Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes : A Must-Try Dinner Idea

Name: Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes : A Must-Try Dinner Idea
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 800g (1.75 lbs) floury potatoes (like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold); 1 large egg; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 40g (⅓ cup) plain all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic granules (or 1 minced garlic clove); 1 tsp onion granules (or 2 tbsp finely grated onion); 150g (1 ½ cups) mature cheddar cheese, grated; 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or spring onions); 3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Posted on April 25, 2025 · By Lyndy

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Craving something warm, golden, and satisfying for dinner? These Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes check all the boxes. Crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, they’re the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a versatile side, this recipe offers the perfect blend of flavor, simplicity, and flexibility.

Great for families, weeknight meals, or cozy weekend dinners, these easy potato recipes will quickly become a go-to in your home. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes—and can be filled or adapted to your taste. Keep reading to discover how to make them flawlessly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is made for real life—easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and totally delicious. Whether you want a snack, side dish, or a light dinner, these potato cakes do it all. They’re ideal for:

Quick dinners that feel indulgent
Using up leftover mashed potatoes
Kid-friendly meals everyone enjoys
Pairing with salads, dips, or even soups

If you’re after fried potatoes dinner ideas or simple stuffed mashed potatoes recipes, this one’s for you.

Ingredients for Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life. Stick with the quantities below for the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

800g (1.75 lbs) floury potatoes (like Maris Piper or Yukon Gold)
1 large egg
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
40g (⅓ cup) plain all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic granules (or 1 minced garlic clove)
1 tsp onion granules (or 2 tbsp finely grated onion)
150g (1 ½ cups) mature cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or spring onions)
3 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

Optional: Extra flour for dusting if mixture is too sticky

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Potato Cake With Cheese

Making these cheesy stuffed potato cakes is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:

Boil the potatoes: Peel and chop them into chunks. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Boil for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender.
Mash and cool: Drain well and mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly—warm is okay, but avoid mixing while steaming hot.
Mix it all together: In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, salt, pepper, flour, garlic and onion granules, cheese, and chives. Stir until well mixed and firm.
Shape the cakes: Form 8–10 patties with your hands. If the mixture sticks, flour your hands or chill the mix for 10–15 minutes.
Fry to perfection: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry 3–4 cakes at a time, 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Drain and serve: Place on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven while you fry the rest.

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

Want next-level potato cakes? These expert tips will help you master them:

Use floury potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet—they mash light and fry well.
Let mashed potatoes cool slightly before mixing to avoid a runny texture.
Chill the patties before frying for better structure.
Avoid turning too early—wait for a good crust to form before flipping.

Tasty Variations: From Beef to Veggie-Filled Cakes

This recipe is easily customized. Try these fun twists:

Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes: Add a chunk of mozzarella or cream cheese in the center before shaping.
Beef Stuffed Potato Cakes: Place a spoonful of cooked seasoned ground beef inside and seal the patty.
Veggie-packed cakes: Stir in corn, peas, or cooked spinach.
Spicy potato cakes: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or paprika for heat.

You can also play around with different cheeses—try Red Leicester, gouda, or even a smoky cheese for added depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making potato cakes sounds easy—and it is—but these mistakes can trip you up:

Using wet potatoes: Make sure they’re fully drained after boiling.
Not cooling mash: Hot mash can cause the mixture to be loose and fall apart.
Crowding the pan: Fry in batches for best crispiness.
Using too much oil: It should coat the pan, not drown the cakes.

Serving Ideas: Turn Them Into a Main Dish

Wondering how to serve these golden delights? Here are some easy ideas:

Pair with a fried or poached egg and salad for a satisfying light dinner.
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt and fresh herbs.
Serve alongside roasted veggies or a bowl of soup.
Stack two potato cakes with sautéed greens or beans between for a plant-based meal.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Cakes

These easy UK recipes also store beautifully—ideal for meal prepping or making ahead.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a frying pan or 180°C (350°F) oven until warm and crisp again.

Freezer: Freeze between layers of parchment in a sealed bag or box. Use within 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven or thaw first and pan-fry.

Your Questions About Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes Answered

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! As long as they’re not too creamy or loose.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even color.

What cheese works best?
Mature cheddar is classic, but feel free to use any firm cheese that melts well.

Can I add meat?
Yes. Add cooked beef, chicken, or even lentils for extra protein.

Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes—both before and after cooking. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Basic tools are all that’s needed for this simple and delicious recipe:

Potato masher
Large pot
Mixing bowl
Grater
Frying pan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Substitutions and Notes

Need to tweak the recipe? Try these swaps:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour
Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese alternatives
Low-sodium: Reduce added salt and use herbs like thyme or parsley for flavor

You can also shape mini cakes for party snacks or larger patties for burger-style serving.

Food Pairing Ideas Without Alcohol

Looking for great sides or additions? These pair beautifully with:

Tomato and basil soup
Steamed broccoli or carrots
Cucumber yogurt dip
Coleslaw or fresh garden salad
Roasted garlic aioli or tzatziki

Perfect for vegetarians or those reducing meat in their meals.

Make Them Look as Good as They Taste

Don’t just stop at flavor—presentation makes all the difference. Try:

Plating with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley
Serving on rustic wood boards with small bowls of dip
Drizzling sauces artistically around the plate
Using a food ring to stack and shape cakes for a gourmet look

If you’ve fallen in love with these crispy cheesy potato cakes, share the joy! Post a picture, leave a comment, or tag us on social media. We’d love to see your creations. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy, delicious, and comforting recipes you can make any day of the week.

Save