Oh my goodness, let me tell you about loaded mashed potato cakes! These little beauties are crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside, bursting with cheesy goodness and bits of savory bacon. I first had them at a cozy family gathering, and I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients could create something so delightful. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! They were the star of the show, and I found myself sneaking back for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll never want regular mashed potatoes again. They’re perfect for any meal and always bring a smile to my face!
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover is perfect for this!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick!)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (make sure it’s nice and crispy for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (these add a fresh zing to the cakes)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that irresistible crunch on the outside)
- 1 egg (this helps hold everything together beautifully)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but taste as you go!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is always a nice touch)
How to Prepare Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these loaded mashed potato cakes! The process is super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Just follow my steps, and you’ll have a plateful of crispy, cheesy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—don’t be afraid to use your hands! It’s the best way to really get in there and make sure everything is mixed evenly.
- Next, crack in that egg and give it another good mix. This is what holds everything together, so make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Now it’s time to form the patties! Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. I like to aim for about ½ inch thick—this gives you a nice balance between crispy outside and fluffy inside. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into patties (you should get about 8). You can set them aside on a plate for now.
- Once your patties are ready, it’s time to coat them! Take your breadcrumbs and spread them out on a plate. Gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, making sure they’re fully coated. This step is essential for that crunchy exterior!
- Now, heat up some oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about ¼ inch deep should do). Let the oil get nice and hot—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Just be careful not to let it smoke!
- Carefully place your patties in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. I always get so excited during this part because the smell is absolutely heavenly!
- Once they’re done, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and watch your friends and family swoon over these delicious creations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these loaded mashed potato cakes in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy, and savory filling is simply irresistible—trust me, every bite is a flavor explosion!
- Versatility: You can customize these cakes with your favorite ingredients—think different cheeses, herbs, or even veggies to suit your taste!
- Great Use for Leftovers: Got leftover mashed potatoes? This recipe is the perfect way to transform them into something new and exciting!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these loaded cakes are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your loaded mashed potato cakes turn out absolutely perfect! These little tips have been lifesavers for me, and I just know they’ll help you too!
- Achieving Crispy Patties: The key to that irresistible crunch is all in the coating! Make sure you press the patties firmly into the breadcrumbs. You can even double coat them for extra crunch—just dip the patty back in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs again!
- Best Oil for Frying: I recommend using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, as they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavor of your cakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using bacon fat for an extra hit of flavor!
- Storage Advice: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to get them crispy again!
- Don’t Rush the Frying: Make sure your oil is hot enough before you add the patties; otherwise, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add in your favorite spices or herbs to the mixture! A little garlic powder or smoked paprika can take these cakes to the next level.
Variations of Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that’s flexible and can adapt to your tastes. Loaded mashed potato cakes are the perfect canvas for a little culinary creativity! Here are some fun variations to try out:
- Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon or two of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the mixture. This adds a burst of freshness that really elevates the flavor!
- Cheesy Delight: Swap out the cheddar for other types of cheese! Gouda, mozzarella, or even blue cheese can bring a whole new flavor profile to your cakes.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. It’s a fantastic way to spice things up!
- Veggie Packed: Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even corn. This not only adds flavor but also a pop of color to your cakes!
- Sweet Potato Twist: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant orange color. They pair beautifully with maple syrup drizzled on top!
- Breakfast Style: Add in some shredded cooked sausage or even a little bit of scrambled egg for a breakfast-inspired twist that’s perfect for brunch!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these loaded mashed potato cakes such a fun recipe to play around with. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each loaded mashed potato cake. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
These loaded mashed potato cakes are a delightful treat that balances taste and nutrition. Enjoy them as a side dish or a snack, knowing you’re indulging in something both delicious and satisfying!
FAQ About Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Got questions about loaded mashed potato cakes? No worries! I’m here to help clear things up and make sure you have the best experience possible with this delicious recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover loaded mashed potato cakes (which is rare, but it happens!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste great, and you can enjoy them again soon!
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
How do I reheat them properly?
The best way to reheat your loaded mashed potato cakes is to put them back in the skillet over medium heat. Just a few minutes on each side will get them crispy again! You can also use the oven—preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Trust me, this keeps them nice and crispy!
Can I make them ahead of time?
You bet! These loaded mashed potato cakes can be made a day in advance. Just prepare them, store them in the fridge, and then fry them up when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for meal prep!
What dipping sauces pair well with them?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving mine with a dollop of sour cream, a tangy ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli. You could also try a classic ketchup or a zesty salsa for a fun twist!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if you just want to share how your loaded mashed potato cakes turned out! I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen!
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Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Loaded mashed potato cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with cheese and bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Coat each patty with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for quicker preparation.
- Customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: loaded mashed potato cakes
