Fluffy inside, crispy outside, this is the best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Has anybody ever made the correct amount of mashed potatoes for a holiday party?

Enter these mashed potato pancakes to save the day!

Leftover mashed potato pancakes stacked on a plate and topped with sour cream and chives.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

So easy and so good!

Think of these savory treats as a new (and utterly delicious) way to enjoy leftover mashed potatoes!

What Are Mashed Potato Pancakes?

Overhead view of Potato Pancakes made with leftover mashed potatoes stacked on a plate and topped with sour cream.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Potato pancakesare nothing new.

After all,latkes exist, but most potato pancakes start with fresh potatoes that are shredded and pan-fried.

These mashed potato pancakes have a few switch-ups from classic potato pancakes.

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes with a bite on a fork held above the plate.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

For starters, they use mashed potatoes, so the finished pancakes have a more delicate texture.

These pancakes also allow for more add-ins because the pancakes are more forgiving and easier to form into patties.

Ingredients in Mashed Potato Pancakes

Obviously, you will need mashed potatoes!

Leftover mashed potato pancakes on a plate and topped with sour cream and chives

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Substitutions and Swaps

it’s possible for you to really get creative here.

Use what you have for inspiration and create different flavor combinations.

Upgrade Your Mashed Potato Pancakes!

Overhead view of mashed potatoes in a metal bowl to make cheesy leftover mashed potato pancakes.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

These are really nice served as a brunch option with a dollop of sour cream.

Serve them with somesoft-scrambled eggs,bacon, and apastryfor something sweet on the side.

Dealing With Leftover Leftovers

These pancakes keep as well as leftover mashed potatoes!

Cheese, egg, and chives added to a mashed potatoes to make cheesy leftover mashed potato pancakes.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Keep them in the fridge for up to a week without any issue.

To reheat:Drizzle a bit of oil in a large skillet.

Once it the oil shimmers at the pancakes.

Patting filling into pancakes to make mashed potato pancakes with cheddar.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

This will keep the outside crispy.

If you microwave them, they will lose their crispiness but otherwise be fine.

Place a few paper towels on a large plate.

Pan frying mashed potato pancakes with cheddar.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

You will transfer the pancakes to the paper towel lined plate as you fry them.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil.

You will form and fry as you go.

Mashed potato pancakes on a plate and topped with sour cream and chives

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Lightly wet your hands, to prevent the potato mixture from sticking.

Place the pancake in the skillet and repeat until you have 4-5 pancakes in the skillet.

Fry the pancakes for 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned and crispy.

Flip once and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side.

Transfer the potato pancakes from the pan to the paper towel-lined sheet.

Repeat until all the potato pancakes have been formed and fried.

Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.

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