Mashed Potato Patties: the effortless recipe for homemade potato cakes

Mashed potato patties are a fast, easy-to-make clever way to use leftover mashed potatoes. That said, you don't need to use leftovers – you can make mashed potatoes from scratch whenever you feel like whipping up a batch of potato patties. With a crispy outside and fluffy, soft inside, potato cakes are savory and delicious, thanks to the addition of ingredients like cheese and spring onions.

Fried mashed potato patties are incredibly simple to prepare – just mix the ingredients, form the cakes, coat and bread them, then lightly fry them in oil. That's it! These super simple, tasty mashed potato patties are amazing as an appetizer or side dish for parties and are best served with a hearty main or a savory dipping sauce.

Tips Making the Best Leftover Mashed Potato Patties

Aim to make your patties about 1/2-inch thick.

This is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes but to make the best potato cakes, make sure you're using Russet, Maris Piper, or Yukon potatoes. Floury potatoes make better mashed potatoes.

Add a little grated cheese over your patties for extra flavor before serving them.

To make healthier versions of these easy mashed potato cakes, bake them instead of frying them. Bake them at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

If you're looking for a vegan version of these mashed potato cakes, substitute cheese for vegan cheese and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.

Potato Cakes Variations to Try

There are so many fantastic potato patty variations to try. Make heartier patties by adding chopped cooked pancetta or bacon in the oven or fried in the pan.

Make them healthier by adding some tuna or salmon into the potato mixture.

You can spice them up and make Indian versions by adding a dash of curry spice, turmeric, garam masala, and fresh chopped green chilies to them.

You can also add different cheeses, fresh herbs, or veggies like corn or red bell peppers to them. Get creative!

How to Store and Freeze Potato Patties

Leftover mashed potato patties last 2 to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

They'll stay good for 1 to 2 months when frozen.

How to Make Mashed Potato Patties

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine mashed potatoes, flour, green onions, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Add cheese.

Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop out 8 portions and form each portion into an individual patty.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Beat the egg and water in a bowl.

Pour the breadcrumbs into a dish. Dip the cakes in the egg mixture.

Dip them in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat the entire patty.

Cook the patties in the skillet in 2 batches. Fry them until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, then place them on the baking tray and put them in the oven to keep them warm.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Shred the cheese yourself for even melting.