Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! I’m all about transforming those creamy, dreamy spuds into something truly magical—like these delicious mashed potato cakes! Trust me, you won’t believe how easy and scrumptious they are. It’s like taking last night’s dinner and giving it a fun, crispy twist. Every time I make these cakes, the whole family goes wild for them! They’re crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy inside, making them the perfect side dish or snack. So, if you’ve got some leftover mashed potatoes hanging out in your fridge, this recipe for leftover mashed potato cakes is calling your name!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes – Make sure they’re nice and creamy for the best texture!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – This will help bind everything together and give the cakes a little structure.
- 1/2 cup grated cheese – I love using cheddar, but feel free to get creative with your favorite cheese!
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – They add a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
- 1 egg – This helps to hold the mixture together and gives a lovely richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season well for full flavor!
- Oil for frying – Enough to coat the bottom of your pan; I usually go for canola or vegetable oil.
How to Prepare Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Making these leftover mashed potato cakes is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crispy, golden treat in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large bowl and mix together the leftover mashed potatoes, flour, grated cheese, chopped green onions, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to use my hands here—just make sure everything is combined but don’t overmix; you want that fluffy texture!
- Next, take a handful of the mixture and form it into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide. Don’t stress about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is totally acceptable!
- Now, heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough to coat the bottom of the pan but not deep fry them. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle), it’s time to fry!
- Carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Oops, don’t forget to flip them gently!
- Once they’re cooked, drain the patties on paper towels to soak up any excess oil before serving. And there you have it—crispy, delicious cakes ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful dish that everyone will adore.
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—what’s not to love?
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute guests.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins like bacon and veggies!
- Super satisfying and filling, making it a great side or snack option.
- It’s a fun way to reduce food waste and enjoy every last bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your leftover mashed potato cakes turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, ensure your mashed potatoes are cold; this helps the cakes hold their shape better when frying. If you find the mixture a bit too wet, just sprinkle in a little more flour until it feels right. And don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add in cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor, or toss in some herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist. If you want a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or some grated garlic! Lastly, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—this ensures a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delightful leftover mashed potato cakes is about one patty, and they pack a satisfying punch! You can expect approximately 150 calories per patty, with 7 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein, making them a hearty addition to any meal. They also contain about 200 mg of sodium and 2 grams of fiber, which is great for keeping your tummy happy. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels if you’re watching your intake closely!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze these cakes?
Absolutely! These leftover mashed potato cakes freeze really well. Just let them cool completely after frying, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You won’t lose that delightful crispy texture!
What can I serve with leftover mashed potato cakes?
Oh, the options are endless! I love serving these cakes with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast. You could also pair them with a zesty salsa or a creamy ranch dressing. For a heartier meal, they go wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad. Trust me, they elevate any dish you serve them with!
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
Serving Suggestions
These leftover mashed potato cakes are so versatile, you can serve them with a variety of delicious sides! For a light and refreshing option, pair them with a crisp, green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, they go perfectly alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. I also love serving them with a tangy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo—wow, it really takes the flavor up a notch! No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cakes are sure to steal the show!
Print
leftover mashed potato recipes: 5 Scrumptious Cakes to Try
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe to make delicious cakes from leftover mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, flour, cheese, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can add other ingredients like cooked bacon or herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: leftover mashed potato recipes
