Print

Golden Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

4.7 from 114 reviews

Golden Irish Potato Cakes offer a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes and delicate chives, pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. These savory cakes make a comforting side dish or a satisfying snack, showcasing a tender interior and a flavorful, crunchy exterior.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

  • 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)

Cooking

  • 2 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold unsalted butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, 1/3 cup flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. The cold potatoes help in forming patties more easily.
  2. Add egg and chives: Incorporate the lightly beaten egg into the potato mixture until fully blended. Fold in the chives evenly to provide delicate onion flavor throughout the cakes.
  3. Adjust consistency with flour: Gradually add the remaining flour (between 1/3 to 1/2 cup) to thicken the mixture. Stir until the mixture is moist but holds its shape when formed into patties without being sticky.
  4. Form patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion gently into a patty approximately 3/4-inch thick. Thicker patties help keep the interior moist while allowing a crispy crust on the outside.
  5. Heat butter and cook patties: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams and emits a nutty aroma. Place the patties in the skillet, spacing them apart. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a golden crust.
  6. Flip and cook the other side: Carefully turn each potato cake and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Adjust heat if necessary to prevent the butter from burning.
  7. Serve: Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a serving plate. Optionally garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately while warm and crispy on the outside.

Notes

  • Use chilled mashed potatoes for easier shaping and better texture.
  • Adjust flour quantity slightly to ensure patties hold together without being dry.
  • Chives add a delicate onion flavor compared to scallions, which can be overpowering.
  • Maintain medium to medium-low heat during frying to avoid burning the butter and ensure even cooking.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; potato cakes lose crispness if left to sit.

Keywords: Irish potato cakes, mashed potatoes, chives, pan-fried potato cakes, crispy potato patties, traditional Irish side dish