Cheesy Potato Patties with Ham Filling are the perfect comfort food snack or meal idea that combines crispy golden potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and savory ham tucked right inside. Imagine biting into a warm patty where the outside is crispy, the middle is soft and fluffy, and then you get that cheesy ham surprise—yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds! These patties are versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or even the main dish with a side salad. They’re a family favorite, easy to make with simple ingredients, and a great way to turn leftover potatoes or ham into something truly irresistible.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (about 500 g), boiled and mashed

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• 150 g ham, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 3 tbsp flour (plus extra for coating)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, for frying

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain, mash, and let them cool slightly.

2. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix chopped ham and half of the cheese. This will be the gooey center of your patties.

3. Season the potato mixture: To the mashed potatoes, add the egg, flour, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and firm enough to shape.

4. Shape the patties: Take a small portion of potato mixture (about 2 tbsp), flatten it in your hand, place some ham-cheese filling in the middle, then cover with another layer of potato mixture. Shape into round patties.

5. Coat the patties: Lightly dust each patty with flour, dip in beaten egg (optional for extra crunch), then coat with breadcrumbs.

6. Fry until golden: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.

7. Serve hot: Plate the patties warm with a dip like sour cream, garlic sauce, or ketchup.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 220 kcal

• Protein: 9 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Calcium: 100 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These potato patties are everything you want in a comfort food—crispy edges, soft potato inside, and that irresistible melted cheese with ham filling. They’re affordable, fun to make, and kid-friendly. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or a light dinner. If you enjoy recipes that strike the balance between cozy and satisfying, this one will easily become a repeat favorite.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Potato patties have a long tradition across many cultures—think of croquettes in Spain, cutlets in Eastern Europe, or aloo tikki in India. This version takes inspiration from classic European potato dishes but adds the twist of a ham and cheese filling for extra richness. It’s the kind of recipe that comes from making the most out of pantry staples—leftover potatoes and deli ham suddenly become something gourmet when wrapped together like this.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Potato patties have been cherished across countless cultures for generations, with each region putting its own spin on the idea of mashed or grated potatoes shaped, seasoned, and cooked until golden. In Spain, you’ll find croquettes filled with ham or seafood, often served as tapas. Eastern Europe has a love affair with potato cutlets and pancakes, sometimes stuffed with cheese, meat, or cabbage. Meanwhile, in India, aloo tikki is a beloved street food, made with spiced mashed potatoes shaped into patties and fried until crispy. The beauty of potato patties lies in their adaptability; they can be humble or elevated, depending on what’s inside. This particular recipe draws its inspiration from the heart of European comfort food traditions but adds a playful twist with a gooey ham-and-cheese center. It represents the cleverness of home cooks who make the most of pantry staples—leftover boiled potatoes and a few slices of deli ham are transformed into something gourmet, making the dish both practical and indulgent. It’s a perfect example of how comfort food can bridge simplicity and sophistication.

Ingredient Spotlight

The star of this dish is, without a doubt, the potato. Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold are especially well-suited for this recipe because they create a soft, fluffy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crisp outer crust. Potatoes also provide a blank canvas that welcomes bold fillings and seasonings. Then comes the ham, which adds a savory, salty depth to the patties and balances the mildness of the potato. This ingredient is also a fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers, giving new life to slices of ham that might otherwise go unused. The cheese, whether you go for mozzarella’s stretchy, melty quality or cheddar’s sharper tang, is what makes these patties irresistible. When it melts inside, it creates that satisfying pull that every cheese lover craves. Finally, the breadcrumbs bring everything together, creating a delicate golden shell that locks in the filling and gives the patties their signature crunch. Each of these ingredients contributes something unique, turning simple staples into a dish greater than the sum of its parts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about these cheesy potato patties with ham filling is that they are make-ahead friendly, which makes them a lifesaver for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. If you have leftovers, the key is to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days without losing too much of their texture. When it comes to reheating, the best way is to avoid the microwave, since that tends to make the patties soggy. Instead, use an oven or an air fryer preheated to 180 °C (350 °F) and let the patties warm up for 8–10 minutes. This method revives the crispiness of the crust and keeps the inside fluffy and warm. For those who like to plan ahead, you can even prepare the patties in advance and freeze them before frying. Lay them flat on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them into freezer bags. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry them straight from frozen—no need to thaw—which makes for an incredibly convenient snack or meal.

Common Variations to Try

One of the joys of this recipe is how customizable it can be, allowing you to tailor it to different tastes and dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers combined with cheese for a hearty and flavorful filling. If you like your food with a little heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. This gives the patties a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with a cooling dip like sour cream. Cheese lovers can also experiment with different varieties—mild gouda, creamy provolone, or bold blue cheese all bring unique flavors and textures to the table. And if you’re planning to serve these at a party or gathering, shaping the mixture into smaller, bite-sized patties is a fun option. Mini versions make for the perfect finger food, especially when served with a platter of assorted dips. These variations prove that once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can let your creativity run wild and adapt the patties to suit any occasion.

Pairing Recommendations

These patties go beautifully with tangy dips like sour cream, ranch, or tzatziki. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a warm soup. They also pair well with pickles or a simple coleslaw to cut through the richness.

Health Benefits

While indulgent, these patties do provide nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Cheese adds calcium and protein, while ham contributes additional protein and iron. Using fresh herbs like parsley boosts antioxidants, and if you pan-fry in olive oil instead of butter, you’ll add healthy fats.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Patties with Ham Filling are a simple yet satisfying dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. With their crispy crust, fluffy potato base, and gooey savory filling, they’re sure to win over kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for casual family meals, party appetizers, or even as a creative way to use leftovers. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for when you need something quick, hearty, and guaranteed to please.