These Crispy Parmesan Potato Patties are a perfect combination of soft mashed potatoes with a crunchy, golden coating. Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a snack, or a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe is an easy and flavorful option. The mashed potatoes are seasoned with paprika, black pepper, and parsley, then shaped into patties, breaded with Parmesan, and fried to crispy perfection. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, mayonnaise, or sour cream, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress. These patties are not only delicious but also versatile and can be customized to your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 Large Potatoes (around 500 grams)
• Cold Water (for boiling)
• Salt (to taste)
• Paprika (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 Egg (beaten with a pinch of salt)
• 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
• Fresh Parsley (finely chopped, for mixing and garnish)
• Basil (chopped, for the breadcrumb mixture)
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Chop the potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping 2 large potatoes into small, even pieces. This will help them cook faster and evenly.
2. Boil the potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes into a pot filled with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 10-12 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through them.
3. Drain and mash: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 2: Season the Mashed Potatoes

1. Season the mash: Add salt, paprika, and black pepper to taste. Stir in finely chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to bind the mixture. The cornstarch will help give the patties structure and crispiness when fried.
2. Adjust the mixture: If the potato mixture seems too wet, you can add a little more cornstarch. The consistency should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into patties.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

1. Divide the mixture: Divide the mashed potato mixture into 5 equal parts. You can make more patties by adjusting the size, but 5 is a good size for medium-large patties.
2. Shape the patties: Shape each portion of the mixture into a flat, round patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare the breading.

Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Beat the egg: In a bowl, beat 1 egg with a pinch of salt.
2. Mix the breadcrumbs: In another shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. The Parmesan adds a savory, umami flavor, while the basil gives a hint of freshness.

Step 5: Bread the Patties

1. Coat the patties: Dip each potato patty into the beaten egg, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then, dredge the patty in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick to all sides.

Step 6: Fry the Potato Patties

1. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to shallow fry the patties, so add about 1/4 inch of oil to the pan.
2. Fry the patties: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the potato patties into the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook the patties in batches if needed.
3. Drain the excess oil: Once fried, transfer the patties to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish and serve: Garnish the potato patties with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or sour cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Patty)

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these potato patties instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the potato patties. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them with a little oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the patties and bread them in advance. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.

3. What other herbs can I use for seasoning?
In addition to parsley and basil, you can try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the potato mixture for extra flavor.

4. How can I make these patties gluten-free?
To make these patties gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

5. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Just make sure your leftover mash isn’t too wet—if it is, add a little more cornstarch to help bind the mixture.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato Patties

1. Don’t overboil the potatoes: Boil the potatoes just until tender. Overcooking them can cause the potatoes to absorb too much water, making the mixture too wet.
2. Ensure even frying: Fry the patties in small batches, giving them enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and soggy patties.
3. Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add a bright, fresh flavor to the patties. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but fresh ones provide the best flavor.
4. Serve immediately: These patties are best served hot and crispy right out of the pan. If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked patties warm in the oven at a low temperature while you finish frying the rest.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a frying pan over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
2. Freezing: These patties freeze well. After shaping and breading them, freeze the patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying or baking.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place the patties in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan Potato Patties are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful way to enjoy potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, snack, or a fun way to use up leftovers, these potato patties are sure to satisfy. The combination of soft, seasoned potatoes with a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating makes them irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make and customize. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, and don’t be surprised when they disappear quickly from the table!