Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-brown cakes with a soft, fluffy interior. This easy recipe adds cheddar cheese and chives for savory flavor, making them a perfect side dish or quick snack.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:20 min
Yield:8 to 10 cakes 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Pan Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
Instructions
Place the cold mashed potatoes in a medium bowl.
Add the beaten egg, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the mixture should hold together when pressed.
Shape the mixture into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 2 to 3 inches wide. You should get about 8 to 10 cakes.
Heat the butter or oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the potato cakes in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the cakes are golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
Remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the mashed potato cakes immediately as a side dish or snack.
Notes
For extra crispiness, chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying.
Serve these potato cakes hot with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce.
You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Parmesan cheese.
For a garlic mashed potato cakes variation, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.