Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes

Meta Description: Learn how to make delicious smoked salmon potato cakes. This easy, elegant recipe is perfect for a special brunch, a light lunch, or a sophisticated appetizer.

I’ll never forget the first time I had a potato cake that was more than just a fried patty. It was at a beautiful brunch my friend was hosting, and she served these small, perfectly golden-brown cakes with a dollop of something creamy and a few slices of smoked salmon on top. I was used to a simple potato pancake, but this was a revelation. The potato cake was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the smoked salmon added a beautiful, salty flavor that was perfectly complemented by a tangy, creamy topping. It felt elegant and sophisticated, the kind of dish you’d expect to see at a fancy hotel brunch, not in a friend’s kitchen. I knew right then and there I had to recreate it at home. After a few tries, I finally figured out the secrets to a perfect smoked salmon potato cake. It’s the kind of dish that feels special and fancy, but is actually a weeknight lifesaver. It’s a perfect blend of a classic comfort food with a touch of elegance. You’re going to love it! 😋

🌟 Why This Recipe Is a Brunch Star

If you’re looking for a recipe that is both healthy and incredibly delicious, this smoked salmon and potato cake is your new best friend. It’s a brunch star for a few key reasons. First, the flavor! The combination of the crispy, savory potato cake, the salty, delicate smoked salmon, and the tangy, creamy topping is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s a taste that is both comforting and sophisticated. Second, this easy potato cake recipe is surprisingly simple to make. With a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. It’s also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, which makes it a fantastic, no-waste recipe. This salmon and potato appetizer is also incredibly versatile and great for a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for a special weekend brunch, a light lunch with a side salad, or a delicious appetizer for guests. The golden-brown exterior and the beautiful layers make them perfect for a special occasion.

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this dish are simple, but when they come together, they create a truly magical result.

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, chilled.¹
• 1 large egg.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.²
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or a neutral oil, for frying.³
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped, for garnish.
• Lemon slices, for garnish.

The key to a great potato cake is to use leftover, chilled mashed potatoes. This helps the cakes hold their shape and get that perfect crispy exterior. The combination of the creamy potatoes, the fresh chives, and the salty smoked salmon is what gives this smoked salmon potato cakes its signature flavor.

🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Cakes

Making these smoked salmon potato cakes is a simple process that yields incredible results. The total preparation and cooking time is about 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes of hands-on time.

1. Make the Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled mashed potatoes, the egg, flour, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should be thick and easy to form into patties.
2. Form the Cakes: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and form it into a small, flat patty.⁴ You can make them any size you like, but a 2-3 inch patty is a perfect size.
3. Fry the Cakes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.⁵ Add the potato cakes to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.⁶ Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.⁷
4. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and the fresh lemon juice.
5. Assemble and Serve: Place a potato cake on a serving plate.⁸ Top with a dollop of the yogurt mixture, a few slices of smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Serve immediately while they are still warm and crispy.

And that’s it! A delicious, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal is ready to be devoured. This salmon potato appetizer is a perfect way to bring a little bit of elegance into your kitchen.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas

These smoked salmon potato cakes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few simple additions.

• As a brunch item: Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, a fruit salad, or a few mimosas.
• As an appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with a variety of toppings, like a little bit of caviar, a sprinkle of capers, or a few thin slices of red onion.
• With a side salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a perfect, refreshing contrast to the rich and savory potato cakes.
• With a cold drink: The perfect pairing for this dish is a crisp, light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a simple glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
• As a light lunch: A few of these potato cakes with a side of steamed vegetables would make a perfect, light, and satisfying lunch.

The beauty of these healthy potato cakes is their versatility. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a fun, elegant party.

📝 Nutritional Information (Approximate)

These smoked salmon potato cakes are a satisfying and delicious meal. The nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary based on the ingredients you use, especially the type of potato and the amount of oil.

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

💡 Recipe Variations and Pro-Tips

One of the best things about this smoked salmon recipe is how easy it is to customize. It’s a fantastic base that you can tweak to match your taste or what you have on hand.

• Change the protein: If you’re not a fan of smoked salmon, you can use a few pieces of crispy bacon, a little cooked shrimp, or even some thinly sliced prosciutto.
• Add a different flavor profile: You can add a little bit of a different herb to the potato mixture, like fresh parsley, chives, or a little bit of rosemary.
• Try a different topping: You can use a creamy goat cheese, a dollop of a sour cream and chive dip, or even a simple lemon aioli.
• For a healthier option: You can bake these potato cakes instead of frying them. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Add a little spice: For a little kick of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the potato mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the yogurt topping.
• Make them mini: For a cute appetizer, you can make smaller, bite-sized potato cakes and serve them on a large platter.

My number one pro-tip for this potato cake recipe is to use leftover, chilled mashed potatoes. A cold, starchy potato will hold its shape much better than a fresh, warm one. This is the secret to a perfectly crispy cake.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?Yes, you can. Just be sure to mash them and let them cool completely before you make the cakes. A hot mashed potato will make the cakes fall apart.
• How do I prevent the potato cakes from getting soggy?The key is to use a good-quality oil and to not overcrowd the skillet. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the cakes. Also, make sure to let them drain on a paper towel after you take them out of the skillet.
• How do I store leftovers?Store any leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the best way is in a toaster oven or in a skillet on the stovetop to bring back that delicious crispy texture.
• What can I use instead of smoked salmon?You can use a few pieces of crispy bacon, some cooked shrimp, or even a little bit of prosciutto. The flavor will be a little different, but the cakes will still be delicious.
• Why did my potato cakes fall apart?The most common reason for a crumbling potato cake is using a hot mashed potato. You can also add a little extra flour to the mixture to help them hold their shape.

📝 Conclusion: A Simple Meal, Big Flavor

These smoked salmon potato cakes are more than just a recipe; they are a testament to the fact that you can turn a classic comfort food into a truly memorable and delicious meal. The simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that is incredibly satisfying, flavorful, and a perfect way to bring a little bit of elegance into your kitchen. The creamy, savory potato cake and the salty, delicate smoked salmon are a perfect combination that will make you rethink your definition of a perfect appetizer. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is foolproof and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and make a batch of these incredible potato cakes. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! What extra toppings will you add? Share your experience—I’d love to know!