Transforming Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Delicious Pancakes Recipes
Leftover mashed potatoes are a delightful problem to have. Instead of letting them languish in the refrigerator, destined for eventual disposal, why not transform them into something equally comforting and utterly delicious? Mashed potato pancakes are the answer! They are a fantastic way to repurpose your spuds, offering a simple, satisfying, and versatile meal option. These pancakes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and begging to be topped with your favorite accompaniments. This article explores several delicious recipes and variations to elevate your leftover mashed potatoes into unforgettable pancakes.
## Why Mashed Potato Pancakes?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why mashed potato pancakes are such a fantastic choice:
* **Waste Reduction:** It’s the most obvious benefit. Using leftovers minimizes food waste, contributing to a more sustainable kitchen.
* **Flavor & Texture:** Mashed potato pancakes offer a delightful contrast of textures – crispy edges and a soft, pillowy interior. The flavor is comforting and subtly savory, providing a blank canvas for various toppings.
* **Versatility:** You can customize these pancakes with different herbs, spices, cheeses, and even vegetables to suit your taste and dietary preferences. They can be served as a side dish, a light meal, or even a savory breakfast option.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these pancakes in no time.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Most kids love potatoes, and these pancakes are a fun and appealing way to get them to eat their vegetables (or, in this case, their leftover vegetables!).
## The Basic Mashed Potato Pancake Recipe
This recipe forms the foundation for all the variations that follow. Mastering this basic recipe will allow you to experiment and create your own signature mashed potato pancakes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cold or at room temperature)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, flour, green onions (or chives), and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
2. **Form the Pancakes:** Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture onto a lightly floured surface. Gently flatten each spoonful into a pancake shape, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. You can use your hands to shape them, but make sure your hands are lightly floured to prevent sticking.
3. **Heat the Oil or Butter:** Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
4. **Cook the Pancakes:** Carefully place the pancakes in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook the other side until equally golden brown.
5. **Keep Warm (Optional):** As the pancakes are cooked, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F/95°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Serve:** Serve the mashed potato pancakes immediately while they are hot and crispy. Top with your favorite toppings (see suggestions below).
## Recipe Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some exciting variations:
### 1. Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Adding cheese to the pancakes elevates the flavor and adds a gooey, melty element that’s simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the shredded cheese to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with sour cream, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
### 2. Bacon & Cheddar Mashed Potato Pancakes
This variation combines the savory goodness of bacon with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a fried egg on top for a complete and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
### 3. Herb & Garlic Mashed Potato Pancakes
This variation focuses on fresh herbs and garlic to create a fragrant and flavorful pancake.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, replacing the green onions with:
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
* 1 clove garlic, minced
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the parsley, chives, and minced garlic to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a dollop of garlic aioli or a simple lemon-herb sauce.
### 4. Spicy Chorizo Mashed Potato Pancakes
For those who like a little heat, this variation adds spicy chorizo to the mix.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled chorizo
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the cooked chorizo and chili powder (if using) to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a dollop of sour cream, salsa verde, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
### 5. Sweet Potato Mashed Potato Pancakes
This variation uses a combination of regular mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious pancake.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, egg, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Follow steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or toasted pecans.
### 6. Vegetable Medley Mashed Potato Pancakes
This variation is a great way to use up other leftover cooked vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, peas, corn)
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the chopped cooked vegetables to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a side of steamed vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
### 7. Vegan Mashed Potato Pancakes
This variation uses plant-based ingredients to create delicious and cruelty-free pancakes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (ensure they are made with plant-based milk and butter)
* 1/4 cup chickpea flour (or other gluten-free flour)
* 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, green onions (or chives), and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Follow steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with vegan sour cream, salsa, or a dollop of guacamole.
### 8. Corn and Jalapeno Mashed Potato Pancakes
This version gives a southwestern kick to your leftover mashed potatoes.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
* 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeno peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the corn kernels, chopped jalapeno peppers, and cumin powder to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Top with sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice.
### 9. Spinach and Feta Mashed Potato Pancakes
For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate spinach and feta cheese into your mashed potato pancakes.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 1/2 cup chopped cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
* A pinch of dried oregano
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
### 10. Everything Bagel Mashed Potato Pancakes
Bring the flavors of your favorite everything bagel to your potato pancakes.
**Ingredients:**
* Follow the basic mashed potato pancake recipe, adding:
* 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Follow the basic recipe instructions, adding the everything bagel seasoning to the mashed potato mixture in step 1. Ensure even distribution.
2. Proceed with steps 2-6 of the basic recipe.
**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt.
## Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Pancakes
* **Use Cold Mashed Potatoes:** Cold mashed potatoes are easier to work with and hold their shape better when forming the pancakes. If your mashed potatoes are warm, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the potato mixture can result in tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Adjust Flour as Needed:** The amount of flour needed may vary depending on the consistency of your mashed potatoes. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a manageable dough.
* **Use a Non-Stick Skillet:** A non-stick skillet makes it easier to flip the pancakes without them sticking. If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, make sure to use enough oil or butter to prevent sticking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the pancakes to steam instead of brown. Cook the pancakes in batches, leaving enough space between them.
* **Control the Heat:** Maintain a medium heat to ensure the pancakes cook evenly and don’t burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through.
* **Pat Dry Additional Ingredients:** If you’re adding ingredients like spinach or zucchini, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the potato mixture.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The possibilities for toppings are endless! Consider sour cream, Greek yogurt, salsa, guacamole, fried eggs, bacon, chives, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
## Serving Suggestions Beyond Breakfast
While these pancakes are often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, don’t limit their potential! Here are some other ways to serve them:
* **Side Dish:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the pancakes into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
* **Light Lunch:** Pair the pancakes with a side salad or a cup of soup for a light and satisfying lunch.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a pancake or two as a quick and easy snack.
## Storing and Reheating Leftover Pancakes
If you have leftover pancakes, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for a minute or two.
## Final Thoughts
Mashed potato pancakes are a delicious and versatile way to transform leftovers into something truly special. With endless variations and topping options, you can create a unique and satisfying meal every time. So, next time you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t throw them away – turn them into crispy, creamy, and utterly irresistible pancakes!
Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering your own favorite mashed potato pancake creations!