Save 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 first made these patties on a chilly morning, hoping to stretch out the week's groceries. Their golden crust and savory flavor reminded me of my grandmother's kitchen, where nothing went to waste and every meal felt like comfort.
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Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2 cups (about 350 g) cooked, mashed potatoes
- Ham: 1 cup (150 g) cooked ham, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped (optional)
- Egg: 1 large
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup (40 g), plus more for dusting
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil or Unsalted Butter: 2, 3 tablespoons for frying
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Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
- 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.
- Form Patties:
- 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 Skillet:
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry Patties:
- 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.
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Sharing these patties with my family always brings stories of simpler times. They love customizing them with a fried egg or ketchup, turning an old-fashioned recipe into a new favorite.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, skillet or frying pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain milk if using butter. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
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Save Enjoy these Depression-Era Ham & Potato Patties hot from the skillet. They're a comforting slice of history that tastes even better shared.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover potatoes for the patties?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and help bind the patties while adding creamy texture.
- → What are good substitutes for ham in this dish?
Cooked bacon or leftover roast beef are great alternatives to ham, adding their own unique flavors.
- → How can I make these patties gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the patties crispy and safe for gluten sensitivity.
- → What oils are best for frying the patties?
Vegetable oil or unsalted butter provide good frying mediums, balancing crispness and flavor.
- → How do I store leftover patties?
Cool patties completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispness.
