Pin this 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 during a busy week when I needed to use up leftover mashed potatoes and ham. They came out perfectly crisp and satisfying, and my family now requests them regularly for weekend breakfasts.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2 cups (about 350 g) cooked, mashed potatoes (leftovers work well)
- Meats: 1 cup (150 g) cooked ham, finely chopped
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Pantry & Bindings: 1 large egg; 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Frying: 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or unsalted butter
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, chopped ham, diced onion, parsley (if using), egg, flour, salt, and pepper 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 Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry Patties:
- Fry patties in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.
Pin this 
Pin this My kids especially love helping shape the patties before frying. It's become a fun and simple way to get everyone involved in the kitchen together.
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 or potential cross-contamination in ham. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
Pin this 
Pin this Enjoy these ham and potato patties hot and crisp for a comforting bite. They're delicious and practical for busy schedules or nostalgic meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ham with other meats?
Yes, you can replace ham with cooked bacon or leftover roast beef to suit your taste or use what’s available.
- → How do I make these patties gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to keep the patties gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- → What is the best method for cooking the patties?
Fry them in a skillet over medium heat with vegetable oil or unsalted butter until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- → Can I add herbs or spices to enhance flavor?
Absolutely, adding dried thyme or paprika complements the savory flavors and provides a subtle aromatic boost.
- → How should leftover patties be stored and reheated?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.