Mashed potato pancakes are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a new and exciting meal. These crispy, flavor-filled patties are a family favorite that can also be made with freshly boiled potatoes. The recipe combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the crunch of a pan-fried patty, making them a versatile snack or side dish.
### Why I Love These Mashed Potato Pancakes
– **Give leftover mashed potatoes a glow-up:** Transforming leftovers into a whole new dish.
– **Easy to make:** A satisfying dish that can be prepared in under an hour.
– **Adaptable:** Customize the recipe with your favorite herbs, seasonings, and toppings.
### What You’ll Need
– **Potatoes:** Best to use starchy potatoes like Russet, Idaho, or Yukon gold.
– **Milk, Butter, and Olive Oil:** For a rich and creamy texture.
– **Onion, Spinach, and Garlic:** Flavorful additions to the potato mixture.
– **Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a cheesy element to the pancakes.
– **Lemon Juice, Egg, and Breadcrumbs:** Ingredients to bind and enhance the flavor.
– **Oil:** For frying the pancakes to a golden brown.
### How to Make Mashed Potato Pancakes
1. **Prep the potatoes:** Mash boiled potatoes with milk until creamy.
2. **Sauté:** Cook onions, spinach, and garlic until fragrant.
3. **Combine:** Mix sautéed veggies with mashed potatoes, cheese, lemon juice, egg, and breadcrumbs.
4. **Shape and fry:** Form patties and fry until golden brown on both sides.
### Recipe Tips And Variations
– **The easiest way to “peel” potatoes:** Scoop out the flesh after boiling.
– **Mash the potatoes while they’re hot:** For a fluffy, creamy texture.
– **Don’t overwork the potatoes:** Avoid gluey mashed potatoes by mashing in moderation.
– **Add herbs:** Enhance the flavor with fresh parsley, chives, or Italian seasoning.
– **More greens:** Use kale or radicchio in place of spinach.
– **Add bacon:** Elevate the dish with diced air fryer bacon bits.
**FAQ:**
– **Why did my mashed potato pancakes fall apart?** Ensure the right consistency of mashed potatoes and add enough breadcrumbs.
– **Why are my potato pancakes gummy?** Maintain the right oil temperature while frying.
### Serving Suggestions
These mashed potato pancakes are delightful with sour cream, yogurt, soy sauce, hot sauce, or garlic butter sauce. They can be served as a snack, light meal, or side dish with salads, steak, or osso buco.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
– **Refrigerate:** Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– **Reheat:** Warm in a skillet over medium heat for crispy results.
– **Freeze:** Freeze for up to a month and thaw before reheating.
### More Potato Recipes
For more potato-inspired dishes, explore additional recipes like cheesy potato waffles. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of these humble tubers in various forms and flavors.
The mashed potato pancake recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy potatoes in a new form, bringing together the best of creamy mashed potatoes and crispy fried goodness. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the flavorful and satisfying experience of mashed potato pancakes!