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Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes

Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes

Golden-fried patties of creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar and green onions, coated in crispy breadcrumbs - the ultimate comfort food side or snack!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 cakes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potato Mixture
  • 2.5 lbs russet potatoes peeled and cubed (about 5 large)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup milk or cream
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Breading Station
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups breadcrumbs Italian-style preferred
For Frying
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil canola, vegetable, or sunflower
For Serving
  • sour cream optional
  • fresh chives optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Potato Masher
  • 9x13 Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Cook Potatoes: Boil peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water until tender (15-18 mins). Drain well and return to pot to dry slightly.
  2. Make Mashed Potatoes: Mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  3. Add Mix-Ins: Stir in green onions and shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. Chill: Press mixture into 9x13 dish, cover, and refrigerate 30 mins to firm up.
  5. Shape Cakes: Use 3-inch cutter to form patties. Re-roll scraps for more cakes.
  6. Bread: Dredge each patty in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Fry: Heat oil in skillet to 350°F (180°C). Fry cakes 3-4 mins per side until golden brown. Drain on wire rack.
  8. Serve: Garnish with sour cream and chives if desired. Best served warm!

Notes

Make-Ahead: Shape and bread cakes up to 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated until ready to fry.
Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 mins, flipping halfway, for lighter version.
Freezing: Freeze unbreaded or breaded patties on parchment-lined tray, then transfer to bags. Fry from frozen, adding 1-2 mins cooking time.