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–+ servings

Fried Mashed Potatoes (Crispy Leftover Potato Pancakes)

These Leftover Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes are quick, easy and already perfectly seasoned since you are making fried potato pancakes from leftover mashed potatoes you already have on hand.
These Leftover Fried Mashed Potatoes are quick, easy and already perfectly seasoned since you are making fried potato pancakes from leftover mashed potatoes you already have on hand.
Heather
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 12 pancakes

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups leftover mashed potatoes, room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • 1½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3-4 slices crumbled cooked bacon pieces
  • 4 scallions, diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried or fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • sour cream for serving

Instructions

  • Start with about 2½ cups of room temperature leftover mashed potatoes. You can either let your refrigerated potatoes sit on the counter for 30 minutes or lightly reheat them in your microwave for 1-2 minutes. 
  • Stir in the cheese, bacon, scallions, eggs, parsley, seasonings and flour. Mix well so that everything is completely incorporated.
  • Using your hands, form into small pancake discs using about 3 tablespoons of your mashed potato mix... you should be able to make approximately 12-14 of them.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil. Fry your pancakes in batches for about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Don't crowd your pan and lightly flatten your potato cake with the back of your spatula. Add additional oil as needed.
  • Remove your potato cakes from your skillet and deposit on a plate covered in a paper towel. Serve immediately and enjoy with a dollop of sour cream!

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Mashed Potato Cakes

  • My original recipe was written using my Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole so it had all the extras already added to the potatoes. Feel free to use that recipe as your base or mix in whatever extras your family will like best. 
  • Make sure you are not starting with cold potatoes. Bring your 'tators to room temperature before adding the extra ingredients.
  • I love using the store bought convenience of pre-cooked bacon, especially in a fast recipe like this. They can usually be found in the 'salad dressing' aisle of your grocery store or if you have leftover bacon, feel free to chop that up an add in instead.
  • Looking for more easy recipes that won't break the bank? Don't forget to check out my Broke Until Payday ebook where I share 30 original recipes celebrating easy recipes with bold, restaurant-quality flavors while trying to be budget friendly to help save you money! Grab yours today HERE!