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Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes are a quick and easy way to transform simple leftovers into crispy, cheesy, and savory patties. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions, these golden-brown cakes are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with your favorite sides. Enjoy a delicious and comforting treat that’s beloved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (room temperature or slightly chilled)
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • 23 tablespoons oil or butter, for frying (or baking alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese and finely slice the green onions. Ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature or slightly chilled for easier handling.
  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.
  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.
  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. Alternatively, for baking, preheat oven to 400°F and bake the patties for 15-20 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer cooked patty cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes like sour cream or fresh herbs, and pair with side dishes such as a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Use sturdy mashed potatoes that are not too runny to help patties hold together.
  • Chill patties for 15-20 minutes before frying to firm them up for easier flipping.
  • Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even crisping.
  • Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs to bind without drying out the cakes.
  • For a lighter option, bake the patties instead of frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato patties, leftover mashed potato recipe, bacon cheddar cakes, crispy potato patties, easy appetizer, gluten-free snack