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 dish 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 chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold leftover 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 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide.
- Lightly dredge each potato cake in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan well.
- Carefully place the potato cakes into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the cakes are deep golden brown and crispy on the exterior.
- Remove the crispy potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the mashed potato cakes immediately as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Use cold mashed potatoes; this helps the cakes hold their shape during frying.
- If your leftover mash is very soft, add an extra tablespoon of flour until the mixture is manageable.
- Serve these cheesy mashed potato fritters with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a classic pairing.
- For a different flavor, substitute chives with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45