Excellent choice! Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes are the ultimate way to give leftover mashed potatoes a glorious second life. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy and cheesy on the inside, and utterly irresistible.
This recipe is simple and highly customizable.
Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes
These are a perfect side dish, appetizer, or even a vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
· 2 cups (about 500g) cold, leftover mashed potatoes
· 1 large egg, lightly beaten
· ½ cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or green onions
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for coating
· ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· Salt (only if your mashed potatoes aren’t already well-seasoned)
· 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter for frying
Instructions
- Mix the Patty Base: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chives, 3 tablespoons of flour, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
· Pro-Tip: The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape. If it seems too wet, add another tablespoon of flour. If you’re using very loose or buttery mashed potatoes, you may need up to ⅓ cup of flour total. - Form the Cakes: Using your hands, form the potato mixture into patties, about ½-inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. You should get about 6-8 patties.
· For a Neat Shape: Press the mixture firmly into a ⅓ or ½ cup measuring cup, then tap it out onto a plate. - Coat Lightly: Place a few tablespoons of additional flour on a shallow plate. Lightly dredge each patty in the flour on both sides. This helps create an extra-crispy crust. Tap off any excess.
- Pan-Fry to Perfection:
· Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast-iron work best) over medium heat. Add enough oil or butter to generously coat the bottom.
· Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in), carefully place the potato cakes in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
· Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them around; let them develop a beautiful crust before flipping. - Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!
Success Tips & Flavor Variations
· The Secret to a Crispy Exterior: The key is using cold mashed potatoes. They are much firmer and easier to handle than room-temperature ones. The light flour coating also works wonders.
· Don’t Skip the Binder: The egg is crucial for holding the cakes together. If you’re out of eggs, an extra tablespoon of flour or a tablespoon of mayonnaise can work in a pinch.
· Baking Option: For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed and floured cakes on a greased baking sheet, spray or brush the tops with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
· Air Fryer Option: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the cakes in a single layer, spray the tops with oil, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Delicious Add-In Ideas:
· Bacon & Cheddar: Add ¼ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon.
· Jalapeño Popper: Add 2 tablespoons of finely diced pickled jalapeños and use a mix of cheddar and cream cheese.
· Everything Bagel: Mix in 1 tablespoon of Everything Bagel seasoning into the potato mixture and sprinkle more on top before frying.
· Pizza Cakes: Add ¼ cup of finely diced pepperoni and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
Serve these cheesy mashed potato cakes with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or a drizzle of hot sauce for the perfect bite