Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into delicious, crispy potato cakes. These easy potato patties feature a golden, crunchy exterior and a creamy, fluffy inside, making them a budget-friendly comfort food side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 8 servings 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
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy potato cakes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onion
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, cheddar cheese (if using), chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Gently press both sides of the patty into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should coat the bottom of the pan thinly.
- Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the mashed potato cakes are deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately as a quick side dish or snack.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old mashed potatoes is key for the best texture. If your mash is too soft, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour.
- For an air fryer mashed potato cakes option, spray the coated patties lightly with cooking spray and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- These loaded potato patties pair well with sour cream or applesauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cakes
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45