Mashed Potato Cakes

Transforming humble leftovers into gourmet delights, mashed potato cakes stand as a testament to culinary ingenuity. This recipe ingeniously repurposes yesterday’s mashed potatoes, infusing them with savory flavors and crispy textures, creating a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with each bite.

Ingredients and Preparation: Crafting these delectable potato cakes requires a harmonious blend of ingredients. Begin by gathering 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, lending them newfound life. To enrich their flavor profile, incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, imparting a creamy tang, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives or green onions, adding a refreshing zing. Binding these elements together, introduce 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, ensuring the cakes hold their shape with finesse. A single large egg, beaten to perfection, serves as the culinary glue, uniting the ingredients into a cohesive mixture. Season this medley with a judicious sprinkling of salt and pepper, elevating its taste to gourmet heights.

Crafting the Cakes: With the ingredients prepared, embark on the artful process of forming the potato cakes. Employing a deft hand, portion out approximately 1/4 cup of the mashed potato mixture, gently sculpting it into a round patty. The size of these cakes can be tailored to personal preference, catering to individual appetites and culinary aesthetics. Once shaped, lavish each cake with a delicate coat of breadcrumbs, ensuring an enticingly crisp exterior upon cooking.

Culinary Alchemy: As the stage is set, heat a skillet with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil, allowing it to reach a shimmering allure. With precision and care, transfer the potato cakes to the awaiting skillet, each sizzle heralding the transformation of humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Allow these cakes to luxuriate in the heat, browning to a golden hue on each side, their surfaces adorned with a tantalizing crispness that beckons the palate.

Presentation and Serving: With the potato cakes now imbued with a symphony of flavors and textures, their journey culminates in a presentation that invites admiration. Arrange these golden discs on a serving platter, each one a testament to culinary craftsmanship. Accompany them with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of tangy ketchup, or a sauce of choice, elevating their presentation and taste to new heights.

Conclusion: In the realm of culinary innovation, mashed potato cakes emerge as a shining example of transformation and creativity. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary finesse, leftovers are reborn into gourmet delights, inviting diners on a journey of flavor and indulgence. From humble beginnings to gourmet triumphs, these potato cakes stand as a testament to the endless possibilities found within the realm of the culinary arts.

Mashed Potato Cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
   • If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before using them in this recipe.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, chopped chives or green onions, flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Form Patties:
   • Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a patty. You can make them as big or small as you prefer.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   • Place the breadcrumbs on a plate. Gently coat each mashed potato patty with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Heat Oil:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. Cook Potato Cakes:
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the mashed potato cakes in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve:
   • Once the potato cakes are cooked through and crispy on the outside, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.