If you love finding clever ways to turn leftovers into something spectacular, then this Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden patties with a tender, cheesy center, bursting with the savory goodness of green onions and just the right hint of garlic. These patties transform ordinary cold mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering treat that feels fresh, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a side dish, or a quick lunch fix, this recipe will bring joy to your table and rescue those leftover mashed potatoes with style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each component here plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect golden crust. These essentials come together seamlessly to create patties that are crispy on the outside yet soft and cheesy on the inside.
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes: The star ingredient providing a creamy base and perfect leftover redemption.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, savory kick that melts beautifully inside the patties.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a fresh, mildly sharp flavor and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): Helps bind the mixture and achieve the ideal crispy exterior.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together for easy shaping.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth into every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle spice.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for frying): Essential for that irresistible golden crust and rich flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering your cold leftover mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything until fully integrated into a soft, pliable dough. This is where all the flavors start mingling, so give it a good stir to make sure every bite will be well-seasoned and cheesy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop a portion of the mixture and gently form it into small patties about 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they vary slightly in size; the slight unevenness just adds to their homemade charm. Place them on a plate dusted with flour to keep them from sticking as you work through the batch.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook
Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This step is pure magic as the outside crisps up beautifully while the cheese inside melts to create that irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Drain and Rest
Once cooked, transfer the patties onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two—this helps them set up just enough so they hold their shape but remain soft inside, ready for serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your cheesy patties is where you can get playful. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang, while a sprinkle of extra green onions brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise. Feeling adventurous? A dash of hot sauce or a smear of garlic aioli can take these patties to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
These patties pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, steamed veggies, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch. Their versatility makes them a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken, turning any meal into a comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make your snack time special? Serve these patties stacked like mini burgers with lettuce and tomato layers or use them as a base for a savory breakfast stack topped with eggs and bacon. They also work great crumbled over a salad or packed into wraps as a flavorful filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any patties left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll keep their flavors well, but you’ll want to reheat them gently to preserve their crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze, place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This makes it easy to have a quick, ready-to-fry snack on hand anytime. They’ll last for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover or frozen patties in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil. This helps restore their crisp exterior while warming the cheesy interior beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Fresh mashed potatoes work fine as long as they’re chilled and firm enough to shape into patties. If your mash is too soft, adding a bit more flour can help keep everything together.
What other cheeses can I use for this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder melt, pepper jack for some heat, or even a smoky gouda to add depth. Mixing cheeses can create exciting flavor combinations.
Is it possible to bake these patties instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, yields a great crispy texture with less oil. Keep a close eye to avoid burning and enjoy a lighter version of this tasty dish.
Can I add extra ingredients like bacon or herbs?
Definitely! Chopped cooked bacon, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and even diced jalapeños can be mixed in to customize the patties exactly how you like. This flexibility is part of what makes the Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe so wonderful.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart during cooking?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and sticky enough to hold together. Using the egg and flour helps. Also, handle the patties gently when flipping and avoid overcrowding the pan so they get crispy and seal properly.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe is such a delightful way to breathe new life into an everyday staple. Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these patties are comforting without being complicated. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might find it quickly becoming a beloved go-to, perfect for turning leftovers into a delicious highlight of your meal.
Print
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Leftover Mashed Potatoes are transformed into delicious, crispy potato patties perfect as a side dish or snack. Combining cold mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, green onions, and a few simple seasonings, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection, making a tasty way to repurpose leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until you form a soft, cohesive dough.
- Shape Patties: Lightly dust your hands with flour and shape the potato mixture into small patties about 2 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together well.
- Heat Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to get hot but not smoking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and have a crispy crust.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the patties warm. Optionally, top with sour cream, extra green onions, or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- You can add chopped bacon, fresh herbs, or different cheeses to customize the flavor.
- For a healthier alternative, these patties can be prepared in an air fryer or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispness.
- Be sure to use cold leftover mashed potatoes to help the patties hold their shape better.
