The Newfoundland potato cakes recipe is a cherished gem of East Coast Canadian cuisine, offering a comforting bite steeped in history and coastal flavor. These golden, crispy cakes, made with humble ingredients like mashed potatoes, salt pork or cod, and onions, represent generations of culinary tradition passed down through families in Newfoundland and Labrador.
🥔 Introduction to Newfoundland Potato Cakes
Newfoundland, known for its rugged coastline, rich cultural heritage, and hearty home-style cooking, has always celebrated its food as more than sustenance—it’s a way of life. The Newfoundland potato cake is a delicious reflection of that philosophy. Simple, filling, and full of flavor, these pan-fried treats once served as a staple meal for fishing families and remain beloved across the province today.
While similar in concept to potato patties or fish cakes found in other cuisines, Newfoundland potato cakes stand apart due to their unique blend of ingredients, including salt meat or cod, and the use of cold mashed potatoes. The result is a dish that’s crisp on the outside and soft and savory on the inside, often enjoyed with baked beans, fried eggs, molasses, or even a bit of ketchup.
🧄 Traditional Newfoundland Potato Cakes Recipe
đź›’ Ingredients:
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (preferably from the day before)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (more for dusting if needed)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup diced salt pork (rendered crispy) or 1 cup cooked, flaked salt cod
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter, oil, or pork fat, for frying
Optional Add-ins:
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if mixture is too dry)
- 1 egg (to bind ingredients if needed)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or summer savory
- A pinch of baking powder (for a lighter texture)
👩‍🍳 Directions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Protein
- If using salt cod, soak it in cold water overnight, changing the water a few times to remove excess salt. Once ready, boil until tender and flake with a fork.
- If using salt pork, dice it and fry in a pan until crispy. Drain and set aside the rendered fat for added flavor during frying.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Mashed potatoes
- Chopped onions
- Salt meat or fish
- Flour
- Season with salt and pepper
Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be soft but moldable. If it feels too wet, add more flour; if too dry, mix in a tablespoon or two of milk.
Step 3: Form the Cakes
Dust your hands with flour and divide the mixture into even portions. Flatten each into a round patty about ½ inch thick. You should get around 8–10 cakes.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter, oil, or pork fat. Fry the cakes for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, traditionally with baked beans, fried eggs, or drizzle with molasses for a sweet-savory twist. They’re also excellent on their own or with a simple salad.
🌍 The Story Behind the Recipe
The roots of the Newfoundland potato cakes recipe go back to a time when families had to make the most of available ingredients. In a land where harsh winters and fishing dictated the food supply, salted meat and root vegetables like potatoes were pantry staples. The resourcefulness of Newfoundland cooks turned these into deeply satisfying dishes that remain relevant and revered today.
Salt cod, often called “Newfoundland steak,” played a crucial role in trade and survival. Combined with leftover mashed potatoes, it created a filling, protein-rich meal that could be easily fried up for breakfast or dinner. Similarly, salt pork—abundant and easily stored—added a hearty, smoky depth to the cakes. These were meals built on preservation, practicality, and taste.
🍳 Variations on the Classic Recipe
Like all beloved recipes, Newfoundland potato cakes have seen countless interpretations over the years. Here are a few delicious twists to consider:
1. Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat or fish and enhance the flavor with cheddar cheese, garlic, or herbs like thyme and parsley.
2. Cheesy Cod Cakes
Add shredded aged cheddar and a pinch of paprika for a richer taste with crispy, cheesy edges.
3. Spicy Potato Cakes
Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the mix for some heat.
4. Baked Potato Cakes
For a healthier alternative, place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Sweet & Savory
Top your potato cakes with molasses and caramelized onions—a classic Newfoundland combination that surprises newcomers with its depth of flavor.
🧂 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Potato Cakes
- Cold Potatoes Work Best: Warm mashed potatoes are too soft and sticky. Chill them overnight for ideal consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients just until combined to avoid a gummy texture.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This ensures the cakes brown evenly without sticking or breaking.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can form and refrigerate the cakes a day in advance. They also freeze well—just thaw before frying.
- Control Moisture: The moisture level can vary based on the type of potatoes used. Yukon Golds are ideal for their creamy yet firm texture.
🧾 Serving Suggestions
Newfoundland potato cakes are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some traditional and creative serving ideas:
- With baked beans and eggs (a hearty breakfast)
- Alongside pan-fried sausages or bacon
- Topped with molasses and onions
- With a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt
- Inside a sandwich or wrap with greens and mustard
- As a side to roasted meats or fish
- Served with pickled beets or chow chow relish
đź“ś A Taste of Home for Newfoundlanders Abroad
For Newfoundlanders living elsewhere in Canada or beyond, this potato cakes recipe is more than food—it’s nostalgia on a plate. It evokes memories of foggy mornings, woodstove warmth, and Sunday breakfasts shared with family. Many East Coast ex-pats recreate this recipe to stay connected to their roots, using ingredients that transport them back to “the Rock.”
This is especially true around holidays like Christmas or Easter when tradition holds strong. The sound of cakes sizzling in a skillet is a comforting constant for many.
🧑‍🍳 User Testimonials & Family Stories
“My grandmother used to make these every Saturday morning with salt pork. She always fried them in the same cast-iron pan for decades. Now, I carry on the tradition with my kids.” – Erin, St. John’s
“We used to eat them with a drizzle of molasses and a side of fried bologna. Sounds strange to outsiders, but it was the best thing ever!” – Glen, Corner Brook
“I’ve made them for my friends here in Toronto—they’d never heard of them, but now they ask me to bring a batch to every potluck.” – Michelle, originally from Gander
🧾 Printable Recipe Card: Newfoundland Potato Cakes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | ½ cup |
| Salt pork or cod | ½ to 1 cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Butter/oil/fat | For frying |
- Mix all ingredients into a soft dough.
- Form into patties.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
đź›’ Where to Find Ingredients in Canada
If you’re not in Newfoundland but want to try this authentic recipe, here’s where you can source traditional ingredients:
- Salt Cod – Found at Sobeys, Loblaws, or specialty European/Caribbean markets
- Salt Pork – Available in most butcher shops or meat counters
- Summer Savory – A traditional East Coast herb, often found at Bulk Barn or online
- Real Newfoundland Molasses – Try Crosby’s Fancy Molasses (widely sold in Canada)
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🎉 Conclusion: Why You Should Try Newfoundland Potato Cakes
The Newfoundland potato cakes recipe is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of Atlantic Canadian resilience, flavor, and culinary tradition. It’s simple, versatile, and deeply satisfying, whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reliving childhood memories.
Try making these at home and you’ll understand why they’re treasured across generations. From their crackling crust to the warm, savory interior, they’re a bite of Newfoundland’s soul. Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack, they’re guaranteed to bring comfort to your kitchen.
đź“š FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh fish instead of salt cod?
A: Yes, though you’ll miss the unique flavor that salt cod brings. If using fresh fish, season generously and flake well before adding.
Q: Can I freeze Newfoundland potato cakes?
A: Absolutely! Lay them flat on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat by frying or baking.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Not as written, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure your other ingredients (like salt meat) are gluten-free.
Q: What can I use instead of salt pork?
A: Bacon, pancetta, or even chopped ham works. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and boost flavor with herbs and cheese.
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