Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tortitas de Papa are crispy, golden potato patties that are soft and fluffy on the inside. A classic Mexican comfort food, these pan-fried delights are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a side dish. Made with simple ingredients and easy to customize, they’re budget-friendly, vegetarian, and totally satisfying.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
russet or Yukon gold potatoeseggspanko or breadcrumbs (optional for coating)all-purpose flourfresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)grated cheese (like queso fresco or mozzarella)salt and pepperoil for frying
directions
Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and mash the potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
Let them cool slightly, then mix in eggs, flour, chopped herbs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Shape the mixture into small patties.
If desired, coat each patty lightly in breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Pan-fry the patties in batches until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 10–12 tortitas.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes
Variations
Add chopped green onions or sautéed onions to the mix.
Stir in cooked veggies like corn or peas.
Use sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic flavor.
Make spicy tortitas with chopped jalapeños or chipotle powder.
Serve with a tomato salsa or crema for dipping.
storage/reheating
Store leftover tortitas in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.Can be frozen after frying—reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Queso fresco, mozzarella, or cheddar all work well.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
It’s recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if preferred.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use a flax egg substitute and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
What do I serve them with?
They’re great with salsa roja, crema, avocado slices, or as a side to grilled meats.
Conclusion
Tortitas de Papa are a comforting, crispy treat that bring simplicity and satisfaction to any meal. Whether served as a main dish or a flavorful side, these potato patties are loved for their versatility and heartwarming taste. Try them once and they just might become a new family favorite.
PrintTortitas de Papa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 patties 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tortitas de Papa are crispy Mexican potato patties made from mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden. They’re a comforting and budget-friendly dish often enjoyed during Lent or as a meatless meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (queso fresco, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes with cheese, parsley, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Form the mixture into small patties (about 2 inches wide) and gently place in the hot skillet.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with salsa, crema, or a side salad.
Notes
- Great for using leftover mashed potatoes.
- You can bake instead of frying for a lighter version—375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add a dash of cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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