Save A comforting, budget-friendly dish inspired by classic Depression-era recipes, these crispy ham and potato patties are savory, simple, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I first tried making Depression-Era Ham & Potato Patties on a chilly morning, hoping to stretch my leftovers into a family meal. It quickly became a favorite for its satisfying taste and simplicity.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2 cups (about 350 g) cooked, mashed potatoes (leftovers work well)
- Ham: 1 cup (150 g) cooked ham, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped (optional)
- Egg: 1 large
- All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup (40 g) plus more for dusting
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil or unsalted butter: 2 to 3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, chopped ham, diced onion, parsley, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until a thick mixture forms.
- Shape Patties:
- With floured hands, shape into 8 patties about 2.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Lightly dust each patty with flour.
- Heat Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry Patties:
- Fry patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot.
Save 
Save Sharing these patties at breakfast always reminds me of my grandmother making do with what we had and turning simple ingredients into a special family treat.
Required Tools
You will need a large mixing bowl, skillet or frying pan, spatula, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain milk if using butter and possible cross-contamination from ham. Always check ingredient labels for safety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 220 calories, 9 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
Save 
Save Enjoy these crispy golden patties hot from the skillet and make every meal a little more comforting. They are perfect for using up leftovers and feeding a crowd.
Common Questions
- → What potatoes work best for patties?
Mashed, cooked potatoes work best, especially leftover potatoes that are slightly dried out for better binding.
- → Can I substitute ham with other meats?
Yes, bacon or leftover roast beef can be used as alternatives to change the flavor profile.
- → How can I make the patties gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to keep the patties crisp without gluten.
- → What oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil or unsalted butter works well for frying, providing a golden and crispy exterior.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the patties?
Add dried thyme or a pinch of paprika to the mixture for enhanced savory notes.