Crispy Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy potato cakes with a creamy interior. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a quick and satisfying side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 8 cakes 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into patties, about 1/2-inch thick and 3 inches wide. You should get 8 to 10 cakes.
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You need enough fat to coat the bottom of the pan well.
- Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Press down lightly with a spatula during cooking to help them brown evenly.
- Remove the cooked mashed potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the crispy potato cakes immediately with sour cream or your preferred topping.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes; warm potatoes will not hold their shape well.
- If your mash is very loose, add 1 extra tablespoon of flour until the mixture is manageable.
- For a loaded variation, add 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
- These are excellent for meal prep; reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 45