If you love the comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes but want to transform those leftovers into something spectacular, you’re going to adore this Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe. There’s something truly magical about turning simple mashed potatoes into crispy, golden pancakes that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe not only saves food but also creates a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a comforting snack that everyone will rave about. It’s an effortless way to elevate leftovers into a dish bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four round, golden-brown patties with a crispy texture on top are frying in a black pan filled with bubbling oil. The patties have slightly uneven edges and a few lighter spots, showing a mix of cooked and soft areas. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity fool you — each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in ensuring your Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes come out perfectly crisp and flavorful every time. From the binding power of the egg to the subtle kick of green onions, these essentials work together to create a harmonious bite.

2 cups mashed potatoes: The creamy base that forms the pancake’s tender center, ideally leftover and chilled for best results.
1 egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the mixture together while adding a touch of richness.
¼ cup flour: Helps absorb moisture and creates structure for that perfect golden crust.
¼ cup shredded cheese (optional): Adds gooey, savory melty bits that elevate the flavor beyond basic potatoes.
2 tbsp green onions, chopped: Brings a fresh and mild oniony bite that brightens the overall taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Oil for frying: Preferably a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crispy, evenly cooked pancakes.

How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing your cold mashed potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add the egg, flour, shredded cheese if using, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when formed into patties — if it feels too loose, a little extra flour can help.

Step 2: Shape the Pancakes

Using your hands, gently scoop and shape the mixture into small, even patties. Aim for about eight medium-sized pancakes so they cook through perfectly. Press down lightly to flatten them to about half an inch thick; this thickness ensures a crisp exterior without sacrificing the softness inside.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a generous splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautiful golden-brown crusts develop. Flip carefully to keep the patties intact. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crunchy on the outside yet remain soft and warm inside.

How to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe

A stack of seven golden brown pancakes sits on a clean white plate against a white marbled surface. The pancakes have a crispy, textured edge and scattered green herbs inside. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream with bright green chopped scallions sprinkled over it and around the base of the stack. In the background, there is another smaller stack of similar pancakes slightly blurred. The lighting highlights the warm tones and fresh garnishes, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These pancakes are fantastic on their own but feel free to dress them up! A dollop of tangy sour cream or a spoonful of sweet applesauce makes for classic, crowd-pleasing toppings. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and flavor, too, making them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crisp bacon or sausage for a heartier breakfast. They also make a wonderful side with fresh salads or roasted vegetables if you’re serving them as a light lunch or dinner accompaniment. Their versatility means they complement a wide range of meals effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes into sliders by layering them with smoked salmon and cream cheese or serve stacked with scrambled eggs and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious brunch option. They even make fantastic bases for savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms or chili, turning simple leftovers into a gourmet experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra leftover mashed potato pancakes, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy them again for a quick meal or snack.

Freezing

To freeze, place the uncooked pancakes on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to keep them fresh for up to 2 months and have them ready whenever you want a tasty treat out of leftovers.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover pancakes in a skillet with a bit of oil rather than the microwave. This brings back the crispy exterior while warming the soft inside. Cooking for a few minutes on medium heat until warmed through makes them almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While leftover mashed potatoes are ideal since they’re firmer, fresh mashed potatoes can work too—just be sure they’re cooled completely and perhaps add a touch more flour to help bind the mixture.

What type of cheese works best in the pancakes?

Cheddar is a classic choice that melts beautifully and adds a nice tang, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor complexity.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure to check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

What oil is best for frying these pancakes?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil. This ensures even frying without imparting extra flavors or burning quickly.

How do I prevent the pancakes from falling apart?

Make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too wet and that you use enough flour and egg to bind the mixture well. Chilling the batter briefly before shaping can also help the pancakes hold together during frying.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe is truly a kitchen game-changer. It turns what might otherwise be forgotten leftovers into something irresistibly delicious with a wonderful mix of textures and comforting flavors. The ease and versatility make it a fantastic recipe to have in your repertoire, so don’t hesitate to try it soon and watch your family ask for seconds every time.