POTATO and HAM CAKES, a tasty and easy appetizer, perfect for a dinner with friends, baked or air-fried are delicious, soft and loved by children.
Have you ever found yourself looking for something simple yet impressive when you have guests over for dinner? It happened to me just the other night: I had friends over and wanted to prepare a tasty dish that was both a delicious appetizer and a light yet filling main course.
That’s how my potato and ham cakes were born, an incredibly easy idea, ready in no time, that wins everyone over at the table. The golden crust on the outside and soft heart inside make these cakes irresistible, perfect both hot and warm.
I had some leftover mashed potatoes so it really took me 5 minutes to prepare these cakes and then warm them up in the oven, they were delicious and disappeared in no time.
Join me in the kitchen today as we make potato and ham cakes.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 8 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsps grated parmesan cheese
- 3.5 oz cooked ham
- 3.5 oz provola cheese
- pepper
- salt
Steps
Wash and boil the potatoes with the skin in salted water until soft (about 20-25 minutes). Drain, peel, and mash them with a potato masher.
In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Add the ham and cheese either in pieces or diced.
Lightly grease the muffin or cake molds with butter or oil.
Distribute the mixture into the molds, leveling the surface and sprinkling with a little extra breadcrumbs.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 20-25 minutes, until golden. If you want an extra crunchy crust, turn on the grill for the last 2-3 minutes.
Let cool for a few minutes and unmold the cakes. Serve hot, perhaps accompanied by a fresh salad.
Bon appétit
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POTATO and HAM CAKES
Why prepare potato and ham cakes?
They are easy and quick: a few ingredients and you’re done.
Perfect as a tasty appetizer or as a main course for dinner.
Loved by both adults and children: who can resist the potato + ham combo?
You can also prepare them in advance and warm them up just before serving.
Delicious ideas and variations
The beauty of potato cakes is that they adapt to a thousand versions. Here are some ideas:
Add melty cheese like scamorza or provola for a soft heart.
Replace the ham with speck or bacon for a more intense flavor.
For a vegetarian version, eliminate the ham and add grilled vegetables or diced zucchini.
Serve them as finger food: mini portions perfect for buffets and aperitifs.
Extra tips to impress your guests
Sprinkle the cakes with breadcrumbs and parmesan before baking: you’ll get an irresistible crust.
Serve them with a yogurt sauce or a light mayonnaise: they will make the appetizer even more tasty.
Want to make them scenic? Decorate them with a crispy slice of ham on top.
Pair them with a glass of sparkling white wine or a light beer: the perfect pairing for a dinner with friends.
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FAQ POTATO and HAM CAKES
Can they be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge, then warm them up in the oven just before serving.
Can potato and ham cakes be frozen?
Of course, either raw or already cooked. Just reheat them in the oven to crisp them up.
What to pair them with?
A fresh salad or a light side dish are perfect if you serve them as a main course for dinner.
What kind of pan to use?
You can use muffin molds, aluminum cups, or small ceramic ramekins.
Are they suitable for children?
Absolutely yes: potato and ham cakes are soft, tasty, and liked by everyone.

