Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into these delicious, crispy potato cakes. They feature a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, perfect as a side dish or quick snack.
Author:avainthekitchen
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Pan Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, beaten egg, 1/2 cup flour, cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Place the remaining 1/4 cup of flour on a shallow plate.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
Lightly dredge each potato cake in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. The oil should coat the bottom of the pan.
Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the cakes are deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the crispy mashed potato cakes immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
If your mashed potatoes are very soft, add one more tablespoon of flour to help the cakes hold their shape.
Serve these potato cakes with sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or applesauce for a complete comfort food experience.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.