management: Keep mashed potatoes slightly dry to prevent soggy potato cakes; drain excess liquid before mixing ingredients.
• Seasoning Boost: Add smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth of flavor without overwhelming the potato’s natural taste.
• Healthy Hack: Bake potato cakes instead of frying by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brushing with olive oil for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg