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Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This classic Irish Potato Cakes recipe transforms leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden patties flavored with chives and perfectly pan-fried in butter. These savory cakes make a delicious breakfast side, snack, or accompaniment to your favorite meal, delivering comforting flavors and a satisfying texture in just 25 minutes.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Irish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Potato Cake Mixture

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, cold
  • ½ cup flour (start with ⅓ cup, add more as needed)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon chives, chopped

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, ⅓ cup of flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly mix with a spoon until just combined.
  2. Add Egg: Make a well in the center of the potato mixture, crack the egg into the well, whisk it lightly, then fold it gently into the potatoes to incorporate evenly.
  3. Incorporate Chives: Stir in the chopped chives carefully to distribute the flavor throughout the mixture.
  4. Adjust Flour: Add additional flour a little at a time as needed, until the mixture can be formed easily into patties without being too sticky or falling apart. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the cakes tender.
  5. Heat Butter: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is hot enough to cook the cakes but not so hot that they burn quickly.
  6. Form and Cook Patties: Shape the potato mixture into 4 equal patties. Place the patties carefully into the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes, until both sides are crisp and the cakes are heated through.
  7. Serve: Remove the cooked potato cakes from the pan and serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped chives if desired.

Notes

  • Use cold leftover mashed potatoes for best texture and easier handling.
  • Adjust the amount of flour to get the right consistency for forming patties—too much flour will make the cakes dense.
  • Cook over medium heat to ensure the inside cooks through while achieving a crispy exterior.
  • Serve with sour cream, smoked salmon, or a simple salad for a complete meal.