Let us be sincere for a moment. Everyone has found themselves at that moment— after Thanksgiving (or any given Tuesday) and there is a bowl of mashed potatoes sitting in the fridge as if taunting us, saying what is next? Surely, you can reheat them, but why do that when you can make them look golden brown and crispy, making them much tastier?
This is where my Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes hit the spot. These bad boys are easier to whip up than a pancake and merely reheating the already delicious mashed potatoes makes it so much more easier. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a midnight snack for those craving something extra good.
And the best part? You can throw in whatever you have lying around like cheese which is always a yes, green onions, a bit of bacon and now we are on the right track. Grab that leftover magic from the fridge and let us make something scrumptious.
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Quick Guide
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Why You’ll Love These Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside – You get that perfect crunch while keeping the soft, creamy center.
- Super Easy to Make – No crazy ingredients or fancy techniques. Just mix, shape, and fry.
- Customizable – Cheese, herbs, bacon—you name it, you can toss it in.
- Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them with eggs for breakfast, a salad for lunch, or a side for dinner.
- Zero Waste Cooking – No more throwing out mashed potatoes. This is how leftovers should be used.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have everything:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold from the fridge works best)
- 1 large egg (helps bind everything together)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or whatever you love)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or more if the mixture feels too wet)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional, but they add a nice pop of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)
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How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
1. Mix It Up
Combine leftover mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, flour, green onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. If it is too sticky, consider adding some flour until the mixture is no longer too sticky. Ensure that you mix everything thoroughly.
2. Shape the Pancakes
Taking a quarter cup of the blend, roll it into a ball. Efficiency is key. If you’re feeling tired, shape it into a pancake, one half-inch thick. Continue doing this until you run out of mixture. You see that? That’s what you do when you’re bored.
3. Heat the Pan
Put a large skillet on medium heat and let it warm while you mix the oil and butter. The pan’s temperature is the key factor in producing a crisp outer layer so ensure it is well heated.
4. Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the pancakes in the pan (don’t overcrowd them). Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Take them out of the pan and let the oil strain on a kitchen towel. You can serve them steaming hot alongside sour cream, applesauce, or even a fried egg on top.
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Toppings & Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:
- Cheesy Goodness – Add extra cheese inside or sprinkle some on top.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream – Crumble in some crispy bacon bits.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños.
- Herb Heaven – Fresh parsley, dill, or chives can add extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Fun – Ranch, hot sauce, or garlic aioli? Yes, please.
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What to Serve with Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
These crispy pancakes goes well with so many dishes, but I recommend pairing it with Chicken Paprikash for the best experience.
Just imagine: tender chicken cooked in a thick and creamy paprika sauce, served alongside these savory potato pancakes which are golden brown on the outside while fluffy on the inside. It’s comfort food at its finest. The rich and smoky flavor of the paprika blends so well with the buttery goodness of the Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes, elevating each bite into a heavenly experience.
And if you wish to end the meal on a sweet note, I would suggest Crab Brulee. Sounds extravagant, right? That’s correct, but trust me—it’s like crème brûlée but more savory and delicious. The blending of crispy potato pancakes, tender chicken in thick gravy poured over, and topped with a smooth, caramelized sweet dish?.
What Can You Do With Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are one of those meals that can be repurposed in a multitude of ways. Instead of reheating them, here are some creative (and super yummy) ways to use them up:
1. Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes (A Must-Try!)
Combine mashed potatoes with a single egg, cheese, and a pinch of flour, and create flat round shapes. Pan fry the flat rounds until they’ve reached a crispy golden brown texture. These are fantastic for breakfast, lunch, or even as a dinner side dish.
2. Mashed Potato Waffles
Yep, you can throw mashed potatoes into a waffle iron! They get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Perfect for topping with sour cream, bacon, or even a fried egg.
3. Shepherd’s Pie
A classic! Use your mashed potatoes as the top layer for a shepherd’s pie—just spread them over seasoned ground beef (or turkey) and veggies, then bake until golden brown.
4. Potato Bread or Rolls
Mashed potatoes make bread super soft and fluffy. You can mix them into dough for homemade rolls or even use them in a loaf of bread.
5. Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
Scoop out the mashed potatoes and form small balls. Next, put them in breadcrumbs and shallow fry or bake them. Your guests will surely enjoy this cheesy and crunchy delicacy!
6. Mashed Potato Soup
For rich and creamy potato soup, all you need to do is thin out your mash with broth and toss in some extra seasoning. Now, if you add in some cheddar and bacon, then you are undoubtedly the winner here.
7. Mashed Potato Casserole
Pour the mixture into a baking dish, add cheese and bacon, and bake until melted. It somewhat resembles a loaded baked potato in casserole form.
8. Gnocchi
Mashed potatoes + flour + egg = homemade gnocchi! Roll the dough into small dumplings, boil them, and toss with your favorite sauce.
9. Croquettes
Mix mashed potatoes with cheese, form into logs or balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry. Super crispy on the outside, creamy inside.
10. Mashed Potato Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers have a captivating alternative! Elucidate bell peppers with velvety mashed potatoes, coat with cheese, and roast until the cheese starts bubbling.
11. Breakfast Hash
Use mashed potatoes as a base for a breakfast hash—just mix them with sautéed onions, peppers, and sausage, then crisp everything up in a skillet.
12. Mashed Potato Pizza Crust
Press the mix of potatoes on a baking sheet, bake for a while until it’s somewhat firm, then add pizza toppings. This time bake again. It’s a nice and fun gluten-free option!
In all honesty, mashaed potatoes are extremelly useful, so make sure you don’t have to waste any morsel of it again.
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Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is unlikely), here’s what to do:
Storing:
- Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven – Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for that fresh-from-the-pan crisp.
- Air Fryer – 5 minutes at 375°F makes them crispy again.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a little butter.
Avoid microwaving—nobody wants a sad, soggy pancake.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Exactly! Just add a bit more flour, or use a flax egg instead (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Absolutely! They’ll be a little softer, so add more flour if needed.
Q: What is the difference between potato latkes and potato pancakes?
A: While latkes are a course on their own, they are often eaten as a side dish. Latkes and potato pancakes are confused with each other due to the fact that they are both made with potatoes. The primary difference is that latkes are made of grated potatoes, thus being crispier, while potato pancakes use mashed potatoes which results in a much softer texture.
Latkes originated from Jewish cuisine and are made with a much greater amount of oil compared to other ethnic cuisines that potato pancakes originate from. But regardless of how oil is used, both variations are quite mouthwatering.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: While it is fine to bake these, they won’t be as crispy as frying. They would taste better and be crispier if fried. Even still, try baking them on 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through.
Q: Do these work with instant mashed potatoes?
A: They can, but they might be a little too soft. Add more flour to get the right texture.
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Reader Feedback
Virginia H.“Gave these Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes a go last night, and oh my – they were such a success! They are so crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I added some cheddar and bacon, and my family gobbled them up. These are definitely going on my to-do list again.”
Kyle X.“This is an extravagant tip! And you know that leftover mashed potatoes you never know what to do with? Well, now you don’t have to worry about that. This recipe is super simple and absolutely delightful! I also added sour cream and chives on top, and wow, talk about perfection.”
Your feedback means everything! Have you tried these crispy, cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear how they turned out for you, and your tips and tweaks help everyone who reads them. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more delicious recipes!
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Before you toss out those mashed potatoes rest overs, you might want to consider this recipe for “Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes”. It is super simple to prepare and super crispy, cheesy, and tastes great! The pancakes can be enjoyed at breakfast, snacked at anytime, or served with chicken paprikash. Rest assured these pancakes are sure to please.
So go on, get that bowl of mashed potatoes out and make something delicious out of it! Don’t forget to let me know if you make them and how delicious they turned out. Happy cooking!