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You’ve probably tasted Arby’s Potato Cakes at their restaurants and loved their crispy outside and soft inside. But what if you could make them at home? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Arby’s Potato Cakes, from their history to a step-by-step recipe you can try yourself.
Whether you’re missing this fan-favorite side dish or just want to save money, you’ll find all the tips, ingredients, and tricks here. Let’s get started with the recipe so you can enjoy these delicious potato cakes right in your kitchen!
Arby’s Potato Cakes Recipe Ingredients and Steps
Here’s how you can recreate Arby’s Potato Cakes at home. This recipe is simple, uses basic ingredients, and will give you crispy, golden-brown potato cakes just like the ones at Arby’s.
Ingredients Table
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) | 2 cups, shredded or mashed | Cold leftovers work best |
All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup | For binding the mixture |
Egg | 1 large | Helps hold the patties together |
Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | For a mild spice kick |
Vegetable Oil | 1/4 cup | For frying, use a high-smoke-point oil |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: If using fresh potatoes, peel and boil them for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool. For leftovers, ensure they’re cold and mashed. Shred the potatoes if you want a texture closer to Arby’s originals, or use mashed for a smoother cake.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or mashed potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until you have a thick, sticky batter that holds its shape.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into small, round patties, about 1/4 cup each. Press them gently to ensure they’re compact but not too dense.
- Heat the Oil: In a non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Test with a small piece of battern, if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Cakes: Place the patties in the hot oil, cooking 3-4 at a time to avoid crowding. Fry for 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the potato cakes with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or sour cream.
“Arby’s Potato Cakes are a fan favorite, and now you can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients”
says a recipe developer from Recipes.net.
The History and Popularity of Arby’s Potato Cakes
You might wonder where Arby’s Potato Cakes came from. Introduced in the late 1960s, these crispy potato patties were part of Arby’s early menu as a quick, tasty side to complement their roast beef sandwiches.
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Over the years, they became a cult classic, especially loved for their unique texture, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. However, in 2021, Arby’s shocked fans by replacing them with crinkle fries, leading to thousands of social media posts and petitions demanding their return.
By July 2024, Arby’s brought them back for a limited time, and as of February 2025, they’re reportedly permanent, thanks to fan demand. This resurgence shows how much you and other fans adore this simple yet addictive side!
Why Are They So Popular?
What makes Arby’s Potato Cakes so special? It’s their simplicity and flavor. Made from shredded potatoes fried to a golden brown, they offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with Arby’s sandwiches or as a standalone snack.
Fans on Reddit and social media often rave about their nostalgia factor, with some remembering them from childhood visits to Arby’s. “The return of Potato Cakes has made my month,” one X user posted in 2024. Their affordability (starting at $2.39 for three) and versatility also keep them in demand.
Whether you dip them in ketchup, Horsey Sauce, or Arby’s Sauce, they’re a crowd-pleaser. For more on Arby’s menu history, check out the official Arby’s website.
Nutritional Info and Creative Variations for Arby’s Potato Cakes
Before you dive into making or ordering Arby’s Potato Cakes, you might want to know what’s in them. According to Mashed, each potato cake contains shredded potatoes, canola and/or palm oil, salt, corn flour, natural flavoring, and a preservative called disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate.
For a 100-gram serving (about two cakes), you’re looking at around 250 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 600 mg of sodium. This makes them a treat rather than a health food, so enjoy them in moderation.
If you’re watching your sodium or fat intake, our homemade version lets you adjust the ingredients to be healthier, like using less oil or skipping extra salt. Learn more about food trends from the restaurant industry news.
Creative Variations to Try
You can jazz up your Arby’s Potato Cakes with fun twists. Add bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions to the batter for a loaded version.
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in diced veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. Serve them with dips like garlic aioli, ranch, or even a spicy ketchup.
“Fresh herbs would be fantastic in this”
suggests Drizzle Me Skinny.
You can also bake them instead of frying to cut down on oil, just preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. These variations keep things exciting and let you customize based on your taste or dietary needs.
How to Serve and Store Your Arby’s Potato Cakes
Wondering how to serve your homemade Arby’s Potato Cakes? They’re perfect as a side with your favorite Arby’s-style sandwich, like roast beef or a ham and Swiss melt.
Pair them with eggs and bacon for breakfast, or enjoy them as a snack with dipping sauces.
“Dishes that are usually paired with potato cakes vary from applesauce to smoked salmon”
notes Recipes.net.
For a fun twist, top them with sour cream, chives, or even a drizzle of gravy. At Arby’s, they’re often enjoyed with Horsey Sauce or ketchup, so keep those on hand for authenticity.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Let your potato cakes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb moisture. They’ll last 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag, they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
“There’s no need to defrost the potato cakes beforehand,” advises Insanely Good Recipes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. For lifestyle and food trend insights, visit lifestyle and food trends.
PrintArby’s Potato Cakes
A cozy, no-fuss dinner perfect for family nights
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 1x
- Category: Dinner, lunch, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
3 large carrots, chopped
1 red onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
4 garlic cloves
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp each rosemary & thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season veggies: Toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread in a single layer in a roasting pan.
Prep chicken:
Pat dry with paper towels.
Stuff cavity with lemon halves and garlic cloves.
Place chicken on top of veggies. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp oil; season generously with salt and pepper.
Roast for 1h15-1h30 mins, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Optional: Broil 2-3 mins for extra crispy skin.
Notes
Add other veggies: Broccoli or bell peppers work well.
For crispier skin: Ensure chicken is dry before roasting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Arby’s Potato Cakes recipe, Cake recipes
FAQs About Arby’s Potato Cakes
Are Arby’s Potato Cakes the same as hash browns?
No, they’re similar but different. Arby’s Potato Cakes are more like a patty made from shredded potatoes, while hash browns are typically shredded and pan-fried loose.
Why did Arby’s discontinue Potato Cakes?
Arby’s removed them in 2021 to introduce crinkle fries, but fans’ outcry brought them back in 2024. As of 2025, they’re supposedly permanent, with Arby’s even creating a “pre-class action lawsuit” to ensure it!
Can I make Potato Cakes gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Check all seasonings and ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
How long do homemade Potato Cakes last?
In the fridge, they last 3-4 days; in the freezer, up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
What’s the difference between Potato Cakes and latkes?
Potato cakes, like Arby’s version, use mashed or shredded potatoes and are quicker to cook, while latkes are made with grated potatoes and take longer, often served during Hanukkah.
Now you know how to make Arby’s Potato Cakes at home, their history, and how to enjoy them. Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic favorite or trying them for the first time, these crispy delights are sure to satisfy. Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Arby’s right in your kitchen!