If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food with a crispy outside, fluffy interior, and rich layers of cheesy, herbed flavor, these Crispy Baked Potato Cakes with Tomato, Cheese, and Garlic-Dill Sauce will become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe is ideal for anyone craving something hearty yet homemade, simple but impressive. Golden potato cakes are pan-fried to crispy perfection, then topped with juicy tomato slices, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs before being baked to bubbly goodness. The creamy garlic-dill sour cream sauce on the side adds just the right tangy, herby touch to balance the dish. It’s rustic, delicious, and satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting brunch, or looking for a new way to enjoy potatoes, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It makes a great vegetarian option and is versatile enough to be served as a side, appetizer, or main course.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: European-inspired comfort food with rustic and modern touches
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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3 large potatoes
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1 onion
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3 tablespoons flour
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1 egg
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Salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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2 tomatoes
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100 grams cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
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A bunch of spring onions
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Italian herbs, to taste
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Ground chili pepper, to taste
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A bunch of dill
For the Sauce
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3 tablespoons sour cream
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and grate the potatoes using a medium-sized grater. Place the grated potatoes into a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps remove some of the starch, which results in a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix the Ingredients
Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl of grated, drained potatoes. Stir in the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to form a cohesive mixture.
3. Fry the Potato Cakes
Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form small patties from the potato mixture, about the size of your palm. Fry each patty until golden brown on both sides, around 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Prepare the Toppings
While the patties are cooling slightly, slice the tomatoes and grate the cheese. Finely chop the spring onions and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix your preferred amount of Italian herbs with a pinch of ground chili pepper.
5. Assemble the Dish
Place the fried potato patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. On top of each patty, add a slice of tomato, a generous amount of grated cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. Finish with a dash of Italian herbs and chili flakes for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Patties
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with a light golden hue.
7. Prepare the Garlic-Dill Sauce
While the patties bake, combine sour cream, finely chopped dill, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well until the sauce is creamy and aromatic. This dip is tangy, garlicky, and herby—perfect for pairing with the rich potato cakes.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot, cheesy potato cakes with a side of the garlic-dill sour cream sauce. Garnish with more fresh dill or spring onions for a beautiful, flavorful finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~310
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Protein: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Fat: 17g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sodium: 420mg
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Calcium: 120mg
Origin and Popularity
Potato cakes are beloved in many cuisines around the world, from Eastern European latkes to British hash browns. This version brings together the humble fried potato patty and elevates it with Italian-seasoned tomato, melted cheese, and a creamy dill sauce, creating a fusion of Eastern and Southern European flavors.
They’re especially popular in cold-weather regions where hearty ingredients like potatoes, onions, and dairy are kitchen staples. As home cooks return to rustic, farm-inspired dishes, recipes like this that combine simplicity and satisfaction are experiencing a revival.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Texture Heaven: Crispy base, juicy tomato, gooey cheese—each bite offers something special.
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Comfort Food with a Twist: Familiar ingredients, reimagined with herbs and sauce.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients.
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Great for Entertaining: Easy to make and elegant enough for guests.
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Versatile: Works as a side, snack, or light dinner.
Health Benefits
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Potatoes: Rich in potassium and fiber when unpeeled.
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Garlic: Supports immunity and heart health.
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Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene.
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Spring Onions & Dill: Great for digestion and inflammation reduction.
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Eggs & Cheese: Provide protein and calcium.
You can lighten this dish by baking instead of pan-frying or using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a fresh green salad or cucumber ribbons.
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Add pickled vegetables or sauerkraut on the side.
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Pair with soup for a filling lunch or dinner.
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Serve at brunch alongside scrambled eggs and fruit.
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Top with a poached egg for a breakfast-style twist.
Cooking Tips
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Drain the Potatoes Well: Excess water can make the patties soggy.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Dill and spring onion add brightness—don’t skip them!
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Cheese Matters: Mozzarella gives a nice melt; cheddar adds sharpness.
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Use a Non-Stick Pan: Helps achieve an even, crispy finish.
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Batch Bake: Make extra patties and store them for later (they reheat well).
Variations to Try
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Vegan Version: Skip the egg and cheese, and bind with flaxseed meal and nutritional yeast.
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Meaty Add-In: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or ground turkey to the mix.
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne to the batter.
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Different Cheese: Try feta, parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack.
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Sweet Potato Swap: Use grated sweet potato for a sweeter twist.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Potato Cakes are everything you love about comfort food—crispy, cheesy, savory, and served with a sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, this recipe brings bold flavors to the table without complicated steps. You’ll love how the creamy garlic-dill sauce contrasts with the rich tomato topping and the satisfying texture of golden fried potatoes.
Best of all, this recipe is adaptable. You can use what you have on hand and get creative with spices and toppings. Once you try it, you’ll come back again and again—not just for the taste but for the comforting familiarity of food made with love.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and fry the patties a day in advance and bake with toppings just before serving.
2. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella gives a great melt, but cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack would add unique flavor profiles.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour for similar results.
4. What if I don’t like dill?
You can replace it with parsley, basil, or chives for a different herbaceous note.
5. How can I make this dish lighter?
Bake the patties instead of pan-frying and use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
6. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Freeze after frying and before baking. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot.
7. Can I air-fry the patties instead?
Definitely! Air-fry at 190°C (375°F) for about 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet.
9. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! Try grated zucchini, beets, or even corn mixed into the batter.
10. What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes or canned tomato slices can be a good substitute. Just adjust for moisture.