Fried Mashed Potato Cakes

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Fried Mashed Potato Cakes are the ultimate indulgence for potato lovers everywhere. These little cheesy mini pancakes of pure deliciousness will have you coming back for seconds and possibly thirds.

A tray of the fried mashed potato cakes with sour cream dipping sauce.

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Fried Mashed Potato Cakes are crispy, cheesy patties that will leave your taste buds begging for more. With their creamy interior and crunchy exterior, these cakes are perfect whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them on a lazy Sunday. Our fried potato cakes are sure to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

If you’re looking for more comforting potato recipes, try these Loaded Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole, Roasted Smashed Potatoes and Instant Pot Potato Soup.

A picture of the easy side or snack option.

Why We Love This Leftover Mashed Potato Recipe

Let’s dive into the reasons why we adore this fried potato cakes recipe. With a blend of speed, simplicity, and unbeatable taste, we’ve created a potato masterpiece that will leave you wondering why you hadn’t tried it sooner.

  • 30 Minute Side Dish: When time is of the essence, this recipe delivers incredible taste without the wait.
  • Easy Ingredients: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying side dish that the whole family will love.
  • Family Friendly: Kids adore these potato cakes. The crispy exterior and cheesy interior are a winning combination.
  • Appetizer Latkes: Make mini potato patty for parties.

Ingredient Notes for Crispy Potato Patties with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Mash potatoes, cheese and scallions.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes are the star here, offering a creamy base for our cakes. It is a great way to use up leftovers.
  • Scallions: Chopped scallions add a delightful burst of freshness and a hint of onion flavor to every bite. But you can also add minced onions.
  • Shredded Cheese: We use cheddar cheese to achieve that gooey, melty center, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Shred your own for best results.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

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Variations and Substitutions to Make Fried Potato Cakes Recipe

Dive into the world of creativity as we explore exciting variations of our beloved fried mashed potato cakes. These options will add a whole new dimension to your potato cake experience.

  • Add Meat: Mix crispy bacon or diced ham into the potato mixture for an extra burst of flavor to this easy recipe.
  • Different Cheese: Experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to incorporate veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition to the recipe for leftover mashed potato cakes
  • Air Fryer: Place the potato cakes in a single layer, flip the patties over once during the cooking process.

How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

These are the basic steps for making Potato Pancakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes. Refer to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom for detailed instructions.

Mashing the potatoes and frying the cakes on a griddle.

Step 1: Make Potato Dough Mixture

First, in a large mixing bowl, add the cold mashed potatoes, scallions, cheese, and egg. Then mix to combine everything together. Next add the flour, three tablespoons of flour to the potato mixture.

Step 2: Form Pancakes and Dip in Flour

Use your hands to form and flatten the potato mixture into pancake sized discs about 1/4 inch thick. Then put the remaining flour into a plate and cover both sides of each potato cake with flour.

Step 3: Fry Potato Cakes

Next, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot enough, place the cakes into the hot oil and fry on each side for about 4 minutes. Both sides should be a crispy, golden brown. Then place the fried potato cakes on a paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Season the Browned and Crispy Potato Cakes

As soon as you remove each cake from the frying pan, season it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire.

Recipe FAQs to Make Potato Cakes

Sometimes, if your potato mixture is too wet or if you don’t coat them evenly with flour, the cakes can fall apart. Ensure your cakes are evenly coated before frying.

Achieving that perfect crispiness requires ensuring your oil is hot enough before frying. Also, make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Absolutely! You can substitute mashed cauliflower for potatoes to create a lower-carb version of these cakes. They’ll still be crispy and delicious.

Leftover potato cakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet or oven on a baking sheet.

A stack of the cakes with a side of sour cream for the cake.

Expert Tips for Making Potato Pancakes from Mashed Potatoes

To master the art of crafting perfect potato pancakes from mashed potatoes, you’ll want to explore these expert tips. From elevating the flavors to unforgettable toppings, our tips will help you create culinary magic in your kitchen.

  • Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your potato cakes with a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings. All-purpose seasoning or a touch of garlic powder can add an extra layer of deliciousness. Or you’ll love adding a little grated onion to the creamy mash potato mixture.
  • Toppings: Don’t forget to top your potato cakes with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, chives, or a dollop of zesty salsa.
  • Store Bought Mashed Potatoes: Use up leftover mashed potatoes is ideal, store-bought varieties can also be used for an easier side dish. Instant Mashed potatoes work well too.
  • Cauliflower: Make a low carb version of this cake by using mashed cauliflower. Cook, grate and mash your own or use store bought.

What to Serve with Fried Mashed Potato Cakes

A tray of the fried mashed potato cakes with sour cream dipping sauce.
5 from 9 votes

Fried Mashed Potato Cakes

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Fried Mashed Potato Cakes are the ultimate indulgence for potato lovers everywhere. These little cheesy mini pancakes of pure deliciousness will have you coming back for seconds and possibly thirds.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Mashed potatoes
  • 3 Scallions, chopped
  • cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Flour, plus additional 3-6 tablespoons
  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 3-4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine cold mashed potatoes, scallions, cheese and egg.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of flour. If mixture needs additional flour, add up to 3 more, one tablespoonful at a time until potatoes come together.
  • Form potato mixture into pancakes about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Place remaining 1/2 cup of flour on a plate and dredge both sides of the pancakes in the flour.
  • Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil over medium high heat.
  • Carefully add pancakes and fry in batches until gold brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  • Add additional oil if needed between batches.
  • Season with salt and pepper as soon as they are removed from the frying pan.
  • Serve with sour cream.

Expert Tips

    • Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of your potato cakes with a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings. All-purpose seasoning or a touch of garlic powder can add an extra layer of deliciousness. Or you’ll love adding a little grated onion to the creamy mash potato mixture.
    • Toppings: Don’t forget to top your potato cakes with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, chives, or a dollop of zesty salsa.
    • Store Bought Mashed Potatoes: Use up leftover mashed potatoes is ideal, store-bought varieties can also be used for an easier side dish.
    • Cauliflower: Make a low carb version of this cake by using mashed cauliflower. Cook, grate and mash your own or use store bought.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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