Name: Golden Irish Potato Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled potatoes work best for shaping); 1/3 cup flour; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 egg (lightly beaten until foamy); 1 1/2 tbsp chives; approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup additional flour (for adjusting consistency); 2 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold unsalted butter)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Golden Irish Potato Cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect comfort food or side dish. Made with simple ingredients and fresh chives, these cakes bring a touch of Irish charm to your table. They’re easy to shape and cook, ideal for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying snack.

The image shows a stack of four golden-brown patties on a white plate with a blue rim, each with a crispy, slightly uneven texture and visible green herbs mixed into the dough. The top patty is garnished with a small sprig of fresh thyme and scattered chopped green herbs. Around the patties, there are additional fresh thyme sprigs placed on the plate, adding a touch of green. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth napkin partially visible underneath. In the blurred background, there is a white cup and a small bowl, likely holding butter, adding context to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled potatoes work best for shaping)
3/4 cup flour (preferably King Arthur all-purpose flour)
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg (lightly beaten until foamy)
1 1/2 tbsp chives
2 tbsp butter (unsalted, such as Kerrygold)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, 1/3 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. The cold potatoes will help you form patties more easily.
Step 2: Add the lightly beaten egg and stir until fully incorporated and the mixture comes together. Fold in the chives, distributing them evenly for flecks of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Gradually add the remaining flour (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup), stirring until the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape. It should be moist but not sticky.
Step 4: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick for a moist interior and crispy crust.
Step 5: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and smells nutty. Carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving space between them.
Step 6: Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a golden, crispy crust. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
Step 7: Transfer the potato cakes to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chives if desired and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips & Variations

Use chilled mashed potatoes to make shaping easier and prevent the cakes from falling apart.
Substitute scallions for chives if you prefer a stronger onion flavor, but chives offer a delicate balance.
For extra crispiness, add a small amount of grated cheese to the mixture before forming patties.
Try cooking the cakes in a mixture of butter and oil to raise the smoke point while keeping flavor.

Storage

Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crispy exterior, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of four golden-brown fried patties stacked on a white plate, each patty round with a slightly uneven surface showing a crispy, browned texture mixed with soft yellow spots, topped with small pieces of bright green chopped herbs evenly scattered across the top. The patties appear thick and soft inside, with a crunchy outer layer, all arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly mashed potatoes instead of chilled?

Yes, but chilled mashed potatoes are preferable as they are firmer and easier to shape into patties. Freshly mashed potatoes might be too soft and sticky, which can make forming the cakes more difficult.

What can I serve with Irish Potato Cakes?

These potato cakes pair well with a variety of dishes such as smoked salmon, sautéed greens, or a simple fried egg. They’re also great alongside a fresh salad or as a side to soups and stews.