Repurpose your leftovers with these cheesy golden-brown Mashed Potato Pancakes!
In my family, the Thanksgiving meal is a big deal. It’s one of the only nights in a year that extended family comes together around the dining table to share stories and feast. And boy, do we feast! Sometimes, we have so many leftovers, we can’t fit them all in one fridge. But thank goodness none of it goes to waste, especially when we have handy recipes like this.
Mashed potato pancakes extend the holiday beyond just one night. Whether it’s for brunch or a snack, these cheesy golden brown patties are the perfect way to repurpose leftover taters. Each buttery, scrumptious bite melts in your mouth and invokes memories from the prior feast, keeping the party going long after guests have left.
During the winter holidays, my mom would often make classic potato pancakes (latkes) with shaved potato, but this recipe has been a game-changer. It’s smoother, creamier, and cheesier, which I love! Even if you’re not a fan of cheddar, you could use practically any cheese, from Gruyère to Brie.
Are Mashed Potato Pancakes Healthy?
Mashed potato pancakes aren’t nutrient-dense or especially healthy, but they do make a good treat once in a while. If needed, you can make them dairy-free by using plant-based sour cream and cheese. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and they’ve been a part of our kitchens for a long time. Originally from the Andes Mountains in South America, they’ve been grown and eaten for thousands of years. Spanish explorers brought them to Europe in the 1500s, and they quickly became a go-to crop because they were easy to grow and super filling.
Fast forward a few centuries, and potatoes are now a pantry staple worldwide. From fries to mashed potatoes, they’re a big part of so many favorite dishes. In this recipe, those leftover mashed potatoes you don’t want to waste turn into crispy, cheesy pancakes that are just as satisfying as they were the first time around. It’s a simple way to make the most of a humble ingredient that’s been feeding the world for generations.
How to make ahead and store
You can prepare the patties ahead of time and place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before frying. Cooked leftovers can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For longer storage, store in freezer-safe bags, layering the pancakes with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
While you can enjoy mashed potato pancakes on their own with a bit of sour cream, they also go splendidly with Applesauce, Tahini Sauce, or Pumpkin Hummus. Feel free to make a whole snack platter with different dips to enjoy your pancakes with.
For a hearty brunch, pair mashed potato pancakes with Creamed Eggs, Spinach Omelette, or Green Chili Egg Casserole. For dinner, they go nicely with Smoked Meatloaf, Air-Fryer Fish, or leftover Turkey Breast with Peas and Carrots. Who knew leftovers could be so delicious?
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow onion minced
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chives minced (plus more for garnish)
- Avocado oil or vegetable oil of choice about 1/2 cup, for frying
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt, pepper, yellow onion, cheese, baking powder, and chives until well combined.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the pancake mixture per pancake into the skillet, and flatten slightly.
- Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to cool and drain.
- Serve the pancakes topped with additional chives and a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment