If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, these Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes are about to become your favorite go-to side dish or snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can turn cold mashed potatoes into savory cakes that fry up golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. They’re fast, comforting, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
The best part? You can customize them to suit your taste. Stir in garlic powder, chives, or Parmesan to boost the flavor, then pan-fry until golden brown. Serve them plain or with sour cream, green onions, or even a poached egg to take them from side dish to star of the plate. However you top them, these potato cakes bring homemade comfort to the table in minutes.
All around the world, cooks have transformed mashed potatoes into crispy cakes for generations. From Irish boxty to Jewish latkes, this technique remains a beloved way to turn everyday ingredients into something magical—and now, easier and more delicious than ever.
Recipe Yield: 6–8 cakes (serves 3–4)
INGREDIENTS
2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)
1 large egg
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
½ tsp kosher salt (adjust if potatoes are already salted)
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Oil or butter, for frying
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chives, and Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. It should be thick and moldable, not runny.
2. Shape the cakes:
Scoop out about ¼ cup of the mixture and form into patties about ½ inch thick. Place the cakes on a parchment-lined tray or plate while heating the skillet.
3. Pan-fry to golden perfection:
Heat 1–2 tbsp oil or butter in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the patties in batches and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatula and fry the other side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Serve warm:
Serve your crispy mashed potato cakes hot, garnished with more fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream. They’re great alongside eggs, salad, or any cozy dinner.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Season generously: Even if your mashed potatoes were already seasoned, the added garlic, onion, and Parmesan take the flavor up a notch.
- Use cold mashed potatoes: They hold their shape better and make crispier cakes when pan-fried.
- Fry in batches: Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of crisping. Give each cake room to brown beautifully.
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