The aroma of frying pancakes wafts through the kitchen as you remember the last time you enjoyed fluffy mashed potatoes. Now, imagine that creamy goodness transformed into crispy, golden-brown leftover mashed potato pancakes, making your taste buds dance with delight. These little delights pack a punch of flavor and texture that can elevate any meal.
Picture this: a lazy Sunday morning, the sun peeking through your kitchen window while you sip coffee. Suddenly, you open the fridge and find those neglected mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner. With a little creativity and just a few ingredients, you can whip up amazing leftover mashed potato pancakes that will impress even the pickiest eaters in your house.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These leftover mashed potato pancakes are quick and easy to make, turning yesterday’s leftovers into today’s delightful treat
- Their crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with their soft interior
- You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a savory snack any time of day
- Customize them with herbs or toppings based on what you have at home
I once made these pancakes for brunch with friends, and they vanished faster than I could flip them! Everyone loved their crispy edges and fluffy centers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show; use cold leftover mashed potatoes for the best texture.
- Eggs: Two eggs help bind everything together; choose large eggs for better consistency.
- Flour: About half a cup will give structure; all-purpose flour works perfectly here.
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess; opt for full-fat for richer flavor.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add freshness; feel free to substitute with chives if preferred.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance flavor; adjust according to taste.
- Oil or Butter: For frying; choose your favorite cooking oil or good ol’ butter for extra richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare to embark on this simple yet satisfying culinary journey!
Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine your cold leftover mashed potatoes with eggs and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add Flour and Seasoning: Gradually mix in the flour along with salt and pepper. The mixture should hold together but still be slightly sticky.
Incorporate Green Onions: Gently fold in chopped green onions until evenly distributed. This step adds lovely flavor bursts in every bite.
Heat Your Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter until melted and shimmering. You want it hot enough to sizzle!
Spoon and Fry**: Using about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake, drop it into the pan. Flatten slightly with a spatula and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve Warm**: Remove from pan and keep warm while frying remaining batter. Serve these delightful cakes hot with sour cream or applesauce for dipping.
These crispy beauties promise to spice up your meals! Enjoy them hot off the skillet or store any leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick snack later!
You Must Know
- Leftover mashed potato pancakes are a delightful way to use up extra potatoes
- The crispy exterior and creamy interior create a perfect balance of textures, making them a favorite among family and friends
- Don’t forget to serve with sour cream or applesauce for an extra treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by forming the potato mixture into patties, then pan-fry until golden brown. This ensures even cooking and crispiness without burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in cheese, herbs, or leftover veggies to give your pancakes a unique twist. Experimentation is key to discovering new favorites!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for that freshly made taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When you mix ingredients, avoid overworking the potatoes; this keeps them fluffy
- Always preheat your skillet so the pancakes cook evenly
- Adding an egg can help bind the mixture better for frying perfection!
A few weekends ago, my family devoured these pancakes at brunch, claiming they were even better than my famous waffles. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking!
FAQ
How do you make leftover mashed potato pancakes crispy?
Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the pancakes for optimal crispiness.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potato pancakes?
Absolutely! They freeze well; just reheat directly from frozen for convenience.
What can I serve with leftover mashed potato pancakes?
Pair them with sour cream, applesauce, or even a fresh herb dip for added flavor.

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 pancakes 1x
Description
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Enjoy delightful flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil or butter for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cold leftover mashed potatoes, eggs, and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually fold in flour, salt, and pepper until the mixture is sticky but holds together.
- Gently incorporate chopped green onions for added flavor.
- Heat oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Drop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the skillet. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, then remove and keep warm while frying remaining batter.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake (45g)
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, mix in cheese or herbs before frying. - Allow pancakes to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. - Reheat pancakes in a skillet for optimal crispiness.