Tortitas de Papa Clara quick dinners

Tortitas de papa are a classic Mexican comfort food—crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. Made with mashed potatoes and simple ingredients like cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs, these golden patties are versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served as a main dish, side, or snack, tortitas de papa are always a hit at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden outside, soft and savory inside
• Simple and budget-friendly ingredients
• Perfect as a main dish, side, or appetizer
• Vegetarian-friendly and easy to adapt
• Great for using up leftover mashed potatoes
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Can be pan-fried or baked
• Easy to customize with add-ins
• Delicious with salsas, rice, or salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Potatoes
• Egg
• Grated cheese (Cotija, panela, cheddar, or your favorite)
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Optional additions:

• Chopped onion
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Cooked ham or bacon bits
• Chopped parsley or cilantro

Directions

1. Cook the potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 1520 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Mash: In a large bowl, mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. Mix: Add the egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any optional mix-ins. Stir until well combined.
4. Form the patties: Scoop out portions of the mixture and form into round patties, about ½ inch thick.
5. Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for 34 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain: Place cooked patties on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7. Serve: Enjoy hot with salsa, salad, beans, or rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 68 patties
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• With tuna: Mix in a can of drained tuna for extra protein.
• With spinach: Sautéed spinach adds color and nutrients.
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or chipotle for a kick.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
• Baked version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 2025 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Vegan: Use a flax egg and plant-based cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties between parchment layers.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, just make sure they’re not too creamy. Add breadcrumbs to help bind if needed.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cotija, panela, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well—choose based on your taste.

Can I make them in advance?

Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! They’re soft, cheesy, and easy to eat.

What sauce goes well with tortitas de papa?

Try salsa roja, crema, chipotle mayo, or guacamole.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. Add more breadcrumbs if necessary and let them chill before frying.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, for a lighter option, bake at 375°F until golden, flipping once.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What should I serve with them?

Great with a side salad, rice, beans, or even in a sandwich.

Can I add meat?

Definitely—add finely chopped ham, chorizo, or shredded chicken to the mix.

Conclusion

Tortitas de papa are the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re making them as a main dish, side, or snack, they’re always satisfying and easy to adapt to your taste. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these Mexican potato cakes are sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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