Think mashed potatoes are boring? Think again. These Crispy Potato Patties Stuffed with Ham and Cheese are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with smoky ham and melty cheese. Grandma knew what she was doing with this one—each bite is pure comfort food magic.
Ingredients:
For the potato mixture:
- 1.3 pounds (about 5 medium) potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- A pinch of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons shredded sharp cheese (cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 small roasted red bell pepper (thawed if frozen), diced
- 2 ounces soft cheese (like cream cheese or brie)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for shaping)
For the filling:
- 3.5 ounces (about ½ cup) cooked ham, diced
- 3.5 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar)
- 2 ounces shredded cheese (for topping)
For breading:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Peel and boil the potatoes until soft. Drain and mash thoroughly until smooth—no lumps.
- Mix in salt, paprika, ginger, garlic powder, diced red pepper, shredded cheese, chopped parsley, flour, and soft cheese. Stir until fully combined.
- Oil your hands lightly. Scoop out some of the potato mixture, roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a patty.
- Add a spoonful of diced ham and shredded cheese in the center. Cover with another potato patty and press edges together to seal well.
- Dip each patty in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can either fry them in oil until golden brown or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Just before they’re done baking, top each patty with a spoonful of shredded cheese and return to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Serve hot with salad, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
