Mashed Potato Patties Recipe
Description
Mashed Potato Patties are a delicious, crispy, and comforting recipe that transforms leftover mashed potatoes into golden, flavorful patties with a soft and creamy center. These easy potato cakes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack and are a wonderful way to use leftover potatoes in a creative way. The outside becomes beautifully crispy while the inside stays tender, cheesy, and packed with delicious herbs and seasonings. Made with simple pantry ingredients like mashed potatoes, cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to customize. These patties can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried depending on your preference. Serve them with sour cream, yogurt dip, ketchup, garlic sauce, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal. Whether you are cooking for your family, preparing a party appetizer, or looking for an easy comfort food recipe, Mashed Potato Patties are always a crowd favorite. Their crispy golden crust and creamy potato filling make them a perfect homemade dish for any occasion.
Ingredients For the Potato Patties
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (cold leftover mashed potatoes work best)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to mashed potatoes)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Cooking
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Optional Additions
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Chopped spinach
- Corn kernels
- Chopped jalapeños
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh dill
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Yogurt herb dip
- Garlic sauce
- Fresh salad
- Sweet chili sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture
Place mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, flour, green onions, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until a soft dough-like mixture forms. - Shape the Patties
Take a portion of the potato mixture and shape it into small round patties using your hands. Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before shaping. - Coat the Patties (Optional)
For extra crispiness, lightly coat each patty with additional breadcrumbs before cooking. This creates a golden crunchy outer layer. - Cook the Potato Patties
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place patties carefully into the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan so they cook evenly. - Alternative Cooking Methods
For baking, place patties on a lined baking tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes until crispy. - Serve
Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, fresh herbs, or a side salad.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips:
- Use cold mashed potatoes because they hold their shape better.
- If your mashed potatoes are very creamy or loose, add extra breadcrumbs or flour.
- Do not make patties too thick, as the center may take longer to heat.
- Add cheese for extra flavor and a creamy texture.
- Cook on medium heat to achieve a crispy outside without burning.
- Refrigerating the mixture before cooking helps create firmer patties.
Notes:
- Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe.
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven, skillet, or air fryer for the best crispy texture.
- Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen with extra cooking time.
- You can customize the recipe with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or spices.
Q&A:
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can work, but homemade mashed potatoes usually provide better flavor and texture.
Why are my potato patties falling apart?
The mixture may contain too much moisture. Add more breadcrumbs or flour and chill before cooking.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Use a tablespoon of flour mixed with a little milk or a flaxseed egg as a binder.
What can I serve with mashed potato patties?
They are delicious with yogurt dip, sour cream, roasted vegetables, soups, salads, or grilled meats.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 8 patties
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 210
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 8g
Sugar: 2g
Mashed Potato Patties are a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a crispy, cheesy comfort food everyone will enjoy. Perfect for using leftovers and creating a homemade meal full of flavor.