Old Fashioned Potato Cakes have been a cherished recipe in my family for generations. I fondly remember the warm, savory aroma wafting through the house as my grandmother prepared these delightful cakes every Sunday morning. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. The first bite always transports me back to those cozy family gatherings around the kitchen table, where laughter and love filled the air. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic dish at home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
- Deliciously crispy texture that satisfies your cravings.
- Quick to prepare, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner.
- Budget-friendly, using ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
- Versatile, with options to add cheese and herbs for extra flavor.
- Can be made gluten-free with alternative flour.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
Here’s everything you need for this comforting dish:
- 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes – use leftovers for ease.
- 1 large egg – binds the mixture together.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – helps achieve that crispy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds a touch of spice.
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil – for frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, ensuring the mixture is thick but not runny.
- Step 2: Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter or oil, or a combination of both, to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Form the potato mixture into patties using about ¼ cup each. Flatten them gently with your hands.
- Step 4: Fry the patties in batches, cooking for about 3–4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crisp. You can hear that satisfying sizzle as they fry!
- Step 5: Once golden, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If needed, keep them warm in a 200°F oven.
- Step 6: Serve hot, accompanied by sour cream, applesauce, or any toppings of your choice.
Pro Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
Here are some expert tips to ensure your potato cakes turn out perfectly every time:
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped onions or herbs.
What’s the secret to perfect Old Fashioned Potato Cakes?
The key to achieving the perfect texture is to not overmix the batter. This keeps your cakes light and fluffy on the inside while staying crispy on the outside.
Can I make Old Fashioned Potato Cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before shaping it into patties and frying.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Old Fashioned Potato Cakes?
Avoid using too much flour, as it can make the cakes dense. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties to avoid sogginess.
Best Ways to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
These potato cakes are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a sweet and savory combination. You can also pair them with a fresh salad for a light lunch or enjoy them as a hearty side dish during dinner. They make a fantastic base for toppings like cheese and herbs, enhancing their flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts for Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
Per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
Once cooled, place your potato cakes in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them back in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy again. This way, you can enjoy these delicious cakes even days later!
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Potato Cakes
Can I make Old Fashioned Potato Cakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this classic without any gluten.
What are some variations I can try with Old Fashioned Potato Cakes?
Consider adding grated cheese, chopped herbs, or even sautéed vegetables into the mixture for a flavorful twist. You can also experiment with different spices to enhance the taste.
How do I know when the potato cakes are done?
They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside. You can test one by cutting it open; it should be soft but not mushy inside.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Cakes: 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes. This easy recipe is ideal as a breakfast side or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt, and pepper until well mixed. The mixture should be thick but not runny.
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter, oil, or a combination of both.
- Form the potato mixture into patties using about ¼ cup each. Flatten gently.
- Fry the patties in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
- Serve hot with sour cream, applesauce, or toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
