Yields: About 10–12 cakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, green onions, beaten egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Form the Patties:
- Using your hands, scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty about ½-inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or tray and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Potato Cakes:
- Carefully add the potato patties to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for the best results. Fresh, warm mashed potatoes might be too soft to hold their shape.
- Serve with your favorite dips, like sour cream, ranch, or a garlicky aioli for added flavor.
- Customize with add-ins like bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flair.
DON’T:
- Flip the cakes too early; let them develop a crust before turning to avoid breaking.
- Skip dusting with flour if your mixture is particularly sticky—it helps them hold shape and fry evenly.
- Use too high of heat, or the outside will brown before the center heats through.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Cheesy Boost: Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a meltier texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Herby Twist: Mix in some fresh dill or chives for a different herbaceous flavor.
Mashed Potato Cakes are the perfect way to give new life to leftover mashed potatoes. With their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, they make a delicious side dish or a savory snack that everyone will love. 🥔🧀✨
