Mashed potato cakes are like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy exterior that hides a soft, fluffy center, bursting with comforting flavors. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your family and friends lining up for seconds before they even get a bite!
These delightful little cakes are not just a recipe; they’re a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and cozy dinners. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a last-minute dinner party, mashed potato cakes bring joy to any occasion. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Mashed potato cakes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners
- The crispy golden crust and fluffy interior create an irresistible texture combination
- Their versatility means you can serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even breakfast delights
- Plus, they’re an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
I still remember the first time I made mashed potato cakes for my family. Their eyes lit up as they took that first bite, and I knew I’d struck gold in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Use about 2 cups of your favorite homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes for the best flavor.
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Eggs: One large egg helps bind the mixture together and adds richness to the cakes.
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All-Purpose Flour: About half a cup is perfect for ensuring the cakes hold their shape while frying.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your cakes.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings gooey goodness and enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create that irresistible crispy exterior we all love in fried foods.
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Olive Oil or Butter: For frying, use either olive oil or butter to achieve that golden crust and delicious flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you don’t forget anything essential.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix your leftover mashed potatoes with the egg, flour, green onions, and cheese until well combined. The mixture should be thick but manageable.
Shape the Cakes: Use your hands to form small patties from the mixture. Aim for about 2-3 inches in diameter. This step is where you can let loose; there’s no wrong shape!
Dredge in Panko Breadcrumbs: Gently coat each patty in panko breadcrumbs. This gives them that crunchy texture we all crave when biting into something fried.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each cake for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain Excess Oil & Serve Warm: Place fried potato cakes on paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving. Enjoy these warm with your favorite dipping sauce or even plain—they’re delicious either way!
With these steps completed, you’ll have perfectly crispy mashed potato cakes ready to impress anyone who crosses your threshold!
So gather those leftovers from last night’s dinner and transform them into something magical that will delight both young and old alike. Enjoy every crispy bite!
You Must Know
- Mashed potato cakes are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy exteriors with creamy interiors
- Perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes, they are irresistibly delicious and can be customized to suit your taste
- Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying the mashed potato cakes in a hot skillet until golden brown, then transfer to a baking sheet and finish in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. This method ensures crispiness without compromising creaminess.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in herbs like chives or cheese for added flavor. You can also use different types of potatoes or even add vegetables to make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potato cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets for lighter, fluffier cakes
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep them tender
- Always preheat your skillet to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust
The first time I made mashed potato cakes was a chaotic kitchen adventure that turned into a family favorite. Everyone raved about them, especially when I added cheese!

FAQ
What kind of potatoes are best for mashed potato cakes?
Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for fluffy and light cakes.
Can I freeze mashed potato cakes?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked cakes in an airtight container.
How do I prevent my mashed potato cakes from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture is well-combined and not too wet; adding breadcrumbs helps too!
Mashed Potato Cakes
Mashed potato cakes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a crispy golden exterior that gives way to a fluffy, flavorful interior. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, these delightful cakes can be served as appetizers, side dishes, or even breakfast treats. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for an easy weekday dinner option, this recipe will have everyone asking for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and mix leftover mashed potatoes, egg, flour, green onions, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl until combined.
- Shape the mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Coat each patty in panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and fry each cake for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





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