Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes: A Delicious and Easy Way to Use Leftovers

Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes are a delightful and flavorful dish that turns your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden treat. With a soft, creamy interior and a crunchy exterior, these cakes are packed with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, making them a tasty option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring that none of your leftovers go to waste.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side dish. Not only is it an excellent way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make these crispy mashed potato cakes with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to common questions.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes

Perfect for Leftovers: Don’t let your mashed potatoes go to waste! This recipe is ideal for repurposing leftovers.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a snack.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the herbs or add cheese for different flavor combinations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these crispy mashed potato cakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed potatoes (chilled leftovers work best)
1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs for coating
4 tablespoons olive oil or butter for frying

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl
Non-stick frying pan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious and crispy mashed potato cakes:

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled mashed potatoes, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, chopped chives, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well combined. The egg and flour act as binders, helping to hold the cakes together during frying.

Tip: Using cold mashed potatoes makes the cakes easier to shape and ensures they hold their form while frying.

Step 2: Form the Potato Cakes

Divide the potato mixture into equal portions. You should be able to get about 6–8 cakes, depending on the size you prefer. Shape each portion into a round, flat cake, about 1/2 inch thick. Once shaped, roll each cake in the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating. This breadcrumb layer will give the cakes their crispy exterior.

Tip: If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, lightly dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier.

Step 3: Fry the Potato Cakes

Heat the olive oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, place the potato cakes in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each cake for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping to avoid breaking the cakes.

Tip: For an extra crispy result, make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the cakes in the pan. A small test is to drop a breadcrumb in the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potato cakes are golden and crispy on both sides, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley or chives if desired. These crispy mashed potato cakes are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce like sour cream, ketchup, or even aioli.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Chilled mashed potatoes hold together better and result in a firmer cake.
Customize the Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in other herbs, spices, or cheeses. Garlic powder, thyme, or cheddar cheese can add a new twist.
Prevent Sticking: Lightly flour your hands when shaping the cakes if the mixture is too sticky.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning and crispiness.

FAQ: Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes

1. Can I make these mashed potato cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture and shape the cakes ahead of time. Simply place the uncooked cakes on a tray, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just fry them up.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the potato cakes for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. What can I serve with crispy mashed potato cakes?

These cakes pair well with various dishes. Serve them alongside eggs for breakfast, with a fresh salad for lunch, or as a side dish to meat or fish for dinner. They also go well with dips like sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them, but they may lose their crispiness. Alternatively, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

5. Can I freeze mashed potato cakes?

Yes, you can freeze these cakes before frying. Place the uncooked cakes on a tray and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to fry, let them thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Conclusion

Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes and create a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a side dish, these golden and flavorful cakes are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a go-to for busy days or when you need to use up your leftovers in a creative way.