Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes: A Comfort Food Twist

Craving comfort food with a twist? Look no further! These Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes are a delightful way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes and transform them into a crispy, flavorful treat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying brunch, or even a unique side dish, these pancakes are incredibly versatile and customizable. This recipe elevates the classic mashed potato pancake by incorporating the fresh, zesty flavor of scallions, adding a touch of vibrancy and depth to every bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love These Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for even beginner cooks.
* **Great Way to Use Leftovers:** Tired of the same old mashed potatoes? Turn them into these delicious pancakes and avoid food waste.
* **Flavorful and Versatile:** The scallions add a burst of fresh flavor, and the pancakes can be customized with your favorite toppings and sauces.
* **Perfect for Any Meal:** Enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a side dish – the possibilities are endless.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Made with pantry staples, these pancakes are an affordable and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Mashed Potatoes:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 2-3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes. Day-old mashed potatoes work best as they are drier, which helps the pancakes hold their shape better. You can use homemade or store-bought mashed potatoes.
* **Scallions:** Also known as green onions, these add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of chopped scallions. Make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before chopping.
* **Egg:** An egg acts as a binder, holding the pancakes together. One large egg is usually sufficient.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour helps to absorb excess moisture and create a crisp exterior. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if needed.
* **Butter or Oil:** For frying the pancakes. Butter adds a richer flavor, while oil provides a crispier texture. You can use either or a combination of both.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Get creative with your favorite ingredients! Consider adding shredded cheese, cooked bacon, chives, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** To combine the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Chopping Board and Knife:** For chopping the scallions.
* **Large Skillet or Griddle:** For frying the pancakes.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the pancakes.
* **Paper Towels:** To drain excess oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Wash and chop the scallions. You should aim for about 1/2 cup of chopped scallions.
* If your mashed potatoes are cold, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will make them easier to mix with the other ingredients. However, avoid making them too hot, as this could cook the egg.

**2. Combine the Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped scallions, and egg. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
* Add the flour, salt, and pepper. Start with 1/4 cup of flour and mix gently. If the mixture seems too wet, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a slightly thick, but still manageable, batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
* If you’re adding any optional ingredients, such as cheese or bacon, now is the time to mix them in.

**3. Heat the Skillet:**

* Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil (or a combination of both) and let it melt. Make sure the entire surface of the skillet is coated.

**4. Form the Pancakes:**

* Once the skillet is hot, drop spoonfuls of the mashed potato mixture onto the skillet. Use a spoon or your hands to gently flatten the mixture into pancake shapes. Aim for pancakes that are about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook the pancakes in batches if necessary.

**5. Cook the Pancakes:**

* Cook the pancakes for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancakes. If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

**6. Drain and Serve:**

* Once the pancakes are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes

* **Use Day-Old Mashed Potatoes:** Day-old mashed potatoes are drier than freshly made ones, which helps the pancakes hold their shape better and prevents them from becoming soggy. If you’re using freshly made mashed potatoes, let them cool completely before using them in the recipe.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
* **Adjust the Flour as Needed:** The amount of flour you need will depend on the consistency of your mashed potatoes. If the mixture seems too wet, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a slightly thick batter. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of milk or cream.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Cooking the pancakes over medium heat ensures that they cook evenly and don’t burn. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and prevent the pancakes from browning properly. Cook the pancakes in batches if necessary.
* **Keep the Pancakes Warm:** If you’re cooking the pancakes in batches, you can keep the finished pancakes warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients. Add shredded cheese, cooked bacon, chives, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve them alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Top them with a fried egg, sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or sriracha mayo.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Serve them with a side salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
* **With Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, bacon bits, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce.

Variations

* **Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes:** Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
* **Bacon Mashed Potato Pancakes:** Add crumbled cooked bacon to the batter for a savory and smoky flavor.
* **Garlic Mashed Potato Pancakes:** Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the batter for a garlicky kick.
* **Spicy Mashed Potato Pancakes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Potato Pancakes:** Substitute some of the mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful pancake.
* **Vegan Mashed Potato Pancakes:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based butter or oil for frying.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Leftover mashed potato pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a little butter or oil, bake them in a preheated oven (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes. Pan-frying or baking will result in a crispier texture.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze mashed potato pancakes. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Freezing may alter the texture of the pancakes, making them slightly softer.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 150-200 per pancake
* Fat: 5-10g
* Saturated Fat: 2-5g
* Cholesterol: 30-50mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy!

These Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With their simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable flavors, they are perfect for any occasion. So, grab your leftover mashed potatoes and get cooking! You won’t be disappointed.

Recipe Card

**Savory Scallion Mashed Potato Pancakes**

A delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes! These savory pancakes are easy to make and perfect for any meal.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10-15 minutes
**Total Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6 pancakes

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1/2 cup chopped scallions
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
* 1 tablespoon butter or oil (or a combination of both)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Shredded cheese, cooked bacon, chives, garlic powder, onion powder

**Instructions:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped scallions, and egg. Mix well.
2. Add the flour, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Add more flour if needed to form a slightly thick batter.
3. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mashed potato mixture onto the skillet and flatten into pancake shapes.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Use day-old mashed potatoes for best results.
* Don’t overmix the batter.
* Adjust the flour as needed.
* Get creative with toppings and variations!

Bon appétit!