Leftover mashed potatoes were always my mom’s secret weapon growing up. Whenever we had a big family dinner, she’d make way too many potatoes just so she could transform the leftovers into something magical the next day. I can still remember the heavenly aroma wafting through the house as she worked her culinary magic. She’d mash them up with a little milk, butter, and seasonings, then shape them into crispy patties and fry them to golden perfection. Those leftover mashed potato cakes were the stuff dreams were made of – comforting, delicious, and the ultimate in nostalgic flavors. To this day, I can’t get enough of those crispy edges and fluffy centers. Whenever I have leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, I get so excited to put them to good use.
Why This Leftover Mashed Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Leftover Mashed Potatoes
What makes this leftover mashed potatoes recipe so special is the way it transforms those humble spuds into something truly crave-worthy. By adding just a few simple ingredients and using a quick frying technique, you can turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-brown patties that are irresistibly good. The secret is in the way the potatoes fry up – the outside gets delightfully crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. It’s the perfect balance of textures that makes this recipe an absolute winner.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Leftover mashed potatoes
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Leftover Mashed Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Leftover Mashed Potatoes
This leftover mashed potatoes recipe is so easy and quick to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along. With just a few simple steps, you can transform those lonely leftover spuds into a delicious and versatile side dish or snack. The total time from start to finish is about 20 minutes, and all you need is a skillet and a spatula.
1- First, make sure your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature. This will help them hold their shape better when you form them into patties.
2- In a small bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with a tablespoon of butter and a splash of milk until well combined. You want the consistency to be thick and creamy, but still able to hold its shape.
3- Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4- Spread a thin layer of all-purpose flour on a clean surface. Scoop up about 1/4 cup of the mashed potato mixture and gently form it into a round, flat patty, coating it lightly in the flour as you go.
5- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt a tablespoon of butter with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Carefully add the mashed potato patties to the hot pan, being careful not to crowd them.
6- Fry the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect leftover mashed potato cakes is to make sure the potatoes are at the right consistency – not too wet and not too dry. If the mixture seems a bit too loose, just add a tablespoon or two of flour to help it hold its shape better. And be gentle when forming the patties – you don’t want to overmix and end up with a dense, gummy texture.
Another pro tip is to use a combination of butter and oil for frying. The butter adds delicious flavor, while the oil helps prevent the patties from burning. And be sure to let the pan get nice and hot before adding the potato cakes – this will ensure they get that coveted crispy exterior.
Serving and Storing Your Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
These crispy leftover mashed potato cakes are the perfect accompaniment to all sorts of meals. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or pan-seared pork chops for a comforting and satisfying dinner. They also make a great breakfast or brunch item, paired with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
For a lighter meal, try serving the potato cakes with a fresh green salad and a tangy vinaigrette. And don’t forget the dipping sauces – a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of gravy, or a spoonful of homemade applesauce are all delicious options.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover mashed potato cakes reheat beautifully, so they’re perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners. Simply allow the cooked patties to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can either place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy, or pop them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes. They also freeze really well – just let them cool completely, then transfer to a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Creative Leftover Mashed Potatoes Variations
The great thing about this leftover mashed potatoes recipe is that it’s endlessly versatile. You can get creative with all sorts of flavor combinations and seasonal ingredients.
For a Tex-Mex twist, try adding diced jalapeños, cumin, and shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture. Or for a more savory route, sauté some onions and garlic, then mix them right into the potatoes.
In the fall, you could add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree for a seasonal spin. And in the spring, fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley would be a lovely addition.
Making Leftover Mashed Potatoes Diet-Friendly
To make this leftover mashed potatoes recipe a bit lighter and more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Instead of regular milk, use unsweetened almond or oat milk. And instead of frying the patties, you can bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy on the outside.
For a gluten-free version, simply skip the all-purpose flour and use a gluten-free flour blend or breadcrumbs instead. And for a vegan option, swap the butter for plant-based butter or olive oil, and skip the milk altogether – the potatoes should hold their shape just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
A: You can, but the texture won’t be quite as nice as using leftover homemade mashed potatoes. Instant potatoes tend to be a bit more gummy and won’t fry up as crispy. For best results, use real leftover mashed potatoes.
Q: How long do the potato cakes need to fry?
A: You’ll want to fry the potato cakes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The key is to make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the patties.
Q: Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cooked potato cakes reheat beautifully. You can make them up to 4 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Q: How many potato cakes does this recipe make?
A: This will depend on how much leftover mashed potatoes you have, but the general rule is that 1 cup of mashed potatoes will make 2-3 potato cakes. The recipe as written should yield 6-8 cakes.
Q: What if my potato cakes fall apart when frying?
A: If the potato mixture is too loose, they may fall apart in the pan. Try adding a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour to the mashed potatoes to help them bind together better. You can also try chilling the formed patties for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Leftover mashed potatoes are transformed into a delicious new dish in just 5 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
– 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a medium saucepan, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, butter, and milk.
2. – Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are warmed through and the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
3. – Stir in the garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, you can also stir in shredded cheese, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits.
– This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
– Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Leftover mashed potatoes have never tasted so good! This simple recipe transforms those humble spuds into crispy, golden-brown potato cakes that are simply irresistible. Whether you serve them as a side dish, a snack, or even a breakfast item, I guarantee these leftover mashed potato cakes will become a new family favorite.
So the next time you have some extra mashed potatoes hanging out in the fridge, don’t let them go to waste – put them to delicious use with this easy and versatile recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
