Oh my goodness, let me tell you about loaded mashed potato cakes! These little wonders are like a cozy hug on a plate. Imagine biting into a crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, dreamy interior—it’s pure comfort food bliss! I first made these after a family gathering where we had tons of leftover mashed potatoes, and wow, it turned out to be a game changer! Everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun side dish for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these loaded mashed potato cakes absolutely delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of prepared mashed potatoes (leftover works best!)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to experiment!)
- 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon (for that smoky flavor, yum!)
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (adds a nice fresh touch)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (this gives them that lovely crunch)
- 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering combination that you won’t be able to resist! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious loaded mashed potato cakes! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all up really well until it’s nicely combined. Don’t be shy; get in there with your hands if you have to!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Once everything is well mixed, it’s time to form the mixture into patties. I usually make them about the size of my palm, but feel free to shape them however you like!
- Next, place some breadcrumbs on a plate and gently coat each patty in the breadcrumbs, making sure they’re evenly covered for that perfect crunch.
- Now, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough to cover the bottom of the pan so those cakes can fry nicely.
- Carefully add the patties to the skillet, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan!
- Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself some delightful loaded mashed potato cakes! Serve them hot and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These loaded mashed potato cakes are truly a game changer in the kitchen! Here’s why I can’t get enough of them:
- Quick preparation—whip them up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious flavor explosion with cheesy, smoky, and fresh notes that keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile—customize them with your favorite ingredients like different cheeses, veggies, or even spicy jalapeños!
- Great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into something new and exciting.
- Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—talk about the best of both worlds!
- Perfect as a side dish or even a main course paired with a salad or dipping sauce.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family—who doesn’t love a good potato cake?
Trust me, you’ll be making these again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your loaded mashed potato cakes turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my top tips:
- Use cold mashed potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, use them straight from there! Cold potatoes hold their shape better and make it easier to form patties.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes, and we want them tender and fluffy!
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste your mixture before forming patties. You can always add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. A little extra seasoning goes a long way!
- Keep an eye on the heat: Cooking over medium heat is key. Too hot, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. Too low, and they won’t get that lovely golden crust.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out the bacon for cooked sausage, or add in some cooked veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a tasty twist!
- Let them rest: After cooking, allow the cakes to sit for a minute or two before digging in. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
With these tips, I’m sure you’ll impress everyone with your delicious loaded mashed potato cakes. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to loaded mashed potato cakes, you might be wondering about the nutritional details. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving (that’s one delicious cake!):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so they can vary depending on what you choose to include. Enjoy these tasty cakes in moderation, and savor every bite of this comforting dish!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delicious loaded mashed potato cakes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my answers:
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover mashed potatoes work best for this recipe. They hold their shape better and add so much flavor. Just make sure they’re cold before mixing!
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you’re looking for a bacon alternative, you can use cooked sausage, diced ham, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your choice!
Can I freeze these cakes?
You sure can! To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What dips pair well with loaded mashed potato cakes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with sour cream, but you can also try ranch dressing, a zesty salsa, or even a creamy garlic aioli. They’re all fantastic dips that complement the flavors beautifully!
Enjoy your loaded mashed potato cakes, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these loaded mashed potato cakes, the options are endless! They’re so versatile and can pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the cakes perfectly. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing!
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, add a colorful and healthy touch to your plate.
- Dip it Up: Serve them alongside a variety of dips! Sour cream is a classic, but you can also try guacamole, spicy salsa, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a fun twist.
- Protein Boost: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or even a savory baked salmon for a heartier meal. The flavors of the meat will meld beautifully with the creamy potato cakes!
- Comforting Soup: A warm bowl of soup, like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, makes for a comforting combo that’s perfect for a cozy night at home.
Mix and match according to your mood or occasion, and you’ll have a delightful meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your creation and happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a batch of these delicious loaded mashed potato cakes and have some leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly will keep them tasting just as amazing as when they were freshly cooked.
To store, let the cakes cool completely to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between each cake to prevent sticking, and then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of great options! For the best texture, I recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a tiny bit of oil to the pan and warm them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but keep in mind they won’t be as crispy. Enjoy your delightful leftovers!
Print
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes: 5 Simple Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious loaded mashed potato cakes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Coat each patty in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for best results.
- Adjust cheese and bacon quantities to your taste.
- Serve with sour cream or your favorite dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: loaded mashed potato cakes
