Mashed Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Leftover mashed potatoes make these Mashed Potato Pancakes (Latkes) a snap. They’re crispy on the outside and creamy, cheesy delicious on the inside.

If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can buy some at a restaurant or grocery store (shhh). 

I made these mashed potato cakes as one of my Hanukkah recipes last year and now it’s my new favorite way to use leftover mashed potatoes. They’re that good! And it’s a pleasure not to have to do that grating and squeezing the potatoes dry for traditional latkes.

We had a few of these mashed potato pancakes left over which I reheated and reluctantly shared with my husband. He loves them too. I’ll have to hide the leftovers next time 🙂

Basic Ingredients: I used several recipes as a loose guide, then experimented with getting the textures and flavors right. In the end, you just mix together your mashed potatoes with a few simple ingredients you like. I add cheese, green onions, an egg and parsley or fresh chives, dredge them in flour and fry them in a skillet the same as you would with any potato pancake.

If you like crispy pancakes with creamy insides, you’ll love these. Holiday feast or not. This easy recipe makes a great side dish or light main and is a perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes (maybe Thanksgiving leftovers?).

If you’re still in the mood for more traditional potato latkes, try our Potato Latkes (Oven or Fried) recipe. And here’s a good basic mashed potatoes recipe if you don’t have leftovers.

What to serve with this potato pancakes recipe

Potato pancakes make a great side dish for any protein. Here are are a few favorites to pair them with.

• maple glazed salmon recipe
• smothered chicken in a skillet (two comfort foods together!)
• chicken meatloaf with vegetables
• healthy meatloaf with mushroom gravy
• broccoli apple salad
• marinated tomato salad
• sous vide corned beef 

Tips

• Don’t skip dredging the pancakes/latkes lightly in flour before frying. It helps create the crust. It also helps reduce the stickiness of the pancakes, making them easier to handle.
• If your mashed potatoes are on the wet side, increase the flour a bit. Not by too much though – you want those latke insides nice and creamy. If your potatoes are on the dryer side, you can add another egg or a bit of milk.
• Great toppings:
  • Latkes are traditionally served with sour cream and, in our family, with applesauce.
  • I’ve just discovered caramelized onions as a new topping – sensational!
  • Other good toppings are cranberry sauce, chutney or chopped fresh chives

Tailor To Your Taste

• Cheese: Vary the cheese. I used a combination of gruyere and cheddar. Add some parmesan cheese if you like as well. A reader even suggested a Mexican four cheese blend. Or, you can leave out the cheese if you wish.
• Potatoes: for a different taste with extra nutrition, use mashed sweet potatoes.
• Add-ins: 
  • You can add crispy bacon if you like (but not for Hanukkah!).
  • Herbs like thyme, basil or tarragon.
  • Caramelized onions can be used as an add-in instead of a topping. 

Shortcuts

• Use leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes.

Make Ahead 

• Fresh out of the pan is the best way to serve potato pancakes (latkes) to get that crispy exterior. They are just as tasty, however, if you make them ahead and reheat them in the oven, although the crust will not be crisp.
• To store: Cool and store in fridge in sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in oven at 350F/176.7C for 8-10 minutes.
• To freeze: Potato cakes may be frozen between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container or bag. Or flash freeze on a sheet plan for 1/2 hour, then pile into a ziplock or airtight container to freeze for up to 3 months. 

What else to do with leftover mashed potatoes

Our vegetarian shepherds pie uses a root vegetable mash as the topping, but could just as easily be replaced with leftover mashed potatoes. A great way to use them!

Simple steps to make mashed potato pancakes

I created this recipe with inspiration from: Spend with Pennies, The Busy Baker and Kitchme.