Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, savory pancakes with this quick and easy recipe. With a touch of feta and fresh herbs, these potato pancakes are perfect as a snack, side dish, or breakfast option.
Why You Should Make These Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes:
These mashed potato pancakes are the perfect solution for transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, delicious dish. They’re not only quick and easy to make, but also a crowd-pleaser with their golden brown, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside. Whether you’re looking for a creative side dish, a quick breakfast option, or a snack, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of mashed potatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs gives it a Mediterranean twist, making it stand out from other potato dishes.
Why You’ll Love It:
The best part of this recipe is its versatility. You can make these pancakes with whatever mashed potatoes you have on hand, and they pair beautifully with breakfast dishes, chicken dinners, or even as a standalone snack. The crispiness achieved with olive oil frying makes these pancakes irresistible, and they only take 15 minutes to make. The addition of feta cheese and scallions brings out a tangy, savory flavor that is bound to impress anyone at the table.
Tips and Tricks:
Frying: Ensure your pan is hot and use a generous amount of oil to achieve that crispy texture. You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the potato mixture into the pan; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can replace it with Parmesan, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes! Sweet potatoes work well, giving the pancakes a slightly sweeter flavor.
How do I store leftovers? You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, crisp them up in a skillet or oven.
Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze the cooked pancakes in a single layer and reheat them in a hot pan when ready to eat.
Leftover mashed potato pancakes are an incredibly easy and versatile dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With crispy edges, a soft center, and tangy bites of feta, these pancakes are bound to become a family favorite. They work as an excellent side dish for dinner, a breakfast option, or a snack on their own. The best part is you can customize them with different cheeses and herbs to suit your taste. This is a perfect, waste-free way to enjoy Thanksgiving or any other mashed potato leftovers.
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Ingredients:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for frying)
3 cups chilled mashed potatoes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (more for garnish)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 scallions, chopped (both white and green parts)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
1/3 to 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, feta, flour, scallions, and parsley. Crack the egg into the bowl and combine everything thoroughly.
Set Up the Breadcrumbs: Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate.
Form the Patties: Use a 1/4 cup to scoop the mashed potato mixture and form it into balls. Flatten each ball into a 1/2-inch thick patty, then dredge both sides in the breadcrumbs.
Fry the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan, ensuring it's about 1/2-inch deep. Once the oil is hot, add the patties in a single layer. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Remove the pancakes from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel. Garnish with more feta and scallions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!