These Potato Fritters with Cheesy and Tomato Toppings are a savory, crispy, and comforting dish that perfectly balances golden-fried potato goodness with the fresh, bright flavor of tomatoes and the richness of melted cheese. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, a light dinner, or a tasty appetizer, these fritters are a creative way to transform simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying culinary experience. Whether you serve them hot and melty or at room temperature as a snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to customize based on what’s in your kitchen—perfect for using up leftover potatoes or cheese!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (makes 8–10 fritters)
Cuisine: Comfort Food / European-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
-
4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
-
1 small onion, finely grated or chopped
-
1 egg
-
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
Salt, to taste
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)
For the Topping:
-
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced or chopped
-
150 grams shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
-
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Grate and Drain the Potatoes
Peel and grate the potatoes using the coarse side of a grater. Place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. This ensures your fritters will be crisp and not soggy. -
Mix the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, egg, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until the mixture comes together. If the batter feels too wet, add a little more flour. -
Preheat the Pan
Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to shallow-fry the fritters. -
Form and Fry the Fritters
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter and gently flatten it in the pan. Cook in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. -
Prepare the Tomato and Cheese Topping
While the fritters are frying, mix the chopped or sliced tomatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and oregano. Set aside. -
Top and Melt the Cheese
Once all fritters are cooked, place them on a baking sheet. Top each fritter with a spoonful of tomato mixture and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Place under the broiler or in a hot oven (200°C/400°F) for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
-
Calories: 320
-
Protein: 11g
-
Carbohydrates: 30g
-
Fat: 18g
-
Fiber: 3g
-
Sugar: 3g
-
Sodium: 420mg
Origin and Popularity
Potato fritters, in various forms, have roots in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and even South Asian cuisines. Known as latkes in Jewish traditions or draniki in Belarus, they’re often seasoned with onion and served with sour cream. The addition of cheese and tomato introduces a Mediterranean twist, making this recipe a fusion between comfort food and classic pizza flavor. With their wide cultural appeal, potato fritters are a staple that continues to evolve in modern kitchens around the world.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
-
Crunchy and Creamy: Crispy potato base meets soft, cheesy topping.
-
Versatile: Works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
-
Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients.
-
Kid-Approved: Fun to eat and full of cheesy goodness.
-
Perfect for Entertaining: Easily made in batches and served as finger food.
Health Benefits
While these fritters are indulgent, they also offer some nutritional perks:
-
Potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially if you keep the skins on.
-
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
-
Cheese adds calcium and protein to support bone and muscle health.
-
Onions and garlic powder offer natural antibacterial and immune-supporting properties.
To make the dish lighter, consider baking the fritters or using an air fryer, and use low-fat cheese.
Serving Suggestions
-
Brunch Platter: Pair with scrambled eggs, avocado, and fruit.
-
Main Dish: Serve with a green salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
-
Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks.
-
Dipping Sauces: Try sour cream, yogurt-based herb dip, or marinara sauce.
Cooking Tips
-
Drain Well: Removing moisture from the potatoes is essential for crispiness.
-
Use the Right Cheese: Mozzarella melts best, but cheddar adds a flavorful bite.
-
Preheat the Oil: Hot oil prevents the fritters from absorbing too much grease.
-
Use a Nonstick Pan: This helps maintain shape and avoids burning.
-
Keep Warm in the Oven: If cooking in batches, place cooked fritters on a tray in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Variations
-
Add Veggies: Include grated zucchini, carrots, or chopped spinach in the batter.
-
Go Spicy: Add chili flakes or jalapeño to the tomato topping.
-
Swap the Cheese: Try feta, blue cheese, or vegan cheese.
-
Make It Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
-
Bake Instead of Fry: Lightly oil a baking tray and bake the fritters at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
Potato Fritters with Cheesy and Tomato Toppings are the kind of feel-good food that manages to be both nostalgic and refreshingly creative. With crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and the burst of fresh tomato flavor, these fritters are bound to be a favorite at your table. Whether you make them for brunch, pack them for lunch, or serve them as a party snack, they’re versatile, comforting, and endlessly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both cozy and crave-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the fritters and refrigerate them. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet before adding the topping.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and work well with the cheesy topping.
3. Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, but freeze them before adding the toppings. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen and add cheese and tomato during the last few minutes.
4. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes. Lightly oil a baking tray and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once for even browning.
5. What type of cheese is best?
Mozzarella gives you a gooey melt, while cheddar offers a sharper flavor. Parmesan can be sprinkled on top before serving for extra flavor.
6. Are these fritters gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free flour alternatives such as rice flour or chickpea flour.
7. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best for texture, but you can use drained canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
9. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as a binder or mashed potatoes to help hold the fritters together.
10. What herbs pair well with this dish?
Basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and chives all complement the flavors beautifully.