When I opened my fridge and saw a mound of leftover mashed potatoes staring back at me, I felt that familiar pang of boredom. That’s when inspiration struck! Instead of tossing them aside for yet another rehash of last night’s dinner, I decided to whip up something delightful: Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes. The thought of crispy, golden cakes bursting with cheesy goodness and a hint of green onion made my mouth water.
These little morsels are not just a fantastic way to minimize waste; they’re a comforting treat that brings warmth to any meal, whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a side dish to impress your guests. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these cakes transform ordinary leftovers into extraordinary fare. So, the next time you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, you’ll know just what to do! Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Why You'll Love This Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dish in just 30 minutes.
- The flavor combination of cheesy goodness and green onions creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will adore.
- These cakes are versatile; they can be served as a snack, side dish, or even a brunch option that will impress your friends and family.
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust, these potato cakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delectable cakes!
For the Cakes
- Leftover mashed potatoes – 2 cups – A fantastic way to utilize leftovers and add flavor.
- Grated cheese – 1/2 cup – Choose any cheese you love, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a gooey texture.
- Chopped green onions – 1/4 cup – Adds a fresh, zesty kick that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup – Helps bind everything together, ensuring your cakes hold their shape.
- Large egg – 1 – Serves as a binding agent to keep the mixture cohesive.
- Salt and pepper – to taste – Season to enhance the natural flavors of your leftover mashed potato cakes.
- Oil – as needed – Use vegetable or olive oil for frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the leftover mashed potatoes, grated cheese, chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated, creating a thick and flavorful mixture.
Shape the cakes: Using your hands, form the mixture into small, even cakes about 2 inches wide. Make sure they are well-formed to prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
Heat the skillet: Add a generous amount of oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer before adding the cakes, which indicates it’s ready for frying.
Fry the cakes: Carefully place your potato cakes in the hot oil, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook until they are golden brown on one side, roughly 4-5 minutes, then flip and fry until the other side is golden and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the cakes from the skillet and allow them to drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture!
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes?
The perfect meal deserves delightful pairings that elevate the experience and bring joy to the table.
Tangy Coleslaw: This vibrant side dish adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy potato cakes, enhancing each bite.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed until tender, these green beans provide a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance alongside your potato cakes.
Creamy Avocado Salad: The creamy texture of avocado mixed with zesty lime offers a deliciously rich complement that balances the crispy cakes.
Savory Gravy: Drizzling a rich, homemade gravy over the cakes adds moisture and depth, bringing out the savory flavors in each bite.
Homemade Applesauce: Sweet and tangy applesauce pairs beautifully, providing a wonderful contrast to the savory notes in the mashed potato cakes. This combination evokes nostalgia and childlike joy.
Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and vibrant, steamed broccoli adds color and a healthy touch to your plate, making every meal wholesome.
Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and light, this drink pairs perfectly with your potato cakes, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty zing.
Chocolate Mousse: For an indulgent dessert, a velvety chocolate mousse offers a satisfying end to your meal, balancing the savory starter with sweet decadence.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes Variations
Feel free to get creative with these flavors and alterations to make this dish your own!
Cheese Swap: Replace the cheese with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that highlights the creamy potatoes.
These cheeses add character and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile of each cake.Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add a fragrant touch that enhances the cakes.
Experimenting with herbs introduces brightness, making every bite feel like a garden-fresh delight.Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty, spicy flavor twist.
The heat from the spices transforms these cakes into an exciting dish that ignites your taste buds.Veggie Boost: Incorporate grated carrots or finely chopped broccoli for an added crunch and nutrition.
These veggies not only enhance the texture but also bring a splash of color for visual appeal.Grainy Power: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier twist.
Experimenting with different flours can result in fascinating flavors and textures, making these cakes more nourishing.Sweet Potato Cakes: Substitute mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor.
Sweet potato cakes provide a delightful contrast and are perfect for those craving a hint of sweetness.Bread Crumb Coating: For an extra crunch, coat the cakes in panko breadcrumbs before frying them.
This creates a delightful crispy outer layer that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.Zesty Citrus: A splash of lemon or lime juice in the mixture adds a refreshing zest that brightens the flavors.
The citrus notes bring a lightness to the cakes, making them perfect for a summer gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Room Temperature: Keep cooked cakes at room temperature for up to 2 hours. They are best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispness.
Fridge: Store leftover mashed potato cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for a fresh taste!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled cakes on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen cakes, thaw overnight in the fridge and then pan-fry until heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they’re crispy and delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, flour, egg, salt, and pepper, and storing it in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, cover the bowl tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply shape the cakes and fry them as directed. Alternatively, you can fully cook the cakes and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; then, just reheat them in a skillet. You’ll have delicious, crispy potato cakes with minimal effort, ideal for meal prep!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes, ensure your mashed potatoes are thick and cohesive to prevent the cakes from falling apart.
- Instead of shaping the cakes entirely by hand, use a measuring cup to form uniform sizes for even cooking.
- For an extra crispy texture, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the cakes – it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for leftover mashed potato cakes?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use a blend of starchy and waxy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These potatoes create a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with cheese and green onions in your cakes.
How should I store leftover mashed potato cakes?
To keep your leftover mashed potato cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat them in a skillet for that crispy goodness rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potato cakes?
Very! To freeze, first allow the cakes to cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat frozen potato cakes?
To reheat, first thaw the cakes overnight in the fridge, then warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy. This method revives their golden exterior, making them just as delightful as when they were freshly made!
Are these leftover mashed potato cakes suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! To make them gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even ground oats. This keeps the cakes delicious while catering to dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy them!
Can my pets eat leftover mashed potato cakes?
While the basic ingredients are not toxic to pets, it’s best to avoid giving them any fried foods or excessive cheese. If you’d like to share, make a small batch without seasoning, onion, or dairy, just for your furry friend!
Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the leftover mashed potatoes, grated cheese, chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated, creating a thick and flavorful mixture.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, even cakes about 2 inches wide. Make sure they are well-formed to prevent them from falling apart while cooking.
- Add a generous amount of oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer before adding the cakes, which indicates it's ready for frying.
- Carefully place your potato cakes in the hot oil, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook until they are golden brown on one side, roughly 4-5 minutes, then flip and fry until the other side is golden and crispy.
- Remove the cakes from the skillet and allow them to drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture!