Looking for a creative way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary? Look no further than these Crispy Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes. These golden-brown beauties are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor thanks to the addition of Parmesan, herbs, and garlic. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: Say goodbye to boring reheated mashed potatoes. This recipe gives your leftovers a delicious new life.
- Crispy & Cheesy Texture: The combination of a golden crust and a creamy, cheesy interior is simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these potato cakes ready in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them alongside eggs for breakfast, pair them with a salad for lunch, or enjoy them as a savory snack. They’re incredibly versatile!
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables to tailor the recipe to your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Leftover mashed potatoes (about 2 cups)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for that rich, nutty flavor)
- One large egg (to bind the mixture together)
- All-purpose flour or breadcrumbs (to achieve the perfect texture)
- Garlic powder (a hint of savory goodness)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (for freshness and color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to enhance the flavors)
- Butter or olive oil (for frying and achieving that golden crust)
Optional additions: shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra cheesiness, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan, egg, flour (or breadcrumbs), garlic powder, chopped green onions or parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
Pro Tip: For best results, use cold mashed potatoes. They tend to hold their shape better than warm ones, which can make the patties easier to handle during cooking.
2. Shape the Patties
Once the mixture is ready, scoop out about ¼ cup at a time and shape it into a patty. Flatten it slightly to ensure even cooking. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet while you work. Aim for uniform thickness so that all the cakes cook evenly.
Expert Tip: To prevent sticking, lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil before shaping the patties. This small step makes the process smoother and cleaner.
3. Heat the Pan
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter or olive oil. The fat will help create that irresistibly crispy exterior. Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the patties—this ensures they won’t stick and will develop a beautiful golden crust.
4. Fry Until Golden Brown
Carefully place the patties in the skillet, leaving enough space between each one to allow for even cooking. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping them too early; letting them cook undisturbed helps build that crunchy crust.
Pro Tip: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you finish the rest.
5. Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the potato cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step ensures they stay crispy rather than soggy. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or ketchup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4-6 servings, depending on the size of the patties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
This quick turnaround makes the recipe ideal for busy evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to customize your Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes:
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra gooey center.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Herb Lovers: Experiment with fresh dill, chives, or thyme for added depth of flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped spinach, carrots, or peas for a nutritious twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your potato cakes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but make sure they’re thick and not too runny. Thin mashed potatoes may require additional flour or breadcrumbs to firm up the mixture.
How do I make them extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy exterior, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular flour or breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your skillet is adequately heated before frying.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the patties for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
What’s the best dip for these potato cakes?
Sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or ketchup all pair wonderfully with these savory cakes.
Can I make them in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, for a healthier alternative to frying.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture isn’t too wet. If needed, add more flour or breadcrumbs to bind the ingredients. Letting the patties rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Form the patties and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What type of potatoes works best?
Russet or Yukon Gold mashed potatoes provide the ideal texture—creamy yet sturdy enough to hold together during cooking.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, carrots, or peas blend seamlessly into the mixture and add a pop of color and nutrition.
Conclusion
These Crispy Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes are the ultimate solution for leftover mashed potatoes. Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a crispy twist. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, they’re guaranteed to impress. So next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Ready to elevate your mashed potatoes? Grab your ingredients and get cooking today!
Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold works best)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan, egg, flour (or breadcrumbs), garlic powder, chopped green onions or parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture, form it into a patty, and flatten slightly. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet, leaving space between each one.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite dip.