These crispy, golden potato cakes are a perfect way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious and satisfying meal. The cheese and bacon add an irresistible savory flavor, while the green onions give them a fresh burst of flavor.
Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these potato cakes are sure to impress. They’re the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a comfort food favorite for all ages.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup flour
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1 egg
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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Olive oil for frying
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, flour, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
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Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and coat each patty in breadcrumbs.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
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Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Allure of Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes
Leftover mashed potatoes are often overlooked, but they offer a fantastic base for creating new and exciting dishes. One of the most popular and delicious ways to use them is by making mashed potato cheese bacon cakes. This dish takes the humble mashed potato to new heights with the addition of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of seasoning. It’s the perfect comfort food that transforms leftovers into a crowd-pleasing treat, ideal for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions.
Why Leftovers Are the Key to This Recipe
The beauty of leftover mashed potatoes is that they bring a rich, creamy base to the dish without requiring any extra preparation. Whether you have mashed potatoes from a holiday meal or just an abundance from a previous dinner, they are the ideal ingredient to repurpose. This recipe not only cuts down on food waste but also saves you time in the kitchen, allowing you to create something new and delicious from what would otherwise be leftover food.
Incorporating bacon and cheese enhances the flavor profile, adding savory, smoky, and creamy elements that complement the mashed potatoes perfectly. The texture of these cakes, crisped up from frying, provides a satisfying contrast to the softness of the potatoes, creating a delightful bite. With just a few additional ingredients, you can turn plain mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering dish that is full of flavor and texture.
Versatility of the Dish
One of the most exciting aspects of leftover mashed potato cheese bacon cakes is how versatile they are. While the basic ingredients can remain the same, there are endless ways to customize the dish based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with cooked sausage, ham, or even vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. The cheese can be swapped out for different types depending on your taste—cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan are all great options.
You can also adjust the level of seasoning to suit your palate. Some people enjoy a little kick of heat in their cakes, which can be achieved by adding a touch of chili flakes or hot sauce. The cakes can be served as they are, or they can be paired with a dip, such as sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty ranch dressing. For a lighter version, you can opt to bake the cakes instead of frying them, keeping the crispy outside but with less oil. The possibilities are truly endless.
Perfect for Any Meal
Leftover mashed potato cheese bacon cakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to meal ideas. They can serve as an appetizer for a dinner party, a tasty snack during movie night, or even a hearty side dish alongside meats like grilled chicken or roasted pork. For a more substantial meal, consider topping them with a fried egg for breakfast or brunch, or serving them alongside a crisp salad for a balanced lunch. The beauty of these cakes lies in their ability to complement so many different dishes.
These potato cakes can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep. If you want to make them ahead of time, simply form the patties, store them in an airtight container, and fry them up when you’re ready to eat. This way, you can enjoy the crispy goodness of these cakes even on the busiest of days.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Sometimes, nothing beats the comforting, indulgent flavors of fried food. These leftover mashed potato cheese bacon cakes offer that crispy crunch we all crave, paired with the rich, creamy interior of mashed potatoes. The savory bacon and melted cheese only enhance this comfort factor, making these cakes the perfect dish when you need a little bit of warmth and satisfaction. They’re the kind of food that brings a smile to your face and feels like a hug in every bite.
Moreover, this dish can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. For those who follow a vegetarian diet, you can easily replace the bacon with plant-based bacon or other meat substitutes. If you’re trying to make the dish gluten-free, simply swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This flexibility makes mashed potato cheese bacon cakes a crowd-pleasing dish, as they can be customized to suit everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Serve Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes
While the basic recipe for mashed potato cheese bacon cakes is delicious on its own, there are numerous creative ways to serve them. For a fun twist, you can serve the cakes with a variety of sauces, such as a creamy garlic sauce, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. The cakes can be placed atop a bed of sautéed greens for an extra boost of nutrition, or served alongside a fresh, zesty coleslaw to balance out the richness of the potatoes.
For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the potato cakes with a poached egg and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. This makes for an indulgent brunch dish that’s perfect for impressing guests. Alternatively, you can top the cakes with sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor. These little touches elevate the dish and make it even more satisfying.
The Ideal Side Dish for Parties and Gatherings
When it comes to gatherings and parties, finding the right side dish that everyone will love can be a challenge. Mashed potato cheese bacon cakes, however, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Not only do they taste great, but they are also easy to prepare and serve. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal dinner party, these cakes fit the bill.
They can be made in large batches and served on a platter, making them ideal for sharing. They’re also easy to eat with your hands, so guests can enjoy them while mingling. Their crisp exterior and soft interior make them highly satisfying, and the addition of bacon and cheese gives them a rich, savory flavor that will leave your guests asking for more.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Cakes a Staple
Leftover mashed potato cheese bacon cakes are the perfect way to breathe new life into your leftovers and create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The versatility, ease of preparation, and the ability to customize them to fit your taste preferences make them a dish that can be enjoyed time and time again. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or main course, these crispy potato cakes are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste—turn them into these mouthwatering, cheesy, bacon-filled delights!