Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy mashed potato cakes with this easy recipe! Just like something you’d find in The Pioneer Woman’s kitchen, these potato cakes are comforting, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even breakfast. This simple recipe elevates humble leftovers into a mouthwatering treat that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients for mashed potato cakes recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe for leftover mashed potatoes; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making these potato cakes again and again:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy fried potatoes, and these cakes deliver that cozy feeling in every bite.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Say goodbye to food waste! This recipe is the ideal way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from holidays or family dinners.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these potato cakes on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them as a side with almost any main course, as a hearty breakfast item, or as a tasty appetizer.
- Kid-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters will love the crispy texture and mild flavor of these potato cakes.
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Potato Cakes
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create these delightful mashed potato cakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cold Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show! Leftover mashed potatoes work best (avoid instant potatoes for this recipe).
- Flour: All-purpose flour or self-rising flour will both work perfectly. Use what you have on hand.
- Egg: This acts as a binder, helping to hold the potato cakes together.
Optional additions for extra flavor:
- Finely Diced Onion or Green Onion: For a subtle savory note.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite shredded cheese for added richness.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, parsley, garlic powder, or onion powder to season to your taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Potato Cakes
Follow these simple steps to make perfect mashed potato cakes every time:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes and egg. Mix well with a fork until thoroughly blended.
- Add Flour and Mix: Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture. Stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky. If using, gently fold in diced onion, green onion, cheese, or seasonings at this stage.
Heating oil in skillet.
- Heat Skillet with Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil (butter works too for extra flavor). Heat the oil for 2-3 minutes until it’s hot. This is crucial for crispy, non-greasy potato cakes.
- Scoop and Flatten Potato Cakes: Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot skillet. Use the back of a spoon dipped in hot oil to gently flatten each spoonful into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Dipping the spoon in oil prevents sticking.
Flatten spoonfuls in skillet with back of spoon.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the potato cakes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip them using a spatula and cook the other side until browned.
Remove potato cakes to paper towel-lined plate.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions for Mashed Potato Cakes
These mashed potato cakes are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Side Dish: Pair them with main courses like meatloaf, roasted chicken, beef brisket, pork chops, or grilled chicken. They are a fantastic alternative to regular mashed potatoes or fries.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them with bacon, sausage, eggs, and a side of fruit for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
- Appetizer: Offer them as appetizers with dipping sauces like applesauce, sour cream, ketchup, salsa, or a homemade mustard-mayonnaise sauce.
- Holiday Leftovers Meal: Enjoy them with leftover turkey or ham from holiday dinners.
- Soup and Salad Companion: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup and a fresh green salad for a complete and comforting meal.
Forkful of potato cake.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or gently pan-fry them over low heat in a skillet until heated through and crispy again.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual potato cakes in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
Recipe Variations to Try
Get creative with your mashed potato cakes! Here are a few delicious variations:
- Cheesy Potato Cakes: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a blend of cheeses to the potato mixture.
- Herb and Spice Infused: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor depth.
- Veggie-Packed Cakes: Sneak in finely chopped spinach, mashed cauliflower, shredded carrots, or cooked peas for added nutrients.
- Pizza Potato Cakes: Add diced pepperoni and mozzarella cheese for a fun, pizza-inspired twist.
- Taco Potato Cakes: Combine leftover taco meat, cheese, and diced bell peppers for a Tex-Mex version.
- Greek Style: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potato cakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s highly recommended to use real leftover mashed potatoes. Instant mashed potatoes won’t provide the same structure and may result in a less desirable texture.
Why are my potato cakes falling apart?
Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold, and you are using enough flour to bind the mixture. You can also chill the potato mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape better.
Enjoy making these easy and delicious mashed potato cakes, a perfect way to use up leftovers and create a comforting dish that everyone will love – just like The Pioneer Woman would make!
Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe
Take your leftover mashed potato and make this crispy yet fluffy potato cakes recipe. They’ll simply melt in your mouth!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: potatoes
Servings: 10 potato cakes
Calories: 255kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose or self-rising flour
- 2 tbsp finely diced onions (optional)
- Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cold mashed potatoes and egg until well combined.
- Add flour and diced onions (if using), and mix until just combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into the hot oil and flatten them slightly with the back of an oiled spoon to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, add cheese, herbs, or spices to the potato mixture.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the potato cakes to prevent them from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the amount of flour depending on the consistency of your mashed potatoes. If they are very wet, you may need to add a little more flour.
Nutrition
Calories: 255kcal
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