Crispy Spinach Potato Patties Recipe – Easy Cheesy Potato Cakes

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These easy Spinach Potato Patties are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, and packed with fresh spinach. A delicious breakfast, snack, side dish, or light meal!

Spinach Potato Patties Recipe

Honestly, I’m always happy when I find a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something that feels completely different. These Spinach Potato Patties are one of those recipes I keep coming back to.

I usually have potatoes sitting in the kitchen, and adding some chopped spinach, cheese, and an egg turns them into these golden little patties that are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft inside. They’re comforting, filling, and surprisingly easy to make.

The first time I made these, I wasn’t expecting them to disappear so quickly! The golden crust is probably my favorite part, especially when the patties are served hot with a creamy dipping sauce.

Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside dinner, these potato patties are a simple and delicious way to enjoy spinach.

Ingredients

For about 8–10 potato patties, you’ll need:

3 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 large egg
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

Optional Ingredients

You can also add:

Chopped fresh parsley
A pinch of chili flakes
Finely chopped bell pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
A little onion powder
Cooked shredded chicken

How to Make Spinach Potato Patties

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces.

Place them in a pot of salted water and boil for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain them well and allow them to cool slightly.

I usually let the potatoes steam for a few minutes after draining. This removes excess moisture and helps make the patties easier to shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Finely chop the fresh spinach.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a tiny splash of olive oil. Add the spinach and cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.

Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

If the spinach releases a lot of water, squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the potatoes. This little step helps prevent soft, difficult-to-shape patties.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Place the warm potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Mash them until mostly smooth. A few tiny pieces are completely fine—I actually like a little texture in the finished patties.

Add the cooked spinach and chopped green onions.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Cheese

Add the egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Then add 2 tablespoons of flour or breadcrumbs. Mix again.

The mixture should be soft but firm enough to shape with your hands. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Shape the Patties

Lightly grease your hands with a little oil.

Take a portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten it gently into a thick round patty.

Repeat until all the mixture has been used.

Try to keep the patties roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly.

Step 6: Cook the Patties

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the patties into the hot pan, leaving a little space between each one.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown and crisp.

Don’t flip them too early. I usually wait until the first side has developed a firm golden crust before turning them.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve while they’re warm and crispy.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Potato Patties

Use Dry Potatoes

Excess water is one of the biggest reasons potato patties fall apart. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry before mashing.

Don’t Add Too Much Flour

You only need enough flour or breadcrumbs to hold the mixture together. Adding too much can make the patties heavy and doughy.

Squeeze the Spinach

Cooked spinach can contain quite a bit of water. Squeeze it well before mixing it into the potatoes.

Don’t Make Them Too Thin

Keep the patties moderately thick. This gives you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.

Cook Over Medium Heat

If the pan is too hot, the outside can burn before the inside warms through. Medium heat gives the patties time to become golden and crisp.

Chill Before Frying

If your mixture feels particularly soft, place the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before frying. Honestly, this can make them much easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

These Spinach Potato Patties are incredibly versatile.

I usually serve them with:

Garlic yogurt sauce
Sour cream
Ranch dressing
Tomato ketchup
Sweet chili sauce
Garlic aioli
Fresh green salad
Sliced avocado
Fried or poached eggs

For breakfast, serve two patties with eggs and fresh tomatoes.

For lunch, pair them with a simple salad and yogurt dip.

They also make a great side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or fish.

Can I Bake the Potato Patties?

Yes! If you prefer not to pan-fry them, you can bake them.

Place the patties on a lightly greased baking sheet and brush or spray the tops with a little olive oil.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

For an even crispier result, you can cook them in an air fryer at approximately 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the patties to cool completely before storing.

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer. The air fryer is my favorite because it helps bring that crispy texture back.

You can also freeze the uncooked shaped patties. Place parchment paper between them and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 2 patties:

Calories: 240
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 390 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the cheese, potatoes, and amount of oil used.

Why You’ll Love These Spinach Potato Patties

Crispy and golden outside
Soft and cheesy inside
Easy pantry-friendly ingredients
A delicious way to eat more spinach
Great for breakfast, lunch, or snacks
Easy to customize
Perfect for meal prep
Can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried
Kid-friendly and family-approved

Conclusion

These Spinach Potato Patties are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something really delicious. Soft mashed potatoes, fresh spinach, cheese, and a few simple seasonings come together to create golden patties with an irresistible crispy crust.

Honestly, I love how versatile they are. You can serve them for breakfast with eggs, enjoy them as a quick afternoon snack, or put them next to a salad for an easy lunch.

And if you have leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, even better—you can turn them into these tasty patties in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the potato mixture.

2. Why are my potato patties falling apart?

The mixture may contain too much moisture. Make sure the potatoes and spinach are well drained. You can also add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs or flour and chill the patties before cooking.

3. Can I make these without cheese?

Absolutely. You can leave out the cheese, although it does add a delicious creamy texture and extra flavor. You can also use dairy-free cheese if preferred.

4. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air-fry the patties at about 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray them with oil before cooking for a crispier finish.

5. Can I prepare these potato patties ahead of time?

Definitely. You can shape the patties a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. This makes them especially convenient for breakfast or meal prep.