Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, often a staple during family dinners, especially around the holidays. They’re comforting, creamy, and can accompany almost any type of meal. However, the leftovers are often underappreciated, left to sit in the fridge for days without a clear purpose. That is, until you discover the magic of Mashed Potato Pancakes. This simple yet satisfying dish transforms leftover mashed potatoes into something crispy, golden, and even more delicious.
If you’re tired of reheating mashed potatoes for the third day in a row, or if you have some holiday leftovers you don’t know what to do with, this recipe is your answer. Mashed Potato Pancakes are a fantastic way to turn that leftover mashed potato into a new meal or snack, providing a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, creamy interior. Whether you’re calling them Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes, Potato Patties, or simply Potato Cakes, these crispy delights are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mashed potato pancakes — from the basic recipe to fun variations and serving ideas that will make your family and guests ask for seconds!
What Are Mashed Potato Pancakes?
Mashed potato pancakes are a savory treat made by combining leftover mashed potatoes with basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and seasoning, then frying them to a golden brown. While the base is made from mashed potatoes, the other ingredients like eggs and flour help bind everything together and give the pancakes their shape. The result is a crispy, crunchy exterior, with a soft, creamy inside that perfectly complements any main dish.
These pancakes can be as simple or as intricate as you’d like, depending on the flavor profile you want to create. Whether you enjoy a plain, comforting pancake or prefer one packed with cheese, herbs, and bacon, leftover mashed potato pancakes can be tailored to suit all tastes.
Why Make Mashed Potato Pancakes?
The main reason to make mashed potato pancakes is simple: they’re an amazing way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting. The transformation from creamy mashed potatoes to crispy pancakes brings a completely different flavor and texture, making them the perfect snack or side dish.
Beyond using up your holiday leftovers, mashed potato pancakes are incredibly versatile. You can make them as savory or as sweet as you want, depending on the ingredients you have at hand. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream, topped with gravy, or eaten on their own, they make for an irresistibly tasty dish that everyone will love.
The Best Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe
It’s time to dive into the potato cakes recipe that will turn your leftover mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold, preferably)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute with gluten-free flour if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella work best)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering your leftover mashed potatoes. It’s best if they’re cold, as this will help them bind together more easily. If your mashed potatoes are too thin or runny, add a little extra flour to help thicken them. - Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, flour, egg, grated cheese (if using), chopped onion (optional), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be thick but pliable, making it easy to form into patties. - Shape the Pancakes:
Using your hands or a spoon, form the potato mixture into small patties, about 3 inches in diameter. You can make them a little thinner if you want a crispier texture. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet while you heat the frying pan. - Heat the Pan:
Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of butter or oil. Let it melt and become hot. - Fry the Pancakes:
Carefully add the mashed potato patties to the skillet, frying in batches if necessary. Let the pancakes cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them to avoid breaking them apart. If you like a crispier exterior, you can cook them for a minute or two longer on each side. - Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the potato pancakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ketchup, or applesauce.
Variations on Mashed Potato Pancakes
This basic recipe for leftover mashed potato pancakes is just the beginning. You can get creative with various ingredients and flavors, making these pancakes suitable for any taste preference. Here are a few ideas to elevate your potato cakes:
1. Cheese and Herb Mashed Potato Pancakes:
Stir in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme, along with extra shredded cheese. The combination of cheese and herbs adds richness and flavor, turning your mashed potato pancakes into a savory treat.
2. Bacon and Onion Mashed Potato Pancakes:
For a smoky, savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon and finely chopped onions to the mixture. The bacon will add crunch, while the onions bring sweetness to the pancakes.
3. Veggie Mashed Potato Pancakes:
Want to sneak some veggies into your meal? Add some leftover peas, corn, carrots, or spinach to the mixture. Not only will this enhance the flavor, but it also adds an extra nutritional boost.
4. Spicy Mashed Potato Pancakes:
If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These potato patties will have a nice spicy kick that complements the creamy mashed potatoes.
5. Vegan Mashed Potato Pancakes:
If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily make vegan mashed potato pancakes by omitting the egg and using a flaxseed or chia egg replacement. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil for frying.
Serving Suggestions for Mashed Potato Pancakes
While these pancakes are delicious on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas to make your potato cakes even more exciting:
- As a Side Dish: Serve these leftover mashed potato cakes alongside a roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. The crispy pancakes add texture and flavor to any main course, making them the perfect side dish.
- Topped with Gravy: Pour warm gravy over the pancakes for a classic comfort food experience. Whether it’s turkey gravy or brown gravy, this addition will bring an extra layer of richness.
- Breakfast Option: Turn your mashed potato pancakes into a breakfast dish by topping them with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives. You can also add avocado slices for a creamy, nutritious boost.
- Snack Time: These crispy cakes are perfect for snacking! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
- Holiday Leftovers: Mashed potato pancakes are an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers like turkey, ham, or even stuffing. Serve them alongside other leftover dishes for a unique, delicious twist on traditional meals.
Why Mashed Potato Pancakes Are Ideal for Holiday Leftovers
The holiday season is filled with hearty meals, and mashed potatoes are often one of the most abundant leftovers. Instead of letting your holiday leftovers go to waste, mashed potato pancakes offer a fun and easy way to repurpose them. Not only do they create a brand new dish, but they also extend the life of your potato recipes, turning them into something crispy and indulgent.
By making leftover mashed potato cakes, you save both time and food. It’s an economical way to reduce waste in the kitchen while ensuring your meals are still exciting. Potato recipes like this are perfect for the busy days after the holidays, when you want a quick meal that still feels special.
Leftover Recipes: Reduce Waste and Save Money
Repurposing leftover mashed potatoes into mashed potato pancakes is a great way to reduce food waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste is one of the largest contributors to landfill waste. By using your leftovers to create new meals, you’re not only saving money but also helping the environment.
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. By transforming leftover mashed potatoes into potato patties or potato cakes, you breathe new life into them, making them the star of the next meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with holiday leftovers or just trying to clear out your fridge, mashed potato pancakes are a creative, delicious way to make the most of leftover mashed potatoes. With a basic recipe that’s easy to follow and endless possibilities for customization, mashed potato cakes are a dish that everyone will enjoy.
The best part? They can be served for any occasion — from brunch to dinner, as a side dish, or even as a snack. And because they’re so versatile, you can tailor them to your specific taste preferences with the addition of ingredients like cheese, herbs, or bacon.
Next time you have a pile of leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste. Turn them into leftover mashed potato pancakes that are crispy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. You’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way again!
Happy cooking and enjoy those crispy bites of heaven!
