When it comes to leftover mashed potatoes, most people struggle to come up with new and creative ways to enjoy them. Rather than reheating them the same way, why not try making crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes? This recipe offers a simple and savory solution to repurpose those mashed potatoes, transforming them into a crispy, golden delight. Whether you’re dealing with leftover mashed potatoes or using instant mashed potatoes, these potato cakes make for an irresistible family meal. Let’s dive into this delicious dish with a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes.
The Magic of Mash Potato Leftover Recipes
Mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish, especially after a big family dinner or holiday meal. But once you’re done enjoying them, leftover mashed potatoes can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, mash potato leftover recipes provide the perfect solution. One of the best ways to repurpose these leftovers is by turning them into mashed potato cakes. These crispy cakes are the perfect way to give a new life to your leftover mashed potatoes, while keeping the taste rich and creamy inside.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’ve got mashed potatoes left over from a special dinner, or you simply want to try a quick fix with instant mashed potatoes, this recipe can accommodate both. You can also add flavor enhancements like parmesan, herbs, or bacon to elevate the taste.
Instant Mashed Potato Recipes for Convenience
Not everyone has leftover mashed potatoes on hand, but that’s okay. You can easily make mashed potato cakes from instant mashed potatoes. Instant mashed potatoes are not only convenient but can also yield a similar creamy texture when prepared properly. Using instant mashed potatoes for this recipe makes the preparation process much faster, perfect for those busy days when you need to whip up something quick for dinner.
Instant mashed potatoes allow you to skip the peeling and boiling, making the whole process much more efficient. Plus, instant mashed potato recipes are designed to be flexible, so you can make these mashed potato cakes even if you don’t have leftovers to work with.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes, you don’t need a lot of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes (leftover or instant mashed potatoes)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (or chives)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Potato Cakes From Mashed Potatoes
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes.
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, you can skip this step. However, if you’re using instant mashed potatoes, follow the instructions on the package to make them. Once the mashed potatoes are ready, allow them to cool down a bit. You want them to be firm enough to hold together when shaping the cakes.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onions (or chives), breadcrumbs, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The egg and flour will help bind the mixture, while the breadcrumbs will give the cakes a crispy texture when fried.
Step 3: Form the Potato Cakes
With your hands, scoop out a portion of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a small patty. Aim for about 2-3 inches in diameter. Continue shaping the rest of the mixture into potato cakes until everything is used up. You should get around 8-10 potato cakes, depending on the size you prefer.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Cakes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully place the potato cakes into the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the cakes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure the heat is not too high, as this can cause the cakes to burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the potato cakes are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve your crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Family Meals
This crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes recipe is ideal for family meals because it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit different tastes. You can serve these potato cakes as a side dish with your favorite main course, or they can even be enjoyed on their own with a dipping sauce. If you have younger children in the house, they’ll love the crispy exterior and creamy interior of these cakes.
Not only is this recipe a great way to use up leftovers, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to introduce new flavors to your family. The addition of parmesan cheese and green onions adds a savory twist to traditional mashed potatoes, while the crispy crust offers a satisfying texture that everyone will enjoy.
Potato Cakes Recipe: Variations to Try
While the basic recipe for mashed potato cakes is delicious on its own, there are a number of ways you can modify it to create different flavor profiles. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Bacon and Cheddar Potato Cakes: Add crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture for a smoky and cheesy twist.
- Herb and Garlic Potato Cakes: For a more aromatic flavor, incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the mashed potato mixture. You can also add minced garlic for an extra kick.
- Spicy Potato Cakes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to give the cakes a spicy kick. Pair them with a cool ranch or sour cream dipping sauce to balance the heat.
- Veggie Potato Cakes: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the potato mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Instant Mashed Potatoes Recipes for Busy Days
Instant mashed potatoes are a great convenience for busy days when you don’t have time to peel and boil potatoes. You can use instant mashed potatoes to create potato cakes that are just as tasty as the ones made from leftovers. By following the same recipe and substituting the mashed potatoes with instant mashed potatoes, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Instant mashed potatoes are also ideal for meal prep. You can prepare the mashed potato mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and fry the cakes whenever you’re ready to serve them. This makes it easy to have a quick and tasty meal, even on the busiest days.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Cakes
- Use cold mashed potatoes: If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they’re cold before shaping the cakes. Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better and are easier to work with.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are key to achieving that crispy texture on the outside of the potato cakes. If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste. The recipe is highly customizable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- Fry at the right temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the cakes but not too hot that they burn quickly. Medium heat is ideal for cooking the cakes evenly.
Conclusion
Crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes are a fantastic way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering dish that your whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re using leftover mash or instant mashed potatoes, this recipe is simple, quick, and versatile. With a crispy exterior, creamy interior, and the savory goodness of parmesan, these potato cakes are perfect as a side dish or as a standalone snack. So the next time you have leftover mashed potatoes or are looking for a quick meal using instant mashed potatoes, try this potato cakes recipe — your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy these crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes, and feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your family’s tastes. From a recipe for family dinners to quick and easy mashed potato dishes, this potato cakes recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
