Delicious Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, let me share one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes: Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes. These crispy, cheesy, and savory patty cakes transform your simple leftovers into a delightful snack or meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Using just a few ingredients, this recipe brings together the perfect balance of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy mashed potatoes to create an irresistible treat that’s easy to whip up anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transforms Leftovers: Turns plain mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering, golden-brown patty cake with crispy edges.
• Flavor Boost: The blend of smoky bacon and sharp cheddar adds an irresistible depth to each bite.
• Versatile Snack or Meal: Great as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course paired with your favorite sides.
• Family Favorite: The comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes are straightforward but essential for achieving that perfect combination of flavor, texture, and color. Each component works harmoniously to deliver both comfort and crispiness.

• Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Provides the creamy base and moisture to hold the patties together.
• Crispy Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and deep savory flavor throughout the cakes.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully inside and on top, delivering gooey and sharp cheesiness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to help the patties hold their shape during cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates that must-have crispy outer layer when fried.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild oniony kick and a pop of color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential to season and enhance all the flavors.
• Oil or Butter: For frying, to get the edges perfectly golden and crunchy.

Variations for Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

One of the best things about Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to cater to dietary preferences or simply mix up the flavors, these variations keep things exciting and adaptable.

• Vegetarian Twist: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for rich umami flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for some heat in every bite.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda to change up the cheesy flavor profile.
• Herbs and Greens: Fold in fresh parsley, chives, or spinach to brighten the taste and add nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to keep the patties crispy without gluten.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Shred your cheddar cheese and finely slice the green onions. Make sure your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature or slightly chilled for easier handling.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is cohesive enough to shape into patties.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into even patties, about 3 inches in diameter and around half an inch thick. Press gently to compact them but avoid making them too dense.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat a generous amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan, cooking until golden brown and crispy on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until equally golden and heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes or dipping sauces.

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

• Use Sturdy Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes that aren’t too runny hold together better when forming patties.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain heat and ensure even crisping.
• Cool Before Frying: Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes in the fridge helps them firm up for better flipping.
• Adjust Breadcrumbs as Needed: Add just enough to bind but not so much that it dries out the cakes.
• Try Oven-Baking: For a lighter option, bake the patties at 400°F until crispy and golden on both sides.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A simple dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill adds a fresh brightness and creamy contrast to the crispy cakes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a tangy slaw for a balanced meal full of textures and colors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these patty cakes stacked with layers of avocado slices and tomato for a fun twist, or transform them into slider buns with additional bacon and greens for a playful appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover patty cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to retain their crisp exterior rather than using the microwave.

Freezing

Allow cooked patties to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes is in a skillet or oven to regain that irresistible crunch, rather than microwaving which tends to soften them.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftover ones?

Absolutely! Just make sure the mashed potatoes are fully cooled and not too watery for the best results.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese? Can I use another cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with cheese varieties like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Are these patties gluten-free?

They can be, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed cornflakes or almonds.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart during cooking?

Ensure the mixture is well combined with enough binder like egg and breadcrumbs, and chill the formed patties before frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, baking at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes on each side results in a crispy alternative with less oil.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes are one of those magical recipes that turn simple leftovers into something utterly crave-worthy. They’re fast, flavorful, and wonderfully crispy, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how a few staple ingredients and easy steps can create an unforgettable snack or meal everyone will love.

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