Comfort food doesn’t always have to be heavy or complicated. Sometimes, it’s the simplest ingredients—like potatoes, onions, cheese, and herbs—that come together to create the most satisfying dishes. These Cheesy Baked Potato Patties with Garlic–Dill Sauce are exactly that: crispy golden potato bases, topped with fresh tomatoes, melty cheese, and fragrant herbs, baked until bubbly and irresistible. Served with a tangy, garlicky dill sauce, they’re the perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and refreshing. This recipe works equally well as a main dish for vegetarians, a side dish to accompany meat or fish, or even as an appetizer to wow your guests. It’s comfort food with a fresh, herby twist that never fails to impress.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

Potato Patties

• 3 large potatoes (≈600 g), peeled and grated

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Toppings

• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced

• 100 g (3.5 oz) cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), grated

• 1 bunch spring onions (scallions), finely chopped

• 1 tsp Italian herb blend

• Pinch of ground chili pepper (optional, to taste)

• 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped

Garlic–Dill Sauce

• 3 Tbsp sour cream

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Pinch of salt

• 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Prep the Potatoes Place the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 5 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly and press between towels to remove as much moisture as possible.

2. Mix the Patty Base In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you get a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture.

3. Shape and Fry the Patties Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Form 7–8 cm rounds of the mixture and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.

4. Prepare Toppings Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Slice tomatoes, grate cheese, and chop spring onions and dill. Mix the Italian herbs with chili pepper.

5. Assemble for Baking Arrange the fried patties on a baking sheet. Top each with a tomato slice, sprinkle with cheese, and finish with spring onions and the herb mix.

6. Bake and Melt Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes at the end if you want extra crisp edges.

7. Make the Sauce In a bowl, mix sour cream, garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve Remove patties from the oven, let rest 2 minutes, and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with more dill and serve hot with garlic–dill sauce.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 2 patties with sauce)

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 22 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Calcium: 110 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with these potato patties because they combine the best of several comfort foods in one bite: the crispiness of hash browns, the gooeyness of cheesy pizza, and the freshness of tomatoes and herbs. They’re versatile—serve them as a light dinner, a hearty snack, or even a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Plus, the garlic–dill sauce ties everything together with a creamy, tangy punch.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe is inspired by European-style potato cakes, a staple across Eastern and Central Europe. Traditionally, potato patties are fried and served plain or with sour cream, but this modern twist adds Mediterranean elements—cheese, herbs, and baked tomato topping—making them both rustic and elegant. It’s like the love child of a potato pancake and a mini vegetable pizza.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Potatoes form the crisp, hearty base. Starchy potatoes work best for frying.

• Onions add sweetness and depth that balance the starchiness.

• Tomatoes bring juiciness and freshness.

• Cheese (mozzarella for creaminess, cheddar for sharpness) adds richness.

• Fresh dill gives a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal lift, while spring onions add a bite.

• Garlic–dill sauce is the perfect cooling partner to the crispy, cheesy patties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place patties on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 170 °C (340 °F) for 8–10 minutes so they crisp back up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. For freezing, fry the patties without toppings, let cool, and freeze. When ready, reheat in the oven, add toppings, and bake.

Common Variations to Try

• Add sliced mushrooms or olives on top for a Mediterranean touch.

• Use feta instead of mozzarella for a tangier cheese flavor.

• Make them spicier with extra chili flakes or jalapeños.

• Skip the cheese for a lighter version and top with avocado slices after baking.

• Swap dill with parsley or basil if that’s what you have.

Pairing Recommendations

These patties pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, grilled meats, or a light soup. For drinks, go with something refreshing: sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or even a chilled white wine. If you’re serving them as appetizers, pair with fresh cucumber sticks and extra garlic–dill sauce for dipping.

Health Benefits

This recipe offers a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, while tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene. Fresh dill and garlic contribute anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The portion is satisfying yet lighter than fried-only versions, thanks to the final baking step.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Potato Patties with Garlic–Dill Sauce take a humble potato and transform it into a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you can serve to your family on a weeknight, bring to a potluck, or enjoy solo with a glass of wine. Easy, customizable, and incredibly tasty, it’s one of those recipes that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.