Looking to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something absolutely delectable? You’re in the right place! Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes might just become your new favorite comfort food. With a delightful blend of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, these tasty treats are a perfect medley of flavors that will not only satisfy your hunger but also your taste buds. Whether you’re planning to serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or simply a savory snack, there’s no doubt these golden cakes will impress everyone around the table. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these potato cakes are fun to make and even more fun to eat. So let’s dive in and bring those leftover potatoes back to life with this amazing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, minimizing food waste.
- Perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients that come together for an incredible flavor combination.
- Versatile enough to be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start crafting these irresistible potato cakes, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Begin by setting up a tidy workspace with easy access to all your ingredients and utensils. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a fork or a potato masher, a shallow dish for breadcrumbs, and a large skillet for frying. Utilizing a non-stick skillet will ensure your cakes don’t stick and fry evenly. If you plan on making these often, investing in a handy food scoop could be a good idea for uniform patties. Don’t forget paper towels for draining excess oil post-frying. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smoother and hassle-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and mix until all components are uniformly incorporated. This will ensure that every bite has a perfect blend of flavors.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Using your hands, take the mixture and shape it into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter. A consistent size helps in even cooking and makes it easier to fry each patty to perfection.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Place your breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully coated. This breadcrumbs coating adds an extra crunch to your cakes that you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Fry the Patties
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lay the patties carefully into the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Maintain an even temperature to prevent the patties from burning before they cook thoroughly.
Step 5: Drain
Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, resulting in less greasy cakes perfect for serving.
Variations
- Protein: Swap bacon with ham or smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add in diced bell peppers or shredded zucchini for additional nutrition and color.
- Spices: Experiment with herbs like dill or thyme to transform the dish’s flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are firm—loose mashed potatoes won’t hold together well.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning to your preference before forming into patties.
- Using cold mashed potatoes will make it easier to shape the patties.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sour cream or a creamy dip of your choice for extra flavor.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a touch of freshness and extra color.
Tips
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs for better consistency.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding the patties to achieve perfect crispiness.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?
Absolutely, fresh mashed potatoes work just as well, just ensure they are cooled enough to handle easily.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or cornflakes for a similar crunch.
How do I know when the patties are done?
Look for a golden-brown crust on both sides; this is a good indication that they are ready to be removed from the heat.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for both sides to get crispy.
Conclusion
So there you have it — a fantastic way to revitalize your leftover mashed potatoes with these Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes. They’re simple to make and deliver on flavor in a big way. The combination of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions promises a delightful experience for your taste buds while making sure no food goes to waste. Remember, cooking is all about exploring, so don’t hesitate to make variations and discover your personal favorite tweaks. We’d love to hear how your potato cakes turn out, so feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you try. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Transform your leftovers into delicious, crispy cakes with cheese and bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and mix until all components are uniformly incorporated.
- Using your hands, take the mixture and shape it into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place your breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on paper towels.
Notes
For best results, use cold mashed potatoes and ensure even frying temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 g