Description
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into these irresistible, crispy potato cakes. They are golden brown outside, fluffy inside, and packed with cheddar and chives for a perfect comfort food side or snack.
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 fresh chives, chopped
- 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 (for frying)
Instructions
- Place the cold mashed potatoes in a medium bowl. You want the potatoes to be cold so they hold their shape well.
- Add the beaten egg, 1/2 cup flour, cheddar cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of flour on a shallow plate.
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a thick patty, about 1 inch thick and 2.5 inches wide.
- Lightly dredge each patty in the flour, coating both sides lightly. This helps create a crisp crust.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should coat the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the potato cakes in the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they 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 your crispy mashed potato cakes immediately with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Using cold mashed potatoes is the secret to cakes that hold together during frying.
- If your leftover mash is very loose, add one more tablespoon of flour until the mixture is workable.
- For a garlic mashed potato cake variation, substitute the garlic powder with 1 clove of minced fresh garlic mixed in with the other ingredients.
- These are excellent as a budget friendly potato meal or a Thanksgiving leftovers transformation.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 35