A batch of these super easy Potato Fritters is the perfect comforting side dish or appetizer! They combine grated potatoes and melty cheese with a crispy cornmeal crust for an irresistible bite.
Perfectly seasoned, these foolproof potato patties balance comfort and flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a savory treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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🩵 About This Recipe
Looking for something golden brown and crispy to instantly upgrade any meal? These incredible potato patties are satisfying and go well with all your favorite recipes!
They're perfect as a savory addition to a special brunch, as a side dish with your favorite dinners, or even a fun appetizer or snack! Pair them with a dipping sauce and enjoy the crispy bite and comforting seasoned potato.
Have leftover potatoes? Make this fantastic Chicken Potato Bake or a big bowl of Wasabi Mashed Potatoes!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- potatoes - just about any kind of potato will work, but Yukon gold or russet potatoes are the best options.
- cornmeal - this is what ensures the exterior of your potato patties will be super crispy.
- mozzarella cheese - adds a mild, creamy flavor and helps bind the fritters together.
- seasonings - I use oregano, smoked paprika, and some salt and black pepper to taste.
- eggs - act as a binder, holding the ingredients together, and add a bit of richness.
- vegetable oil - gives the fritters a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- fresh chopped parsley - for garnish.
🔪 Let's Make Potato Fritters!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Make Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine potatoes, some of the cornmeal, cheese, spices, and the eggs.
Form Potato Patties
Divide the potato mixture into 12 even portions and form into patties.
Add Breading
Coat each potato patty with cornmeal on all sides.
Fry Potato Fritters
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Once hot, fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then set on a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool slightly.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- You can mash the potatoes, but grating them will give your fritters a firmer bite to them.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the potato patties from turning out soggy or not fully frying.
- Check the temperature of the oil by inserting the tip of a wooden spoon and looking for bubbles. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of flour and if it bubbles, the oil should be hot enough for frying.
- Be sure to drain the fritters on some kind of wire rack or a plate with a paper towel. This will prevent the bottom from getting soggy from any residual oil.
❔ FAQs
No, you can also bake them if you want a slightly lighter option! Bake at 400 degrees and coat with a light layer of oil. Full baking instructions are in the recipe notes!
If the oil isn't hot enough when you add the fritters, they may absorb a lot of it and turn out a little soggy or heavy. Be sure the oil has come up to temperature before frying.
The cornmeal and eggs in the potato mixture are there to help bind everything together. If you find the mixture is a little too wet, adding some more cornmeal or even a bit of flour might help hold things together better.
Want to upgrade your potato fritters? Try serving them with this delicious saffron sauce drizzled over them for a gourmet touch that will impress your family and guests!
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile. Parmesan, cheddar, feta, or pepper jack are all great options. You can even mix and match cheese varieties!
- Add some nutrition by mixing in shredded zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
- Give your potato patties a kick by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- You can make these gluten free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the cornmeal.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
Use a cookie scoop or a measuring cup to ensure the fritters are all evenly sized!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover potato fritters, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or so. You can also freeze them for several months.
Reheat in the air fryer, in the oven, or in a dry pan over the stove. Microwaving the potato patties will make them soggy.
⏳ Make Ahead Instructions
Form the patties up to 24 hours before frying and keep them covered in the fridge. Another option is to freeze the pre-formed fritters. If you're cooking them from frozen, add a few extra minutes of frying.
Keep It Handy
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🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Serve these incredible mashed potato fritters with all of your favorite sauces. Aside from ketchup, some good options are sour cream, tzatziki, garlic aioli, spicy chipotle mayo, or even something like this Easy Lime Crema or a Big Mac Sauce!
😋 More Potato Recipes You'll Love
- Crispy Roasted Chipotle Potatoes With Garlic - A fantastic and easy side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals!
- Best Easy Steak Bowl With Potato - Steak fans will love this filling and satisfying bowl with potatoes, corn, beans, and more.
- Roasted Potato Medley with Cranberries and Pecans - You'll love this elegant potato side dish thanks to its unique and seasonal flavors.
- Twice Baked Potatoes - This recipe from Budget Bytes is an incredible take on a classic and has suggestions for delicious toppings!
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Homemade Potato Patties
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📋 Recipe Card
Potato Fritters
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled (about 2 pounds)
- ½ cup cornmeal (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mash or grate the potatoes.6 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled (about 2 pounds)
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, ¼ cup of the cornmeal, cheese, spices, and the eggs. Mix well.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 teaspoons oregano, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 large eggs, ½ cup cornmeal (divided)
- Form 12 balls the size of tennis balls. Then flatten them slightly into patties. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Coat each of the patties using the remaining cornmeal (helps to make them nice and crispy).
- Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fritters in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.Vegetable oil, for frying
- Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with optional chopped parsley and/or dipping sauces, such as sour cream, garlic aioli, or ketchup.2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Notes
- Grating the potatoes instead of mashing will result in a firmer texture.
- To make ahead, you can shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. Ot you can freeze the shaped, uncooked fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Don't thaw before cooking, but increase frying time 1-2 minutes.
- To bake the patties instead of frying, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispness, spray or brush them with a little oil before baking.
- To ensure uniform size and even cooking, use a cookie scoop to portion the potato mixture.
- You can swap the mozzarella cheese for cheddar, feta, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Mix in shredded zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Add chili flakes, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
- For gluten-free fritters, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Warm in an air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes, or on the stovetop in a dry pan to maintain crispness.
Additional Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with sour cream, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a spicy chipotle sauce.
- These potato pancakes are perfect paired with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy these for breakfast! Top them with a fried egg and avocado for a hearty morning meal.
- Use as a burger patty in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and sauce.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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Kristin King says
I love to take my leftover mashed potatoes, mix them with the other ingredients, form them into patties, and freeze them right away. Then they are ready to go whenever I want to make these fritters!