When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the delightful crunch of Ham Mashed Potato Cakes, perfectly golden on the outside and creamy on the inside. Imagine biting into one—crunchy edges giving way to soft, buttery potatoes mingled with savory ham. creamy scalloped potatoes creamy ranch potatoes The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around and indulge in pure deliciousness.
Let me take you back to a family gathering where Ham Mashed Potato Cakes stole the show. As my aunt flipped them in a sizzling pan, laughter filled the air along with a tantalizing smell that had everyone hovering like moths to a flame. It was an occasion bursting with joy, and I can guarantee that every bite was met with satisfied smiles and full bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Ham Mashed Potato Cakes are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- With a flavor explosion from simple ingredients, these cakes make every bite memorable
- Their golden-brown appearance makes them a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach
- Plus, they are versatile enough for breakfast or dinner!
Sharing this dish always brings back fond memories of laughter-filled meals with friends and family who couldn’t resist going back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience or whip up some fresh ones; creamy is key. For more inspiration, check out this Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
- Diced Ham: Choose your favorite smoked or honey ham; it adds that savory kick we all love.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together; you want these cakes to hold their shape.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra texture; they create that irresistible crunch outside.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide brightness and flavor; don’t skip these tasty little guys!
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key; adjust according to your taste preferences for maximum flavor.
- Cooking Oil: Choose vegetable oil or olive oil for frying; just enough to create that crispy exterior.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the green onions finely. This step sets you up for smooth cooking later on.
Create the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, diced ham, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Cakes: Shape your mixture into patties using your hands; aim for about 3 inches in diameter. You want those cakes uniform for even cooking.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough oil to cover the bottom. Wait until shimmering—this indicates it’s hot enough!
Cook Until Golden: Place each cake in the skillet carefully without crowding them. Fry until golden brown on one side before flipping gently—about 4-5 minutes per side.
Drain Excess Oil: Once they’re crispy and golden all over, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil while keeping them warm in an oven set at low heat.
There you have it! Ham Mashed Potato Cakes are now ready for devouring. Whether you serve them with sour cream or enjoy them plain, each bite will remind you of why comfort food is so comforting! hamburger potato casserole. You might also enjoy this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
You Must Know
- Ham mashed potato cakes are not just delicious; they transform leftovers into a mouthwatering dish
- The crispy outside and creamy inside create a delightful contrast
- These cakes are perfect for brunch or as a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your potatoes until fork-tender, then let them cool. Mix in diced ham, onions, and spices before shaping the mixture into patties. crispy garlic sweet potato fries Cook in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides for perfectly crispy cakes.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences! Try adding cheese, herbs like chives, or even leftover veggies to create unique flavor profiles while personalizing your ham mashed potato cakes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ham mashed potato cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side to restore that delicious crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your ham mashed potato cakes, ensure your potatoes are well-drained and dry
- This prevents sogginess
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor and remember to season generously
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for an extra zing!
Sharing these delightful ham mashed potato cakes with friends and family brings back memories of cozy gatherings around the dinner table filled with laughter and compliments about my cooking skills.

FAQ
Can I freeze ham mashed potato cakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just allow them to cool completely before storing in freezer bags.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes offer the best texture and flavor for these cakes.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs when coating the cakes before frying.
Ham Mashed Potato Cakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Ham Mashed Potato Cakes are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy golden edges with creamy mashed potatoes and savory ham. These delicious cakes are easy to prepare and make for a perfect family meal or a delightful brunch dish. With their mouthwatering aroma and satisfying crunch, they are sure to become a favorite around your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 450g)
- 1 cup diced ham (about 150g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (about 100g)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 25g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (about 60ml)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and finely chop the green onions.
- Create the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, diced ham, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Cakes: Shape the mixture into patties about 3 inches in diameter.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet over medium heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Wait until shimmering.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each cake for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked cakes onto paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop (80g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in shredded cheese or herbs like chives. Leftover cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.