Ultimate Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes with Cheddar and Chives
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into these irresistible, crispy potato cakes. They feature a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy center, perfect as a side dish, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 8 cakes
- 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 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 butter or cooking oil (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 for dredging.
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a thick patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Gently press both sides of the patty into the dredging flour to lightly coat. Repeat with the remaining mixture, yielding about 8 to 10 cakes.
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You need enough fat to coat the bottom of the pan well.
- Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring you do not 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 on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning before the inside warms through.
- Remove the crispy mashed potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the potato cakes immediately as a comfort food side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes; this helps the cakes hold their shape during frying.
- If your leftover mash is very loose, add one extra tablespoon of flour to the mixture.
- Serve these with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce for a classic pairing.
- For a different flavor, substitute the chives with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45