Potato pancakes are a delectable solution for transforming leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving, holiday feasts, or any special gatherings into a crispy, creamy treat. These versatile pancakes delight both kids and adults, making them the perfect addition to any meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through crafting the ultimate potato pancakes, a timeless recipe passed down through generations.
The Best Potato Pancakes
Dive into the art of frying mashed potatoes, a dish born from ingenuity and resourcefulness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn leftover mashed potatoes into a culinary delight that’s perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Leftover mashed potatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Egg
- Milk
- All-purpose flour
- Green onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil, olive oil, or shortening (for frying)
- Sour cream (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Potato Pancakes
1. Use Chilled Mashed Potatoes:
Start with cold, refrigerated mashed potatoes. Chilling them helps maintain their shape while frying. If using freshly made mashed potatoes, refrigerate them first for better results.
2. Add Flour for Binding:
Incorporate flour to keep the potato mixture from becoming too soft or runny. This essential step ensures your pancakes hold together while frying.
3. Keep Them Bite-Sized:
Form your potato cakes into smaller rounds, about 3 inches in diameter. This size strikes the perfect balance between a crispy outer layer and a creamy interior. Adjust the size as desired.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each pancake until golden brown and crispy on one side, then flip and repeat for the other side.
Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes
Enhance the Flavor:
Take your potato pancakes to the next level with these flavor boosters:
- Mix in parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, garlic, or onion powder.
- Add bacon bits or hot sauce for extra flair.
Explore Toppings:
Top your potato pancakes with:
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions.
- Gravy, sautéed mushrooms, or even a fried egg.
- Crumbled bacon for a savory finish.
With this guide, your leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious. Whether served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these potato pancakes are bound to impress!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 140 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold/chilled leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions (reserving some for topping), and flour. - Add Egg and Milk:
Stir in the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk, adjusting as needed to create a thick, shapeable consistency. - Season the Mixture:
Add salt and pepper to taste. - Shape the Patties:
Lightly flour your hands and form the mixture into small pancake shapes, about 3–4 inches in diameter. - Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or shortening over medium-high heat. - Fry to Perfection:
Place the potato cakes in the hot oil, frying them in a single layer for about 5 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip and fry the other side until done. - Drain Excess Oil:
Transfer the fried pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. - Serve and Garnish:
Serve warm or at room temperature. For loaded potato cakes, add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings or mix-ins like bacon bits, parmesan cheese, or garlic for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
