Irresistibly Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Crispy loaded mashed potato cakes bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table in just minutes.

Creamy potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar create a delightful canvas for tasty mix-ins.

Bacon bits and green onions add irresistible crunch and flavor to these golden-brown delights.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of textures that dance across your palate.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting or felt so effortless.

Weekend brunch or casual dinner, these potato cakes steal the show with minimal effort.

Dive into this simple recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes These Potato Cakes Stand Out

• These potato cakes deliver mouthwatering flavors that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, home cooks of all skill levels can confidently create these deliciously crispy potato cakes without complicated culinary skills.
• Repurpose extra mashed potatoes into exciting new dishes, reducing food waste while creating a totally different meal that feels fresh and exciting with minimal additional ingredients.
• Easily swap or add ingredients like different cheeses, herbs, or protein to match personal preferences, making these potato cakes an incredibly versatile recipe for spontaneous cooking adventures.

Ingredients in Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base for the potato cakes.
• Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor to the mixture.
• Bacon: Provides smoky and salty taste.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion flavor.

• Flour, Egg: Help hold the potato cakes together.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning.

• Cooking Oil: Creates crispy exterior when frying.
• Sour Cream: Optional creamy topping for serving.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for added freshness.

How to Cook Crispy Potato Cakes Easily

Step 1: Blend Flavorful Potato Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in your creamy mashed potatoes.

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions
• All-purpose flour
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine everything thoroughly until the mixture looks evenly distributed and holds together nicely.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Potato Patties

Use your hands to scoop and form the potato mixture into round, flat patties.

Make them about half an inch thick to ensure a perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet on the stove.

Pour in enough oil to create a thin layer across the bottom.

Turn the heat to medium and allow the oil to become hot and slightly shimmery.

Step 4: Fry Golden Potato Cakes

Carefully place the potato patties into the hot skillet.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.

Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the freshly fried potato cakes onto a plate lined with paper towels.

This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps them wonderfully crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your potato cakes while they’re warm.

Top with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle fresh herbs, or add your favorite garnishes for an extra flavor explosion.

Pro Tips for Golden, Cheesy Potato Cakes

• Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to ensure potato cakes release easily without breaking apart.
• Drain mashed potatoes thoroughly or use day-old potatoes to reduce excess liquid and create crispier cakes.
• Wet your hands slightly when shaping patties to prevent mixture from sticking and create smooth, even edges.
• Maintain medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get evenly crispy exteriors without burning.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Cakes Well

• Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual potato cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange potato cakes on a baking sheet, bake 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway for even warming.
• Warm a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add potato cakes, cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Add a touch of oil to prevent sticking and boost crunchiness.

Sides That Match Mashed Potato Cakes

• Elevate Brunch Flavor Profile: Pair these crispy potato cakes with mimosas or bloody marys for a weekend morning burst of deliciousness.
• Complement Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon to create a balanced and satisfying meal with complementary textures.
• Create Comfort Food Combo: Match with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and balance the rich, hearty potato cakes.
• Enhance Dipping Experience: Offer multiple dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to add exciting flavor dimensions and personalize each bite.

Fun Styles for Loaded Potato Cakes

• Vegan Potato Patties: Replace cheese and bacon with nutritional yeast and crispy tempeh bacon. Use flax egg instead of regular egg for binding.
• Gluten-Free Potato Cakes: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Herb-Infused Potato Rounds: Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or dill to the potato mixture. Experiment with different herb combinations for unique flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cakes: Swap half the mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Use grated cauliflower as a lighter alternative.

FAQs

• Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato cake mixture and shape the patties in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• What if I don't have bacon?

No problem! You can substitute bacon with ham, chopped cooked sausage, or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. The cheese and green onions will still provide plenty of flavor.

• How do I get the potato cakes extra crispy?

Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, and make sure the oil is hot before adding the patties. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid moving them around too much while cooking. This helps create a perfect golden-brown crust.

• Can I freeze these potato cakes?

Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet or oven until crispy and heated through.

Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory loaded mashed potato cakes bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table, combining creamy potatoes with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives. Comfort meets creativity in this crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Potato Base:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2/3 tablespoons (30–40 milliliters) vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Optional Garnish:

• Sour cream
• Parsley
• Extra green onions

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate the creamy potato base with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, finely chopped scallions, flour, a whisked egg, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Using a portion scoop or hands, craft uniform circular patties approximately half an inch thick, ensuring compact formation to prevent crumbling during cooking.
3. Preheat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), adding enough oil to create a thin, even layer across the cooking surface.
4. Carefully place potato cakes into the hot skillet, allowing sufficient space between each patty to prevent overcrowding and ensure optimal crispiness.
5. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown exterior and listening for a gentle sizzling sound indicating proper caramelization.
6. Remove cooked potato cakes using a slotted spatula, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
7. Garnish with a dollop of tangy sour cream, sprinkle of fresh herbs, or preferred accompaniments, and serve immediately while piping hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Crumble bacon extra fine for more even distribution throughout the potato mixture, ensuring each bite has a perfect bacon flavor.
• Consider using leftover mashed potatoes to reduce food waste and enhance the dish’s rich, comforting texture.
• For a gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to maintain the cakes’ crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg