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Crispy Pork Cakes served with creamy mashed potatoes is a delightful comfort food dish that brings together the savory flavors of seasoned ground pork and the smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The crispy exterior of the pork cakes contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy pork cakes are a wonderful way to elevate ground pork into a comforting meal. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. Here’s why this dish will become a favorite:
- Quick preparation: Simple ingredients come together in no time.
- Flavorful and satisfying: Each bite is loaded with herbs and spices.
- Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste.
- Comfort food: A cozy meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste (for mashed potatoes)
How to Make Crispy Pork Cakes with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Start by preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, in a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties, about 3 inches in diameter. You should get around 8 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork patties in batches, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- After the potatoes are tender, drain the water and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the crispy pork cakes on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnishing with additional thyme if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding the patties to achieve a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the seasoning in the pork mixture to your preference; feel free to add spices like paprika or onion powder for extra flavor.
Easy Variations
- Swap ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the pork mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice things up by mixing in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Homemade applesauce or a tangy mustard sauce for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
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Leftover crispy pork cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Creamy mashed potatoes can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if they become too thick.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste (for mashed potatoes)
Instructions:
- Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and egg in a bowl.
- Form mixture into 8 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook patties until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain potatoes, then mash with cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve pork cakes on creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with thyme.
Notes: Adjust seasoning and try adding vegetables to the pork mixture for added flavor.
