Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes: A Tasty Twist on Leftovers

Transforming leftovers into a delicious new dish is an art, and these Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes are a perfect example. Made with simple ingredients like leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and green onions, these pancakes offer a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy middle. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish, these pancakes are sure to delight anyone looking to add a little variety to their meal routine.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 6 pancakes

Ingredients:

• 200g leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 small egg
• 50g flour
• 40g shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 15g green onions, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• A pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Pancake Batter:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the egg until well combined. Gradually add flour, stirring until smooth.
2. Add Flavors: Stir in the shredded cheese, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, and if desired, a pinch of crushed red pepper until the batter is uniform.

Cook the Pancakes:

3. Fry: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Scoop portions of the potato batter into the pan and flatten slightly to form pancakes.
4. Cook Until Crispy: Fry for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side.

Serve:

5. Drain and Serve: Remove the pancakes from the skillet, drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and extra chopped green onions.

Cooking Tips

• Getting Them Just Right: For evenly cooked pancakes, ensure the oil is hot before adding the batter but not smoking; a medium heat generally works best. This helps prevent the pancakes from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
• No Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet to avoid the pancakes sticking to the pan, making them easier to flip and get a uniform golden crust.
• Uniform Pancakes: Use a measuring cup or ice cream scoop to pour the batter into the pan, which helps in making pancakes that are the same size. This not only looks more appealing but ensures they cook evenly.
• Keep Them Warm: If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked pancakes warm in an oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) while you cook the rest. This way, all the pancakes can be served warm.
• Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy exterior, ensure the mashed potatoes are well-drained and not too wet before mixing with other ingredients. This will help in getting a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.