Potato Patties (with Leftover Mashed Potatoes)

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Potato Patties are one of the best ways to use leftover mashed potatoes! Don’t let those go to waste! Repurpose those mashed potatoes by making these potato pancakes for breakfast the next day or with any meal to follow! Crispy on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside, these potato patties made with leftover mashed potatoes are just what you need!

 

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Doesn’t it seem like mashed potatoes are always in abundance after big meals like Thanksgiving dinner or other holiday dinners? Well, it sure is the case at my house. I have had this hack in my back pocket for years as a great way to revive sad leftovers in a new way. These delicious potato patties are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Serve alone with a dollop of sour cream or your choice of dipping sauce. You could also make these as a side dish to breakfast or any meal in the coming days. Don’t let those leftover mashed potatoes go to waste.

Ingredient Notes

What’s great about these Potato Patties is that it is a very easy recipe and uses very simple ingredients! Here is what you’ll need:

• Mashed potatoes– use your cold, right from the fridge leftover mashed potatoes!
• Eggs– help bind all the ingredients together.
• All-purpose flour– helps form the patties. Depending on the consistency of mashed potatoes, the amount of flour you might need could be more or less than what I needed when making mine.
• green onion– both green and white parts. Adds some good flavor!
• Chives– for flavor (optional)
• Salt & Black pepper– to taste (may not need if mashed potatoes are thoroughly seasoned)
• Butter– for extra flavor when frying.
• Oil– for frying. I like to use avocado oil.
• Fresh dill– for garnish (optional)

How to Make Potato Patties (with Leftover Mashed Potatoes)

This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet or frying pan with high enough sides to hold about 1/2 inch of oil for frying. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements used, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are step-by-step directions for making crispy Potato Patties:

Step 1: Make Potato Mixture

Add all your ingredients (cold mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, flour, green onions, chives, and salt +pepper) to a large bowl and mix until well combined. 

Step 2: Form Patties

With clean hands, form the mashed potato mixture into 6-8 evenly sized patties. Using a measuring cup or a large cookie scoop might be helpful in getting evenly sized patties.

Pro Tip: If you see that they are not holding together, add more flour to the mixture. This is not something I can measure for you because we are all starting out with different leftover mashed potato consistencies. 

Step 3: Fry in Hot Oil

Next, preheat your skillet on medium-high heat and add some of the butter and oil. Once the skillet is hot and ready for frying, add 4 potato cakes into the hot oil, in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and fry the other side as well. (You may find using 2 spatulas for flipping to be helpful!)

Pro Tip: To test for seasonings, fry a small test-patty before cooking the rest. Add more salt, pepper, and/or more herbs if needed. 

Step 4: Remove From Pan

Remove patties from the skillet and place on a few paper towels lined on a plate to absorb any extra oil. Add more butter and oil to the skillet and continue steps until all patties are fried. 

Pro Tip: If you’re frying up a lot of patties and want to keep these warm in the meantime, place the fried potato cakes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and place them in a 250-300° F oven to keep warm. No need to cover them in the oven…we want to keep them crispy!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve!

Garnish with fresh dill or more chives, if desired. Serve with sour cream.

Topping Ideas

Basically anything you would add to a loaded baked potato would be an amazing topping with these mashed potato cakes! I’m talking butter, sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sautéed veggies, more chives or fresh herbs, a dash of garlic powder, ketchup, etc.

My Favorite Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make these potato patties, just a few kitchen basics that make prep and cooking easier.

• Large skillet – A large skillet gives the potato patties plenty of room to cook without overcrowding, helping them develop a crisp, golden crust on both sides.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a mixing bowl to combine the leftover mashed potatoes with the remaining ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Measuring cups and spoons help keep the ingredient ratios just right so the patties hold together while cooking.
• Prep bowls – Small prep bowls are handy for measuring and organizing ingredients before you start mixing, making the whole process quicker and more organized.

Tips for Success

These simple tips will help you get potato patties that are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and easy to flip every time.

• Start with cold mashed potatoes. Chilled mashed potatoes are firmer and much easier to shape into patties that won’t fall apart in the skillet.
• Adjust the mixture if needed. Mashed potatoes vary in consistency, so if the mixture feels too soft, add a little more flour. If it seems dry, stir in a small spoonful of milk before shaping.
• Don’t flip too early. Let the patties cook until a deep golden crust forms before turning them. They’ll release from the pan much more easily once they’re properly browned.
• Cook in batches. Giving each patty a little space helps them brown evenly instead of steaming.
• Keep the heat at medium. Too much heat can brown the outside before the center is warmed through, while medium heat gives you an evenly crisp exterior.
• Serve right away. Potato patties are at their crispiest straight from the skillet, so they’re best enjoyed while they’re still hot.

What to Serve With Potato Patties

Potato patties are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try serving them with one of these favorites for an easy and satisfying meal.

• Brioche French Toast – The sweet, buttery flavor pairs well with crispy potato patties.
• Homemade Pancake – A stack of fluffy pancakes makes this a filling breakfast.
• Frittata– A slice of fluffy frittata and crispy potato patties make an easy brunch or light dinner.
• Corned Beef Hash – A hearty breakfast that’s perfect when you want something extra filling.
• Parmesan Baked Cod – Flaky fish and crispy potato patties make a simple, comforting dinner.
• Honey BBQ Chicken – Juicy chicken adds plenty of flavor to the meal.
• Sous Vide Steak – Swap the usual baked potato for crispy potato patties alongside steak.
• Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with Chicken – A fresh, crunchy salad balances the rich, crispy patties.

Storage and Reheating Directions

Let the potato patties cool completely before storing to help them stay crisp.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If stacking the patties, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled potato patties in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer first if possible, then transfer them to a container once solid.

To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to bring back their crispy exterior. You can also reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Potato Patties FAQ’s

Variations

These potato patties are easy to change up with a few simple add-ins. Mix your favorites into the potato mixture before shaping and frying.

• Add cooked bacon into the potato mixture for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Mix in roasted garlic for extra richness.
• Add fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill.
• Fold in diced shallots or caramelized onions for a little sweetness.
• Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan for cheesy potato patties.
• Season with smoked paprika, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning for a flavor boost.

More Potato Recipes to Try!

• Funeral Potatoes
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Colcannon (Irish Potatoes and Cabbage)

Turning your leftover mashed potatoes into leftover mashed potato patties is the best way to repurpose them! It’s a family favorite and our go-to breakfast side dish! The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.