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    Home » Appetizers

    Published Nov 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 29, 2024) by Heather Bilyeu

    Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

    5 from 1 review
    2 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links
    Jump to Recipe

    Have an abundance of leftover mashed potatoes? No problem! Make this easy 5 ingredient leftover mashed potato pancakes for a quick snack or appetizer that everyone will love!

    Did your mom ever make you potato pancakes from leftover mashed potatoes growing up? Mine did and I loved it! I often forget about some easy childhood staples we grew up with that were just so so good. This is one of them.

    And now is the season when we will have an abundance of mashed potatoes! From Thanksgiving to Christmas to all the holiday parties - mashed potatoes are a staple side dish!

    But if you have a ton of leftovers, don't let them go to waste! Make delicious pancakes instead that are the perfect savory side dish or afternoon snack. They have the same cozy comfort as a big bowl of mashed potatoes but in an elevated form. You will love them!

    3 Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes stacked on a green plate.A cooling rack of them and a butter dish in the background,.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Leftover Mashed Potatoes
    • Flour
    • Egg
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Butter
    Clear bowls on mashed potatoes, salt, pepper, egg, and flour on a white counter.

    This recipe is easy to adjust based on the quantity that you have. This is based on using 2 cups of potatoes but can easily be doubled, tripled, or more if needed. And the good news - these freeze so well! Read below for how to freeze them so that no leftovers go to waste!

    Reader Review

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I replaced half the flour with seasoned bread crumbs and they came out so delicious! Will definitely make again next time we have leftovers."

    - ANNALISSA

    Mashed potato pancake dough on a baking sheet getting ready to be frozen.

    How to Make

    1. In a large bowl, mix cold leftover masked potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Depending on the consistency of the potatoes, you may need more flour to bind them. Start with ½ cup and then add ¼ cup at a time if needed. Mix until well combined.
    2. Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and let melt. Place a scoop of the potato mixture in the skillet and flatten slightly. Repeat until the pan is full but not crowded and touching. Cook on one side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes until the same and warmed all the way through.
    3. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the rest of the mixture. Turn the heat down to medium-low if the skillet gets too hot and add more butter when needed.
    4. Enjoy hot and fresh with butter on top!
    Frying up potato pancakes in a skillet on the stove.
    Cooling off mashed potato pancakes on a cooling rack after frying.

    Variations and Substitutions

    Have fun with some flavor combos too. If you want to switch up the taste of these savory pancakes, consider adding some of the following combinations to the batter mix before frying for a fun new twist!

    • Loaded baked Potato: add bacon bites, shredded cheddar, and chives to the batter.
    • Cheesy Goodness: add a combo of different cheeses you have in the fridge to use up what you have and add a cheesy element to this recipe.
    A fork through a slice of Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes on a plate.
    A hand eating a bite of mashed potato pancakes from a green plate.
    Print

    Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    a hand eating a bite of 3 mashed potato pancakes off a green plate.

    Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Heather Bilyeu
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 9 large or 18 small
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    Description

    Have an abundance of leftover mashed potatoes? No problem! Make this easy 5 ingredient mashed potato cakes for a quick snack or appetizer that everyone will love!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 Cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes
    • ½ Cup Flour + more if needed
    • 1 Egg
    • ¼-½ Teaspoon Salt
    • ¼-½ Teaspoon Pepper
    • ¼ C Butter - for cooking and topping


    Instructions

    1. In a large bowl, mix cold leftover masked potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Depending on the consistency of the potatoes, you may need more flour to bind them. Start with ½ cup and then add ¼ cup at a time if needed. Mix until well combined.
    2. Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and let melt. Place a scoop of the potato mixture in the skillet and flatten slightly. Repeat until the pan is full but not crowded and touching. Cook on one side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook on the other side for 3-4 minutes until the same and warmed all the way through.
    3. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the rest of the mixture. Turn the heat down to medium-low if the skillet gets too hot and add more butter when needed.
    4. Enjoy hot and fresh with butter on top!

    Notes

    • Try some flavor add-ins like cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives that can be added to the potato mixture if desired.
    • Depending on your mashed potatoes, you may not need much salt and pepper. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each then add more if needed.

    To Make Ahead and Freeze:

    1. Scoop mashed potato pancake batter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten out like you are going to fry them in the skillet. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to freeze solid. Place in a freezer-safe container once frozen individually and store for up to 6 months.
    2. To make: place pancake straight from the freezer in a skillet over medium-low heat with butter. Cook on one side for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and a crispy outer layer. Flip and fry for another 2-3 minutes until that side is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Repeat with as many as desired.
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Sides
    • Method: Cooking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 pancake
    • Calories: 87
    • Sugar: 0.9 g
    • Sodium: 159.7 mg
    • Fat: 3.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 12.1 g
    • Fiber: 1.2 g
    • Protein: 2.4 g
    • Cholesterol: 27.3 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @fuelingasouthernsoul on Instagram and hashtag it #fuelingasouthernsoul

    Please rate and review below!

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    Filed Under: Christmas, Hot Appetizers, Sides and Veggies, Southern, Thanksgiving

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

      Thank you so much for making this recipe and taking time out of your day to leave a star rating and comment review. I do not take it for granted and I appreciate you being here and sharing your thoughts on the recipe with me!

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      Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    1. Annalissa says

      March 26, 2024 at 9:19 pm

      I replaced half the flour with seasoned bread crumbs and they came out so delicious! Will definitely make again next time we have leftovers.

      Reply
      • Heather Bilyeu says

        April 02, 2024 at 5:10 pm

        Oh good to hear that Annalissa - thank you for making and telling me!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Heather! Grab a glass of wine, a blanket, and a cozy seat on your back porch. I am so glad you are here! Born and raised in Kentucky and with proper southern roots, my love for entertaining and hospitality runs deep within my soul. There is nothing that I love more than having people around my table and loving them through food and drink!

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