If you are looking for a comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes and gooey cheese, then these cheesy mashed potato pancakes are just what you need. This recipe transforms your leftover mashed potatoes into mouthwatering pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Not only do they make a great side dish, but they can also serve as a tasty snack or even a light meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious pancakes in no time. Whether you are preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, cheesy mashed potato pancakes will impress everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delightful twist on classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
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Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: Use about 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh ones; ensure they’re creamy for the best consistency
- Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese like cheddar or mozzarella; it adds flavor and gooey texture to the pancakes
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor; feel free to substitute with chives if preferred
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind the mixture together; it’s essential for achieving the right pancake consistency
- Flour: About half a cup of all-purpose flour gives structure to the pancakes; adjust based on your desired thickness
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is important; use to taste to enhance all the flavors in your pancakes
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and ensure that your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Ensure it’s hot enough before adding batter; this helps achieve a crispy texture.
Step 4: Form and Cook Pancakes
Using a scoop or spoon, drop portions of the mixture into the skillet. Flatten each portion slightly with a spatula. Cook for about three to four minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Keep Them Warm
Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm oven set at low heat while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Transfer to plates and serve warm with sour cream or applesauce as an optional dip for added flavor.
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Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Cold Potatoes: For better shaping of pancakes, use cold leftover mashed potatoes from the fridge
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance flavor; mix them into your batter before cooking
- Crispy Finish: For extra crispiness, pan-fry in butter instead of oil during cooking
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
This Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Sour Cream: A creamy topping that enhances the flavor of the pancakes and adds a cooling element.
- Chives or Green Onions: These fresh herbs provide a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness.
- Apple Sauce: The sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory nature of the pancakes, creating a delightful balance.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
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Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, mix in cheese and other ingredients before cooking.
- Storing: Leftover Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place pancakes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy.
Suggestions for Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best flavor in cheesy mashed potato pancakes. Old or stale potatoes can lead to a mushy texture and off-flavors. When selecting potatoes, opt for varieties like russet or Yukon gold for their creamy consistency. Fresh cheese, such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella, enhances the taste significantly. Also, ensure your herbs are fresh rather than dried, as this adds brightness to the dish. Quality ingredients contribute to a delightful experience, so take time to choose wisely.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing your batter can create dense and tough cheesy mashed potato pancakes. When combining the ingredients, use gentle folding motions instead of vigorous stirring. This technique keeps the pancakes light and fluffy while ensuring that all components are well incorporated. Ideally, mix just until you see no dry flour or lumps of potatoes remaining. The batter should be slightly lumpy; this texture will help achieve the perfect pancake consistency when cooked. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing.
Adjust Cooking Temperature
Cooking temperature plays a significant role in achieving perfectly golden cheesy mashed potato pancakes. If your skillet is too hot, the outsides may burn while the insides remain cold and undercooked. Conversely, cooking at too low a temperature can result in soggy pancakes that lack crispness. Aim for medium heat to allow even cooking throughout. A non-stick skillet or cast iron pan works best for even browning and easy flipping of pancakes. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat accordingly as needed.
Allow for Proper Cooling
Letting your cheesy mashed potato pancakes cool slightly before serving can enhance their texture and flavor. Serving them immediately may result in overly hot centers that mask their rich flavors. Instead, place them on a wire rack for a few minutes after cooking to allow steam to escape; this helps maintain crispiness on the outside while keeping them soft inside. You can keep them warm in an oven set to low if you have multiple batches to cook or want to serve later.
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FAQs
What are cheesy mashed potato pancakes?
Cheesy mashed potato pancakes are delicious savory cakes made from leftover mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and other ingredients like eggs and flour. They provide a creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while transforming them into something new and exciting. These pancakes deliver a crispy exterior with a creamy inside packed with flavor from melted cheese and seasonings.
How do I store leftover cheesy mashed potato pancakes?
To store leftover cheesy mashed potato pancakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months if properly sealed in freezer bags or containers. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again on both sides.
Can I make cheesy mashed potato pancakes vegan?
Yes, you can easily make vegan cheesy mashed potato pancakes by replacing dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cheese options that melt well, such as cashew-based cheeses or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce to bind the mixture together effectively while staying within vegan guidelines.
What can I serve with cheesy mashed potato pancakes?
Cheesy mashed potato pancakes pair beautifully with various dips and toppings. Consider serving them with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess. You can also top them with chives or green onions for freshness! For those who love spice, try adding salsa or hot sauce as a zesty complement that elevates their flavors further.
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Conclusion for Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Cheesy mashed potato pancakes offer a fantastic way to utilize leftover mashed potatoes while creating an entirely new dish full of flavor and texture. By following key suggestions—such as using fresh ingredients, avoiding overmixing, adjusting cooking temperatures appropriately, and allowing proper cooling—you will achieve perfect pancakes every time. Remember these tips when preparing your next batch! With versatility in toppings and pairings available, these delightful savory cakes will surely satisfy any craving you have while impressing family and friends alike.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 pancakes 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy mashed potato pancakes are a mouthwatering twist on traditional comfort food, turning leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden delights. Each pancake boasts a creamy interior filled with melted cheese, creating a satisfying texture and flavor combination. Perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings—these pancakes are not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. Add your favorite herbs or spices to elevate the taste or serve them warm with dips like sour cream or applesauce for an extra layer of flavor. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a hearty snack, cheesy mashed potato pancakes are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are at room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, egg, flour, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat with oil until hot.
- Scoop portions of the mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while finishing the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, consider pan-frying in butter instead of oil.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for enhanced flavor.
Use cold leftover mashed potatoes for easier shaping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For extra crispiness, consider pan-frying in butter instead of oil.- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for enhanced flavor.- Use cold leftover mashed potatoes for easier shaping.
