Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a delightful breakfast treat with these Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes. This quick and easy recipe repurposes your leftover side dish into golden, crispy pancakes that are perfect for starting your day or as a snack. Packed with flavor and customizable to your taste, you can add cheese, herbs, and other ingredients to create the perfect fusion of comfort food and creativity. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce for a deliciously satisfying bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
mashed potatoes
2 cups (leftover, or freshly made)
egg
1-2 (beaten)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
garlic
to taste (minced)
onion
optional (diced)
chives
optional (chopped)
cheese
optional (shredded)
oil or Crisco
for frying (for skillet)
sour cream or applesauce
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, 1 egg (or 2 for a fluffier texture), flour, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and any optional ingredients like diced onion, chives, or cheese. Mix until well combined; the mixture should be thick and easy to form into patties.
2
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil or Crisco. Allow it to heat until shimmering, indicating it's ready for frying.
3
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and form it into a patty. Carefully place the patty into the hot skillet.
4
Cook each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned and heated through.
5
Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
6
Serve the pancakes hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce for a sweet contrast. Enjoy your crispy creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes?
They are delicious golden patties made by repurposing leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and seasonings.
How do I use leftover mashed potatoes?
You can transform them into a breakfast treat by mixing them with egg and flour and frying them until crispy.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic.
How many eggs should I use for potato pancakes?
You can use 1 egg, or 2 eggs if you prefer a fluffier texture.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
How should I season the potato pancakes?
Season them with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to taste.
Can I add onions to the potato pancake mixture?
Yes, diced onions are an excellent optional ingredient for added flavor.
Are chives a good addition to this recipe?
Yes, chopped chives can be added to the mixture for a fresh herb taste.
Can I add cheese to these pancakes?
Absolutely, shredded cheese is a popular optional addition.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, these crispy mashed potato pancakes are a vegetarian dish.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is thick and easy to form into patties.
How do I form the potato patties?
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a flat patty with your hands.
What should I use for frying?
You can use 2 tablespoons of oil or Crisco for frying in the skillet.
At what temperature should I heat the skillet?
Heat the skillet over medium heat until the oil is shimmering.
How long do I cook each pancake?
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side and 2-3 minutes on the second side.
How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Flip them once the bottom side is golden brown and the patty feels set.
Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use either leftover or freshly made mashed potatoes for this recipe.
What should I do if the mixture is too thin?
Ensure the mixture is thick enough to hold a patty shape; you can add a little more flour if necessary.
How many pancakes does this recipe make?
While not specified, using 1/4 cup portions for 2 cups of potatoes typically makes about 8 pancakes.
What are good toppings for potato pancakes?
Common toppings include a dollop of sour cream or a side of applesauce.
Can I serve these with something sweet?
Yes, applesauce provides a wonderful sweet contrast to the savory potato flavor.
Is sour cream necessary for this recipe?
No, it is an optional garnish, though it adds a nice creamy element.
Can I use Crisco instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, Crisco is explicitly listed as a suitable option for frying these pancakes.
Are these pancakes considered comfort food?
Yes, they are described as a perfect fusion of comfort food and creativity.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
They are best served hot and fresh, but can be reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is a quick and easy way to use up leftovers for a fast breakfast or snack.
What texture should the pancakes have?
They should be golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Do I need to grease the pan for every batch?
You should add more oil to the skillet as needed between batches to ensure even browning.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the potatoes, egg, flour, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy recipe that requires basic mixing and pan-frying skills.