Ultimate Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes with Cheddar and Chives
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into these ultimate crispy potato cakes. They feature a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy center, packed with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. This easy recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a satisfying side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 8 to 10 cakes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 cup butter or cooking oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, flour, beaten eggs, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture and form it into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 2 to 3 inches wide. You should get about 8 to 10 cakes.
- Place the formed potato cakes on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat the butter or cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough fat to coat the bottom of the pan well.
- Carefully place the chilled potato cakes into the hot skillet, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the exterior. Give yourself a high-five for that perfect crust!
- Remove the crispy potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve your delicious mashed potato cakes immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Using cold mashed potatoes is key to keeping your cakes from falling apart while frying.
- If your mash is very soft, add one extra tablespoon of flour until the mixture is manageable.
- These are excellent served with sour cream or a dollop of applesauce for a classic touch.
- For extra flavor, substitute half the cheddar cheese with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 55