These Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters are a savory and satisfying dish made from shredded potatoes, diced ham, and a simple binder, pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the edges while remaining tender on the inside. They are a wonderful way to use up leftover cooked ham and transform humble potatoes into a flavorful and comforting meal or side dish. The potatoes are typically grated or finely shredded, releasing some of their starch which helps to bind the fritters together. Diced ham adds a salty and savory element, providing a delicious contrast to the mildness of the potatoes. A binder, usually consisting of an egg and a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs, helps to hold the fritters together during cooking. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and sometimes fresh herbs like chives or parsley are added to enhance the flavor. The mixture is then formed into small patties and pan-fried in oil or butter until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are heated through. The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and savory interior, with the salty bites of ham adding bursts of flavor. These fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served for breakfast alongside eggs, as a side dish with a main course, or even as a light lunch or snack with a dollop of sour cream or a dipping sauce. Variations can include adding shredded cheese, sautéed onions, or different types of cooked meats or vegetables to the potato base. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking time make these Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters a popular and easy dish to prepare.
The texture of Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters is a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden-brown exterior and the tender, slightly starchy interior. The shredded potatoes create a somewhat open and airy texture inside, while the pan-frying process ensures a satisfyingly crisp crust. The diced ham provides small pockets of slightly chewy texture throughout the fritter.
The flavor profile is predominantly savory, with the mild, earthy taste of potatoes complemented by the salty and slightly smoky flavor of the ham. The seasonings, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, enhance these natural flavors. Fresh herbs, if used, add a bright and aromatic note. The overall flavor is comforting and satisfying, making these fritters a delicious savory treat.
Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters are versatile and can be enjoyed at various meals. They are a great option for a hearty breakfast alongside eggs and toast. They also make a delicious side dish for lunch or dinner, pairing well with salads, soups, or roasted meats. Additionally, they can be served as a tasty snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce like sour cream, applesauce, or a savory aioli.
The preparation of Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters involves grating or shredding potatoes, dicing cooked ham, combining these with a binder and seasonings, forming patties, and then pan-frying them until golden brown and crispy. The potatoes are typically peeled and then grated or finely shredded. It’s often helpful to squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes to ensure the fritters crisp up nicely. The shredded potatoes are then mixed with diced cooked ham, an egg (as a binder), a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs, and seasonings. This mixture is formed into small, flat patties. A skillet is heated with oil or butter, and the patties are pan-fried over medium heat for several minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely diced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, ham can be salty)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying
Equipment:
- Grater or food processor with shredding attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Skillet
- Spatula
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and grate them coarsely using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed shredded potatoes, diced cooked ham, lightly beaten egg, flour or breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and chopped fresh chives or parsley (if using). Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the potato and ham mixture into small, flat patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Heat Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it is shimmering.
- Fry the Fritters: Carefully place the potato and ham patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry them in batches.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the fritters for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and heated through on the inside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Crispy Potato and Ham Fritters warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sour cream, applesauce, or a savory aioli.
Enjoy these delicious and crispy Potato and Ham Fritters! They are a wonderful way to use leftover ham and enjoy a savory potato dish.