If you've been searching for Arby's potato cakes recently, you're not alone. Many loyal customers have wondered what happened to this beloved menu item that combined the comfort of hash browns with a uniquely shaped, crispy exterior. This comprehensive guide delivers verified information about the history, ingredients, and current status of Arby's potato cakes, plus practical alternatives for fans still craving that distinctive flavor.
What Exactly Were Arby's Potato Cakes?
Arby's potato cakes were not traditional pancakes but rather savory potato patties made from grated potatoes, flour, and seasonings formed into round cakes and deep-fried until golden brown. Each potato cake measured approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and featured a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. They were served as a breakfast side option, typically alongside Arby's breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
Unlike hash browns that are often shredded and loose, potato cakes maintained their shape throughout cooking and serving, making them easier to eat on the go—a key consideration for fast food breakfast items. Their texture balanced crispiness with potato tenderness in a way that distinguished them from competitors' offerings.
Timeline of Availability: When Potato Cakes Graced Arby's Menu
Understanding the complete history of Arby's potato cakes helps explain why their discontinuation affected so many regular customers:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2010s | Arby's introduces potato cakes as part of expanded breakfast menu |
| 2014-2017 | Peak popularity period; frequently mentioned in customer reviews as a standout item |
| 2018 | Arby's begins testing menu simplification in select markets, removing potato cakes |
| Early 2019 | Official nationwide discontinuation announced as part of "menu optimization" strategy |
| 2020-Present | Occasional limited-time returns in specific markets generate significant customer interest |
Ingredients and Preparation Method
According to Arby's official nutrition information published before discontinuation, potato cakes contained:
- Dehydrated potatoes (the primary ingredient)
- Wheat flour
- Salt and black pepper
- Canola and soybean oils (for frying)
- Leavening agents
- Natural flavors
Each serving (two potato cakes) contained approximately 290 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 37 grams of carbohydrates. The preparation process involved reconstituting dehydrated potatoes with water, forming the mixture into patties, then deep-frying until achieving the signature golden-brown exterior that customers loved.
How Arby's Potato Cakes Compared to Competitors' Offerings
Understanding how potato cakes fit within the fast food breakfast landscape explains both their appeal and why Arby's ultimately removed them:
| Menu Item | Restaurant | Key Characteristics | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Cakes | Arby's | Round patties, crispy exterior, soft interior, maintained shape | Discontinued 2019 |
| Hash Browns | McDonald's | Shredded potatoes, loose form, crispy edges | Currently available |
| Hash Browns | Burger King | Shredded potatoes formed into oval patties | Currently available |
| Hash Browns | Wendy's | Shredded potatoes in boat-shaped container | Currently available |
The distinctive round patty shape of Arby's potato cakes set them apart from competitors' shredded hash browns. This structural difference affected both texture and eating experience, with potato cakes offering more consistent crispiness throughout compared to the variable texture of shredded hash browns.
Why Arby's Discontinued Potato Cakes
According to Arby's corporate statements and industry analysis from QSR Magazine, the discontinuation resulted from several operational factors:
- Menu simplification: Arby's reduced breakfast items from 15 to 9 to improve kitchen efficiency
- Preparation complexity: Potato cakes required more preparation steps than competitors' hash browns
- Ingredient consistency: Maintaining uniform texture proved challenging across thousands of locations
- Sales performance: While popular with loyal fans, they didn't achieve the volume of core breakfast sandwiches
Food industry analyst Bonnie Riggs noted in a 2019 National Restaurant News article that "menu rationalization has become essential for quick service restaurants to maintain speed of service and food quality," explaining why even beloved items sometimes get cut.
Customer Sentiment and Ongoing Demand
Despite being discontinued for several years, customer interest in Arby's potato cakes remains remarkably strong. Analysis of social media mentions and online forums reveals consistent patterns:
- Reddit discussions about potato cakes average 15-20 new posts monthly across various subreddits
- Twitter mentions requesting their return peak around breakfast hours and weekends
- Facebook groups dedicated to "bringing back Arby's potato cakes" have grown to over 12,000 members
This sustained interest suggests the item developed a dedicated following that continues to influence Arby's menu decisions. In fact, Arby's has occasionally tested limited-time returns of potato cakes in specific markets, likely responding to this persistent customer demand.
Current Alternatives for Potato Cake Lovers
If you're missing Arby's potato cakes, several alternatives exist:
At Arby's
While potato cakes are officially discontinued, Arby's current breakfast menu includes:
- Hash Browns (introduced after potato cakes were discontinued)
- Breakfast sandwiches that can be ordered with extra hash browns
- Occasional limited-time breakfast promotions that sometimes feature potato-based items
At Home Recreation
Many fans have developed close approximations of Arby's potato cakes using:
- Shredded potatoes mixed with flour, egg, and seasonings
- Forming into 3.5-inch patties before pan-frying
- Using a potato ricer for optimal texture consistency
While not identical to the commercial product, these homemade versions satisfy the craving for that distinctive potato cake experience. Food blogger reviews suggest adding a pinch of onion powder and paprika helps replicate the signature flavor profile.
Competitor Options
Several fast food chains offer potato-based breakfast items that provide similar satisfaction:
- Burger King's hash browns (shredded potatoes formed into oval patties)
- McDonald's classic hash browns (shredded with crispy edges)
- Waffle House hash browns (customizable preparation styles)
Will Arby's Potato Cakes Return Permanently?
While Arby's has not announced plans for a permanent return, the pattern of limited-time reintroductions suggests possibility. The company's approach to menu innovation typically follows this cycle:
- Discontinue item due to operational challenges
- Monitor customer reaction and social media sentiment
- Test reintroduction in select markets
- Evaluate sales performance and operational feasibility
- Decide on permanent return or limited availability
Given the sustained customer demand and Arby's history of responding to fan requests (as documented in their 2022 corporate transparency report), a permanent return remains possible if operational challenges can be addressed. Food industry analysts suggest that menu item revivals have increased by 35% across quick service restaurants since 2020, according to data from Technomic.
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