These Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Patties are a crispy, golden delight filled with gooey melted cheese and savory ham. They’re the kind of comfort food that makes everyone smile — crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with a surprise cheesy center that stretches beautifully when you take a bite. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a snack, these patties are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Potato Mixture:
- 4 large potatoes (about 800 g), peeled and boiled
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream (for smooth texture)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley or chives (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creamy filling)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
For Coating and Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crunch)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
Start by boiling the potatoes until tender. Drain them completely and let them cool for a few minutes before mashing. Add butter, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until smooth and creamy — you want the texture soft enough to shape but firm enough to hold its form. Stir in fresh parsley or chives for a bit of color and flavor if you like.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Ham Filling
In a small bowl, combine diced ham, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy but thick enough to scoop. This filling gives the patties a rich, savory flavor that melts perfectly when cooked.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Take a handful of mashed potato (about ¼ cup) and flatten it in your hand to form a small disc. Spoon about one tablespoon of the ham and cheese filling into the center. Gently fold the potato around the filling and shape it into a smooth round patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 8 medium patties.
For best results, place the shaped patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together during frying.
Step 4: Coat the Patties
Prepare three shallow bowls — one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each patty first in flour (shake off the excess), then in beaten egg, and finally coat it well with breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures a crisp and golden crust that stays crunchy even after cooling.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties, 3 or 4 at a time, and fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan so they cook evenly. Once done, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Patties warm, with your favorite dipping sauce — ketchup, ranch, garlic mayo, or even sweet chili sauce. When you cut into one, you’ll see the melted cheese stretching beautifully between layers of creamy potato and savory ham. It’s comfort food perfection on a plate.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
These potato patties are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a main dish with a side salad, or as a hearty snack with a dipping sauce. They also make a great addition to a breakfast or brunch spread — pair them with eggs, bacon, or toast for a complete meal. You can even use them as burger patties for a fun twist on the classic sandwich.
If you’re hosting guests, arrange them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or a drizzle of creamy sauce. They look fancy but are made from simple ingredients everyone loves.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time — just make sure they aren’t too runny.
- Try different fillings like cooked chicken, spinach and cheese, or even tuna for variety.
- Bake instead of fry: place coated patties on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add chopped green onions or shredded carrots to the potato mixture for extra flavor and color.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
🥔 Storage & Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again — microwaving works too, but the crust may lose its crunch. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to one month; just thaw them in the fridge before frying or baking.
❤️ Why Everyone Loves Them
These Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Patties combine all the best comfort food elements — creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheese, and smoky ham — into one bite-sized treat. They’re warm, filling, and perfectly seasoned, with a satisfying crunch that makes them irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they bring homemade goodness to every table.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you love cheese, potatoes, and crispy fried comfort food, this recipe is for you. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors — the kind that makes you close your eyes and smile. Once you try them, these Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Patties will definitely earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.