Depression-Era Ham Potato Patties (Printable)

Crispy ham and mashed potato patties with fresh herbs and spices, ideal for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes (approximately 1 lb 2 oz)

→ Meats

02 - 1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped (approximately 5.3 oz)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Pantry & Bindings

05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting) (approximately 1.4 oz)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Frying

09 - 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or unsalted butter

# How to make it:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend mashed potatoes, chopped ham, diced onion, parsley if used, egg, flour, salt, and black pepper until incorporated into a thick mixture.
02 - With hands lightly dusted with flour, shape the mixture into eight patties each about 2.5 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick; dust patties lightly with flour.
03 - Warm vegetable oil or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
04 - Cook patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
05 - Transfer cooked patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and serve hot.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses up leftovers and pantry staples
  • Quick, versatile, and family-friendly comfort food
02 -
  • You can substitute cooked bacon or leftover roast beef for ham.
  • To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
03 -
  • For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or a pinch of paprika to the mixture.
  • Leftover patties reheat well in a skillet for a quick meal the next day.
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