If you love finding clever ways to transform simple leftovers into something utterly delicious, then this Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe is about to become your new favorite hack. Imagine crispy, golden-on-the-outside pancakes with a tender, cheesy, and savory interior that tastes nothing like yesterday’s mashed potatoes but instead feels like a brand-new comfort food delight. Whether you’re looking to avoid food waste or craving a quick snack with incredible flavor and texture, these pancakes strike the perfect balance between easy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so irresistible is how basic yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one adds its own special touch—whether it’s binding the mixture, enhancing flavor, or delivering that perfect golden crisp.
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes: The star ingredient, providing creaminess and body to your pancakes.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, giving structure to the batter.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, melty punch of savory goodness inside every bite.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a subtle nutty sharpness that elevates the overall flavor.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: The essential dry ingredient that helps hold the mixture together without making it dense.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives: Introduces a fresh, mild oniony crispness and pretty flecks of green.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the pancakes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying: Creates that golden crust and savory finish.
- Sour cream for serving (optional): A cool, tangy topping that pairs beautifully with crispy pancakes.
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining your leftover mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, flour, green onions, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything until you have a thick, cohesive mixture that’s easy to scoop yet dense enough to hold its shape when formed into pancakes. If your mashed potatoes feel too loose, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour to achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Prepare to Fry
Set a skillet over medium heat and add your butter or oil. Heating it properly ensures your pancakes get that irresistible golden crust. You want your pan hot but not so much that the pancakes burn before cooking through.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Pancakes
Using about ¼ cup of the potato mixture per pancake, gently scoop and shape it into flat rounds. Carefully transfer them to the skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a crispy, golden exterior paired with a warm, cheesy center. Flip them carefully to keep their shape intact.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove your pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, ideally with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite topping. This easy step brings the whole crispy, creamy experience together beautifully.
How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
The simple elegance of these pancakes allows for some fun when it comes to garnishing. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or extra green onions provide a burst of color and freshness. A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also balances the savory flavors with a bit of tang.
Side Dishes
These pancakes shine as comforting sides alongside crispy bacon or sausage, adding protein and flair to your meal. For a lighter touch, pair them with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, which will contrast wonderfully with the richness of the pancakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try stacking the pancakes and layering them with little slices of avocado or smoked salmon for an elevated brunch option. Or serve them topped with a fried egg for an irresistibly indulgent breakfast or dinner that feels like a treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mashed potato pancakes (though they rarely last long), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently to maintain their crispness and taste.
Freezing
These pancakes also freeze well! Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months, making them perfect for a ready-to-go snack or side later.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pancakes, avoid the microwave if you desire that original crispiness. Instead, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! You can whip up freshly mashed potatoes and use them in this recipe, just be sure they’re well cooled and not too watery so the pancakes hold together well.
How do I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep an eye on the batter consistency and adjust with a little more or less flour as needed.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese? Can I use something else?
Cheddar is great for flavor and meltiness, but you can swap it out with any melty cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp Swiss for a different twist.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even some finely diced bell peppers add exciting flavors and textures to the pancakes.
Are these pancakes suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! This Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using no meat or meat-based ingredients, and can be enjoyed by anyone who eats a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about turning simple leftovers into a crispy, cheesy, satisfying snack that feels like a brand-new dish. I can’t recommend trying this Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe enough for anyone wanting a quick, flavorful, and comforting treat that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. Once you make these, I promise they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
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Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes are a delicious and easy way to reinvent your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy pancakes. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these pancakes combine mashed potatoes with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, green onions, and a touch of seasoning, fried to golden perfection and optionally served with sour cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the leftover mashed potatoes, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, chopped green onions, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and thick enough to hold its shape.
- Heat skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and heat the butter or oil until hot and shimmering.
- Form pancakes: Scoop approximately ¼ cup of the potato mixture and gently flatten it into a pancake shape in the skillet.
- Cook first side: Cook the pancake for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook second side: Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat process: Remove the cooked pancake from the skillet and repeat the scooping, flattening, and cooking process with the remaining mixture.
- Serve warm: Serve the pancakes warm with optional sour cream or your favorite toppings such as bacon bits or a fried egg.
Notes
- If the mashed potatoes are loose, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour for better binding.
- These pancakes can be enhanced by adding crispy bacon bits into the mixture or topping with a fried egg for extra flavor.
