patty

A patty is a small, flat cake or mass of chopped or ground ingredients, typically formed by hand or pressing into a uniform shape. The term encompasses both savory and sweet preparations, with the most common being ground meat patties (such as hamburger patties), though patties may also be composed of vegetables, fish, grains, potatoes, or a combination thereof. The defining characteristic is the flattened form and compact texture achieved through binding ingredients with a binder (egg, breadcrumbs, or starch) and compressing them into a cohesive disk or oval shape. Patties may be breaded, seasoned, and cooked via frying, grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Patties serve as a versatile preparation method across global cuisines. Ground meat patties form the foundation of burgers, meatloaf slices, and numerous international dishes such as Swedish meatballs or Indian cutlets. Vegetarian and vegan patties—made from legumes, grains, mushrooms, or plant-based proteins—have become widely adopted as burger alternatives and side dishes. Fish and seafood patties appear in Asian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cooking. Patties are typically cooked until golden and crispy on the exterior while remaining moist within, and are served as main courses, in sandwiches, or as components of composed dishes. They are favored for their ease of portion control and ability to incorporate mixed ingredients efficiently.