When time is short, but you crave a warm, comforting meal, crispy potato and ham pancakes are the answer. This recipe is a perfect blend of simple ingredients, delightful flavors, and a quick cooking process. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a solo meal, these pancakes come together in less than 30 minutes, offering a hearty and satisfying dinner option.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to perfect this dish, so you’ll have a reliable go-to meal for busy evenings.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, grated
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter for frying
- Optional: sour cream or ketchup for serving
instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by peeling and grating the potatoes. Once grated, use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure the pancakes are crispy and hold their shape.
- Dice the cooked ham into small cubes, ensuring they’re bite-sized for even distribution in the pancakes.
- Shred the cheese if not pre-shredded, and chop any fresh herbs you’d like to add.
Step 2: Combine the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and add the grated potatoes, diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped herbs.
- Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. The consistency should be thick enough to hold together when scooped but not overly dry.
Step 3: Fry the Pancakes
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil or butter. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.
- Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture for each pancake and flatten it slightly in the pan to create an even shape.
- Fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm with sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Crispy potato and ham pancakes are more than just a quick dinner—they’re a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized to your liking. With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a simple yet satisfying meal. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory ham, and gooey cheese creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re serving these pancakes as a main dish or a side, they’re sure to be a hit. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or spices to make the recipe your own. Once you try these crispy potato and ham pancakes, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.