The Ultimate Homemade Potato Cakes Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful & Healthier Than Arby’s

For anyone who has ever craved the irresistible crispiness and savory flavor of Arby’s iconic Potato Cakes, the news of their discontinuation was nothing short of heartbreaking. But don’t despair! We’re here to tell you that not only can you recreate that beloved taste at home, but you can actually make them even better – and significantly healthier. This homemade potato cake recipe is so addictively delicious, you’ll want to make them a staple in your kitchen. Forget the drive-thru; these fresh, flavorful patties will be gobbled up in no time, saving you calories, fat, and money without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Prepare to transform your mealtimes with this incredible, easy-to-make dish that everyone will adore.

Let’s talk about the significant advantages of making your potato cakes from scratch. The original Arby’s potato cakes were notorious for their high fat content, packing a hefty 21 grams of fat for just three cakes. Our meticulously crafted homemade version dramatically cuts down on this, delivering a mere 9 grams of fat for the same serving size. That’s an impressive reduction in fat without compromising the delightful taste and texture you love. The secret lies in a perfect blend of crispy potato, flavorful bacon, and aromatic garlic, creating a side dish that’s utterly fantastic and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. You’ll feel great about serving these wholesome, homemade potato cakes to your family regularly, knowing exactly what goes into every delicious bite. This recipe proves that healthier options can be just as, if not more, satisfying than their fast-food counterparts.

Three Irresistible Reasons to Make These Homemade Potato Cakes Today!

1. Save Money, Calories, and Time

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often comes at a high price, both financially and nutritionally. While a drive-thru might seem quick, the time spent waiting in line, combined with the escalating cost of fast food, quickly adds up. Our homemade potato cakes can be whipped up in roughly the same amount of time you’d spend in a busy drive-thru queue, but with significant savings. You get to enjoy a fresh, hot, and superior product, all while keeping more money in your wallet and reducing your caloric intake compared to their fast-food counterparts. It’s a win-win for your budget, your waistline, and your peace of mind knowing you’ve created a delicious meal from scratch.

2. Made with Wholesome, Clean Ingredients

One of the unfortunate realities of fast food is the mystery surrounding its ingredients. Hidden preservatives, artificial flavors, and processed components are often part of the package. When you make these potato cakes at home, you have complete control over what goes into your food. This recipe uses simple, whole, and clean ingredients you can trust, such as fresh potatoes, eggs, and real bacon. No mysterious chemicals or unpronounceable additives – just pure, natural goodness that tastes incredible. This commitment to fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also provides a healthier, more nourishing option for you and your loved ones, making it a meal you can feel good about.

3. A Fun and Versatile Way to Use Pantry Potatoes

Do you have a bag of potatoes sitting in your pantry, waiting to be transformed? Instead of defaulting to the usual baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted wedges for dinner, why not try something new and exciting? This recipe offers a creative and incredibly fun way to utilize those versatile spuds. In just a few minutes of prep, you can transform humble potatoes into a delightful side dish, a satisfying breakfast component, or even a hearty snack that will surprise and please everyone. It’s a fantastic way to break free from routine and discover a new family favorite that’s both economical and delicious. You absolutely won’t regret giving these crispy homemade potato cakes a try!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Homemade Potato Cakes:

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these phenomenal potato cakes. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired flavor and texture that makes this recipe truly stand out.

• 3 Medium Potatoes: The star of the show! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their starch content and flavor, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior. Their firm flesh holds up well to grating.
• 2 Eggs: These act as a crucial binder, holding the shredded potatoes and other ingredients together to form perfectly shaped patties that won’t fall apart during frying.
• 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps absorb excess moisture from the potatoes and contributes to that desirable crispy texture on the outside. For gluten-free options, see our tips below.
• 3 Slices Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled: Bacon adds a burst of smoky, savory flavor that elevates these potato cakes to another level. Center-cut bacon is specifically recommended because it’s leaner, contributing to the lower fat count of this healthier alternative.
  • Remember to save the bacon grease in the pan – it’s our secret weapon for frying, imparting an unparalleled depth of flavor to the potato cakes!
• 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful nutty, salty depth that complements the potatoes and bacon beautifully, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Dash of Salt & Pepper: Basic yet essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the potatoes and bacon. Adjust to your personal taste preference!
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning: Provides a delightful kick and complex spice profile, taking these beyond a simple potato cake into something truly exciting and flavorful.
• 1 tsp Garlic Salt: Infuses every bite with a savory garlic essence, a perfect partner to potatoes and bacon, offering an aromatic foundation.
• 1/4 tsp Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the potato cakes, making them not only taste great but also visually appealing on your plate.

How to Craft Your Own Delicious Homemade Potato Cakes (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and flavorful potato cakes that will rival any restaurant version. Precision in each stage ensures the best possible outcome for your culinary masterpiece.

1. Begin by peeling your medium potatoes and cutting each one in half. Place the potato halves in a pot, cover them with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender when pierced with a fork but still firm enough to hold their shape for grating. This crucial pre-boiling step ensures faster cooking later and helps achieve that desirable crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. Once boiled, drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool completely. If you’re short on time, you can run them under cool water to speed up the cooling process. Ensuring they are cool prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely when mixed and makes the grating process much easier and safer.
2. Using a sturdy cheese grater (the larger holes work best for potato cakes, creating satisfying shreds rather than a mush), carefully shred the cooled potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Aim for consistent shreds as much as possible for even cooking and a cohesive patty structure.
3. To the bowl of shredded potatoes, add your two lightly beaten eggs, the all-purpose flour, grated parmesan cheese, and all the delicious seasonings: a dash of salt and pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, and paprika. Finally, fold in the cooked and crumbled bacon. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly combined. You want everything evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that every single bite of your potato cake is bursting with a balanced array of flavors.
4. Once your potato mixture is ready, it’s time to form the patties. Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each potato cake. Gently but firmly shape it into a flat, round or oval cake, aiming for a size and thickness similar to what you’d remember from Arby’s. This recipe yields approximately 10 perfectly sized potato cakes. It’s important to press them together well to ensure they hold their shape securely during the frying process.
5. Now for the exciting part – frying! Heat up the reserved bacon grease (which is packed with flavor) in a large skillet over medium heat. If you didn’t use bacon or want to supplement, you can add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or avocado oil. Once the grease is shimmering hot, carefully place your potato patties into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (fry in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat). Fry the patties for at least 5 minutes on each side, flipping them occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy on both sides. The internal temperature should be piping hot. Once cooked to perfection, transfer the potato cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease, which is key for maximum crispiness. Serve them warm and savor every delightful, guilt-free bite!

This recipe proudly makes 10 delicious potato cakes, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. For those mindful of their diet, here’s the approximate nutrition information per 1 potato cake serving, calculated to help you stay on track: Calories 85, Fat 3 g, Saturated fat .9 g, Carbs 11 g, Fiber .9 g, Sugars .43 g, Sodium 440 mg, Protein 3 g. A truly guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture!

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown (WW Points):

For our Weight Watchers members looking for a satisfying, low-point snack or side, these homemade potato cakes are a fantastic option! Controlling your points doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, as this recipe perfectly demonstrates. This dish offers a delicious way to enjoy a comfort food classic while staying within your dietary goals. Here’s how the points break down for the recipe, making it easy to fit into your daily plan:

• Potatoes: 12 points (while potatoes have points, the overall serving size keeps them manageable)
• Eggs: 0 points (a fantastic zero-point binder that adds protein and structure!)
• All-purpose flour: 2 points (a small amount for binding and crispiness)
• Oscar Mayer center cut bacon: 3 points (choosing center cut helps keep points lower without losing that crucial bacon flavor)
• Grated parmesan cheese: 2 points (a little goes a long way for flavor)
• Salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic salt, and paprika: 0 points (seasonings are a great way to add immense flavor without adding any points to your total!)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, these delightful homemade potato cakes come in at just 2 points per serving. This makes them an incredibly smart and tasty choice for breakfast, a satisfying side dish, or a fulfilling snack within your Weight Watchers journey. Enjoy them knowing you’re making a healthy and delicious choice!

If you’re still using an older version of WW, here’s a quick reference for point calculations to help you integrate this recipe seamlessly:

• Personal Points: 1-2 points, depending on your individual 0PP foods list and personal plan.
• Freestyle SP (Blue & Green plans): 2 SmartPoints when calculated with the WW recipe builder, making them a very accessible option.
• Smart Points (Purple plan): 1 SmartPoint using the WW recipe builder, making them an excellent low-point option that fits easily into your daily budget.
• Points Plus: 2 PointsPlus when calculated with the PP calculator, offering a consistent low-point value across different systems.

Creative Ways to Customize and Enhance Your Potato Cakes:

While this classic recipe is undeniably delicious on its own, these homemade potato cakes are also incredibly versatile, serving as a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different additions to suit your palate, accommodate dietary needs, or simply utilize ingredients you already have on hand. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to customizing these delightful patties.

• Add Fresh Herbs: Elevate the fresh factor and add an aromatic dimension by incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs into the potato mixture before frying. Green onions offer a mild, zesty bite and a beautiful color, fresh parsley brightens the overall flavor profile, and thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the potatoes wonderfully. Each provides a unique layer of freshness that can transform the dish.
• Delicious Dipping Sauces: A great potato cake deserves an equally great dipping sauce! If your points or caloric intake allows, whip up a creamy aioli for a rich, garlicky accompaniment that’s incredibly satisfying. This Garlic Greek Yogurt Aioli is a fantastic, healthier option that pairs beautifully with the crispy cakes. Alternatively, for a classic taste, consider a sugar-free ketchup from reputable brands like G-Hughes, Primal Kitchen, or Heinz for a guilt-free, tangy dip.
• Sneak in Veggies: Looking to boost your vegetable intake or save a few extra points? This is a clever way to hide some healthy greens without anyone noticing! Add frozen (thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry to remove excess water) riced cauliflower to the potato mixture in place of one potato. It seamlessly blends in, adds beneficial nutrients, and can help reduce the overall point value and carb count of the dish.
• Repurpose Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is an ingenious and delicious solution for using up any leftover mashed potatoes you might have from a previous meal. Instead of simply reheating and serving mashed potatoes again, simply use them as the base for your potato cakes. You’ll transform your leftovers into an exciting new dish, giving them a delicious second life and preventing food waste.
• Flavor Adventures: Potatoes are wonderfully neutral in flavor, making them perfect for embracing a wide variety of exciting flavor profiles. Let your imagination run wild and try these creative additions:
  • Pizza Style: Mix in finely diced pepperonis and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese for a kid-friendly, pizza-inspired potato cake.
  • Classic Diner: Add diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast cake that’s reminiscent of a classic American diner.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely minced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) for a touch of fiery spice that awakens the palate.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in some taco seasoning, along with a dash of chili powder and cumin, for a zesty, south-of-the-border flavor that’s perfect with salsa.
  • Ranch Inspired: A dash of ranch seasoning mix will give them a familiar, creamy, and herbaceous taste that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Mediterranean Marvel: Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) and crumbled feta cheese create a delightful Greek-inspired version with tangy and savory notes.

• Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, easily make these potato cakes gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of tapioca starch or corn starch. Both will provide the necessary binding and crisping properties, ensuring your potato cakes are just as delicious and satisfying.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Homemade Potato Cakes Every Time:

Achieving that perfect golden crispiness, tender interior, and mouthwatering flavor is easy with these insider tips. Whether you’re short on time, planning ahead for meal prep, or simply want to ensure consistent results, these suggestions will help you master the art of homemade potato cakes and make them a regular part of your cooking repertoire.

• Speedy Shortcut with Frozen Hash Browns: For those really busy days when time is of the essence, save yourself the steps of peeling and boiling by opting for a bag of good quality frozen, shredded hash browns. When choosing, look for brands where potatoes are the only ingredient to keep it clean and natural. You’ll need about 3 cups of hash browns to substitute for the fresh potatoes in this recipe. Ensure they are fully thawed and, crucially, squeezed very dry to remove any excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients. This step is vital for achieving that desired crispy texture.
• Pork-Free Alternatives: If you prefer not to use pork for dietary or personal reasons, you can easily omit the bacon entirely and still have a delicious and flavorful potato cake. The seasonings will carry the flavor profile beautifully. Alternatively, for a similar savory element, substitute the regular bacon with turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled. When frying, instead of bacon grease, use a healthy cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to achieve that beautiful golden crispiness.
• Optimal Storage and Reheating: These homemade potato cakes are fantastic for meal prep and make wonderful leftovers! Store any uneaten potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat and restore their incredible crispiness, simply pop them back into the oven at 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are heated through and beautifully golden brown again. Avoid the microwave, as it will regrettably make them soft and soggy, sacrificing their delicious texture.
• Freezing for Future Meals: Make a big batch and freeze them for ultimate convenience! These potato cakes freeze exceptionally well. Allow the cooked potato cakes to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziploc bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them from frozen in the oven or air fryer until heated through and wonderfully crispy. This is perfect for quick, easy options on busy weeknights or for unexpected cravings.
• Mess-Free Patty Formation: If you want to avoid sticky hands when forming the patties, here’s a clever chef’s trick. Lay out a long piece of plastic wrap on your counter, place the entire potato mixture evenly along one edge, and then roll it tightly into a log shape. Freeze the log until it’s firm (this usually takes about 30-60 minutes). Once firm, remove the plastic wrap and quickly slice the log into uniform rounds with a sharp knife. This method creates perfectly shaped patties with minimal fuss. You can even store several of these logs in the freezer, allowing you to cut off and fry just the desired number of fresh potato cakes whenever a craving strikes, ensuring they are always cooked fresh!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed these crispy, flavorful homemade potato cakes and are looking for more healthy and delicious options to add to your repertoire, you’re in luck! Explore these fantastic recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. Each offers a unique way to enjoy wholesome ingredients:

• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
• Chinese Style Air Fryer Green Beans
• What to Serve with Potato Soup (16 Perfect Sides)