Oh, I just love making Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese! This recipe is a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese, all pan-fried to crispy perfection. To make these mouthwatering patties, start by mixing together mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a hint of garlic powder.

Shape the mixture into patties and coat them with breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Fry them up until golden brown on each side, and voila! You have a tasty and easy-to-make snack or side dish that everyone will love. Perfect for any day when you want a comforting and satisfying treat.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1/4 cup flour (plus more for dusting)

1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for frying
Optional additions:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup finely diced bell peppers

Instructions for Making Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese

Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, chopped green onions, and the beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional additions like garlic powder, crumbled bacon, or diced bell peppers. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form the Patties: Dust your hands with a little flour to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making sure all patties are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Serving: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot as a side dish or a snack, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream or a spicy ketchup.

Storage: Any leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Potatoes: The type of potato you use can significantly affect the texture of your patties. For fluffy and soft interiors, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties have the right moisture content and texture, making them ideal for mashed potatoes.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency: The consistency of your mashed potatoes is crucial. They shouldn’t be too wet; otherwise, your patties might fall apart during cooking. If your mashed potatoes are on the thinner side, add a bit more flour to help bind the mixture. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the patties dense and heavy.

Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with seasonings. Mashed potatoes can handle a good amount of flavor. Apart from salt and pepper, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. The cheese you add will also contribute to the overall taste, so select a type that complements your flavor profile, like sharp cheddar for a bolder taste or mozzarella for a milder, gooier experience.

Crispy on the Outside: To achieve that desired crispy exterior, ensure your skillet is at the right temperature before adding the patties. A medium heat allows the patties to cook slowly enough to warm through and melt the cheese without burning the outside. Using butter or a mixture of butter and oil can add more flavor and aid in browning.

Experiment with Add-Ins: The basic recipe for Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese is just a starting point. Feel free to get creative with add-ins like chopped cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or even leftover vegetables. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture, making each bite interesting and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Side Dish: They make an excellent side to main courses like grilled meats, roast chicken, or fish. The crispy texture and cheesy flavor of the patties complement a wide range of dishes.

With Dipping Sauces: Serve these patties with a side of sour cream, apple sauce, or a spicy ketchup for dipping. The sauces add an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy potato patties.

As a Breakfast Option: These patties can also be a great breakfast option. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can even top a patty with a poached egg for a twist on a traditional breakfast.

In a Vegetarian Meal: For a vegetarian meal, serve these patties with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. They can also be the star of the plate, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces and veggie sides.

Storage Tips

Refrigerating: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing: For longer storage, Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. This method prevents the patties from sticking together, allowing you to take out and reheat only what you need.

Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Although microwaving is convenient, it tends to make the patties soggy, so it’s best avoided if you’re aiming for a crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch, though the texture and flavor might slightly differ from homemade mashed potatoes. Be mindful of the consistency; you may need to adjust the amount of flour.

What can I do if my patties are falling apart? If your patties are falling apart, it’s likely because the mixture is too wet. Try adding a little more flour to help bind the ingredients. Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before forming the patties can also make it easier to handle.

Can I bake these patties instead of frying? Absolutely! For a healthier version, you can bake the patties on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use almond flour as a binder. Just be aware that different gluten-free flours may affect the texture slightly.

Are these patties suitable for vegans? The basic recipe includes cheese and egg, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, you can adapt the recipe using vegan cheese and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened) as substitutes.

Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese

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Mashed Potato Patties with Cheese offer a wonderfully cozy and inventive method to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes into a scrumptious culinary creation.

Ingredients

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
1/4 cup flour plus more for dusting
1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
1 egg beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for frying

Optional additions:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon

1/4 cup finely diced bell peppers

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, flour, chopped green onions, and the beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional additions like garlic powder, crumbled bacon, or diced bell peppers. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form the Patties:

Dust your hands with a little flour to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making sure all patties are of even thickness for uniform cooking.

Cook the Patties:

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Serving:

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot as a side dish or a snack, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream or a spicy ketchup.

Storage:

Any leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.