The enticing aroma of sizzling pancakes fills the kitchen, drawing everyone closer, each wondering what deliciousness is in store. Let me introduce you to my new favorite, Mashed Potato Pancakes! This recipe is perfect for transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy delight that’s not just quick to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser at any brunch gathering. These pancakes are a charming twist on traditional latkes, combining comfort and creativity in one delicious bite. Whether you dress them up with fresh herbs, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream, they never fail to impress. Are you ready to discover how these creamy, crispy morsels can elevate your next meal?
Why Are Mashed Potato Pancakes So Irresistible?
Comforting, the perfect way to turn your leftover mashed potatoes into an enjoyable meal! Crispy, these pancakes offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with their creamy center. Versatile, you can customize them with various cheeses or savory add-ins like bacon for personalized flavor. Quick and easy, they come together in a snap, making them ideal for any meal—brunch, lunch, or dinner! Pair with toppings like sour cream or caramelized onions for an extra touch, and enjoy a delightful dish that everyone will love!
Mashed Potato Pancakes Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need!
For the Pancakes
- Mashed Potatoes – Your base for creamy goodness; use leftover, homemade, or store-bought for simplicity.
- Butter – A must for rich flavor in each bite.
- Vegetable Oil – Perfect for frying, giving you that golden, crispy exterior; olive oil works too!
- Flour for Dredging – Creates a crunchy outer layer; about 1/4 cup is ideal—add more if your potatoes are too wet.
- Grated Cheese – Adds amazing creaminess; try cheddar, gruyere, or even a Mexican blend for fun!
- Green Onions – Offers a freshness that brightens the flavor; substitute with regular onions or chives if needed.
- Fresh Parsley – Enhances taste and adds vibrant color; fresh dill or chives can work in place of parsley.
- Garlic Powder – For that extra depth of flavor; a little goes a long way!
- Egg – Binds everything together so your pancakes hold their shape while frying.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall taste of your mashed potato pancakes.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mashed Potato Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with grated cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and an egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with a fork or spoon until well incorporated. This will be the flavorful base of your mashed potato pancakes that ensures creaminess and texture.
Step 2: Shape Pancakes
Once your mixture is ready, begin shaping it into approximately 12 balls, each about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking, then gently flatten them into pancakes about 1/2 inch thick. This step allows for a more uniform cooking process and creates that delightful crispy exterior you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Fry the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat, and add a mix of butter and vegetable oil. When the mixture begins to sizzle, carefully add half of the pancakes to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes to achieve even browning on both sides.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once your mashed potato pancakes are crispy and golden brown, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pancakes. Serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy them with delicious toppings such as sour cream, applesauce, or caramelized onions, making these pancakes truly irresistible.
Mashed Potato Pancakes Variations
Feel free to play around with these tasty twists on the classic mashed potato pancakes and elevate your dish!
- Cheese Swap: Replace cheddar with feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each option transforms the creaminess in delightful ways!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon for an aromatic boost. These herbs bring a freshness that elevates the pancakes beyond mere comfort food.
- Bacon Boost: Toss in some crispy bacon bits to introduce a savory crunch that beautifully pairs with the creamy potatoes. The combination is mouthwatering!
- Sweet Potato Twist: Swap your regular mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutritious and sweet variation. You’ll enjoy a new flavor experience that’s equally delicious!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat. It adds a surprising zing that will wake up your taste buds!
- Onion Variation: Use sautéed onions for additional sweetness and depth. Their caramelization enhances the overall flavor and provides a lovely aroma while cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour to cater to gluten sensitivities. You’ll maintain a delightful crunch while making this dish more inclusive.
- Creamy Toppings: Top with a dollop of ranch dressing or a drizzle of garlic aioli to intensify the flavors and add an extra layer of indulgence.
For another cheesy delight, try Garlic Butter Potatoes, or consider serving these pancakes alongside a hearty dish like Pan Salmon Potatoes. The possibilities are endless—get ready to explore!
What to Serve with Creamy & Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes?
There’s no better way to complete a cozy meal than with delightful pairings that bring out the best in your pancakes!
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Sour Cream:
A classic topping that adds a tangy contrast to the creamy potatoes, enhancing each bite with its rich flavor. -
Applesauce:
The sweetness of applesauce complements the savory flavor of the pancakes, offering a delightful balance that surprises your taste buds. -
Caramelized Onions:
Their sweet and savory profile gives an umami punch, making each pancake more flavorful while adding an elegant touch to the dish. -
Fresh Herb Salad:
A light and refreshing salad with herbs like parsley, dill, and chives elevates flavors and adds vibrant color to your plate! -
Crispy Bacon Bits:
The saltiness and crunch of crispy bacon bits meld beautifully with the pancakes, providing a delightful texture and savory flavor explosion. -
Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts add a hearty, earthy taste that balances the richness of the pancakes perfectly. -
Grilled Chicken:
Pairing with juicy grilled chicken transforms your meal into a satisfying feast, ideal for brunch or dinner gatherings with loved ones. -
Mimosas or Sparkling Cider:
Sip on refreshing mimosas or bubbly sparkling cider for a lively drink that pairs wonderfully with the comforting vibe of your pancakes!
Expert Tips for Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Flour Adjustment: Start with about 1/4 cup of flour; add more as needed to balance moisture for the perfect creamy interior without sogginess.
- Proper Frying Temperature: Keep oil hot but not smoking; this ensures your pancakes fry evenly and stay crispy without burning.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this allows for better heat circulation, resulting in perfectly golden pancakes.
- Customizable Flavor: Experiment with various cheeses or add crispy bacon bits for a burst of flavor that makes your mashed potato pancakes unique.
- Topping Variety: Elevate your dish with toppings like chives, sour cream, or caramelized onions for an enhanced experience that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead Options
These flavorful Mashed Potato Pancakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine your leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can shape the pancakes into patties and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To maintain that irresistible texture, keep them covered with parchment paper to prevent moisture buildup. When you’re ready to serve, just heat a mix of butter and oil in a skillet, fry the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, and enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Room Temperature: Store leftover pancakes in a single layer for up to 2 hours for optimal freshness. Avoid leaving them out longer to maintain quality.
- Fridge: Keep cooled mashed potato pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for maximum crispiness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen pancakes, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Enjoy your delicious mashed potato pancakes!
Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe FAQs
What type of mashed potatoes should I use for the pancakes?
Absolutely! You can use leftover, homemade, or store-bought mashed potatoes for these pancakes. If you’re using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they’re not overly watery; a thicker consistency will help your pancakes hold together better.
How should I store leftover mashed potato pancakes?
You can store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they are completely cool before sealing them up to maintain their crispiness. To reheat, use a skillet to bring back that wonderful crunch.
Can I freeze mashed potato pancakes?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, lay the pancakes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or container, and they will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, and they’ll be as delicious as when you first made them!
Why are my mashed potato pancakes falling apart?
If your pancakes are falling apart, it may be due to too much moisture in the mashed potatoes. To fix this, you can gradually add more flour to the mixture until it’s firm and holds together well. Additionally, ensure you’re using enough egg in the mixture as it acts as a binder to keep everything together while frying.
Are mashed potato pancakes suitable for vegetarians?
Very much so! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it incorporates mashed potatoes and various vegetables and cheese without any meat. However, be sure to check for any specific dietary restrictions, such as cheese allergies, and consider using dairy-free cheese if needed.
Can I add other ingredients or variations to the pancakes?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative and add crispy bacon bits, different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even your favorite grated cheese. Just ensure that any added ingredients don’t make the mixture too wet. Enjoy customizing your mashed potato pancakes to perfectly suit your taste!
Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes for Ultimate Comfort Food Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, grated cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and an egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 12 balls, roll in flour, and flatten each ball into pancakes about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add half of the pancakes and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer crispy pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pancakes. Serve warm with toppings like sour cream, applesauce, or caramelized onions.
