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Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes

Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes

Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes are crispy, comforting, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Made from simple, budget-friendly ingredients like russet potatoes, onion, egg, and flour, these golden cakes boast a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they offer classic home-cooked goodness that’s versatile and easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 23 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the russet potatoes using a coarse grater. To avoid sogginess, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the Cakes: Take a small handful of the mixture and form it into a round, flat patty roughly the size of your palm. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
  4. Cook Until Golden: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the patties carefully into the hot pan and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
  5. Serve Warm: Serve your Old-Fashioned Potato Cakes immediately for the best crispy texture, paired with your favorite garnishes or sides.

Notes

  • Drain Thoroughly: Removing moisture from the grated potatoes is key to achieving crispiness, so don’t skip this step.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cakes in batches to maintain even cooking and a perfect crust.
  • Use Medium Heat: Keeping the heat moderate ensures the potato cakes cook through before burning outside.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before frying to help the flour absorb moisture and hold the shape better.
  • Experiment Safely: Try small batches with added herbs or cheese to find your favorite variation without waste.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato cakes, old-fashioned, crispy potato patties, comfort food, gluten-free potato cakes, easy potato recipes, homemade potato cakes