Only 3-Point Cheesy Potato Patties

Introduction

This delightful recipe, inspired by a beloved grandmother’s teachings, offers a scrumptious and cheesy way to enjoy potatoes. Our version has been adapted to be more Weight Watchers (WW) friendly, ensuring you can indulge in this delicious dish without worrying about the points. Perfect for dinner or as a tasty snack, these cheesy potato patties are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • Water (for boiling potatoes)
  • A bunch of green parsley, chopped
  • Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 120g of your favorite low-fat cheese, grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes: Begin by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let them simmer until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the Potato Mixture

  1. Season the Potatoes: Add the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to combine. The parsley adds a fresh flavor, while the spices give the patties a nice kick.
  2. Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the potato mixture and mix thoroughly. This helps bind the mixture together.
  3. Add Cheese: Fold in the grated low-fat cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.

Step 3: Forming the Patties

  1. Shape the Patties: Beat the eggs in a small bowl. With your hands, shape the potato mixture into small patties or logs. Dip each patty into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
  2. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place the whole wheat breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each egg-coated patty in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. This will give the patties a crispy exterior when fried.

Step 4: Cooking the Patties

  1. Prepare the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking spray or add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Fry the Patties: Once the pan is hot, add the patties in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). If using olive oil, ensure you use just enough to prevent sticking, as too much oil can add unnecessary points.
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the patties from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve Hot: These cheesy potato patties are best served hot, straight from the pan. They make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a salad.
  2. Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as low-fat sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a light ranch dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Patty)

  • Calories: Approximately 100 calories
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • WW Points: Approximately 2-3 points per patty, depending on the specific brands and substitutes used.

Tips and Tricks

  1. Cheese Choices: Opt for low-fat cheese varieties to keep the points low. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites work well in this recipe.
  2. Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy texture. Whole wheat panko is a great option.
  3. Baking Option: For an even lower point version, you can bake the patties instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  4. Additional Flavors: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the potato mixture to suit your taste. Chives, garlic powder, and onion powder are great additions.

Additional Information

Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese helps maintain the health benefits of this dish while keeping it aligned with Weight Watchers guidelines.

When preparing these patties, the key is to ensure the potato mixture is well-seasoned and the patties are uniformly coated with breadcrumbs to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Conclusion

These Weight Watchers Cheesy Potato Patties are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, they are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, these patties are a versatile and delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy!