Let me tell you about loaded mashed potato cakes—oh my goodness, they are the ultimate comfort food! Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a creamy, dreamy inside packed with all the flavors you love. When I first made these for a gathering, they disappeared faster than I could serve them! They’re perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, bringing everyone together around the table. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up with leftover mashed potatoes, making them a smart choice for reducing waste. Trust me, once you try these delicious little cakes, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
To make the most scrumptious loaded mashed potato cakes, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with 2 cups of mashed potatoes—leftovers work perfectly! Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that melty goodness. Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of crumbled cooked bacon for a savory kick. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to give them that crispy crust, along with 1 egg to bind everything together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, and have some oil on hand for frying. These ingredients come together to create a delightful dish that you’ll adore!
How to Prepare Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Getting ready to make your loaded mashed potato cakes is a breeze! First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup of crumbled cooked bacon. Then, crack in 1 egg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, but don’t overmix—just enough to blend those flavors!
Next, it’s time to shape the mixture into patties. I usually make them about 2-3 inches wide so they cook evenly, but feel free to make them your preferred size! Once shaped, dredge each patty in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to coat them nicely. This will give you that wonderful crunch.
Now, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your stove. When they’re done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels for a minute. Voilà, you’re ready to enjoy these delicious cakes!
Tips for Success
To ensure your loaded mashed potato cakes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your mashed potatoes are completely cool before mixing. This helps the cakes hold their shape better. When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan—give them space to crisp up nicely. A medium heat is key; too high, and they might burn on the outside while staying cold inside. If you notice the oil getting too hot, just reduce the heat a little. And, if the patties seem too soft to handle, chilling them in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help firm them up. Happy frying!
Nutritional Information
These loaded mashed potato cakes are not only delicious but also provide some satisfying nutrition! Each cake has approximately 180 calories, with 8g of fat and 4g of protein. They contain 24g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber to keep you feeling full. You’ll also find 250mg of sodium and 30mg of cholesterol per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these tasty cakes while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make with simple ingredients!
- Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—what’s not to love?
- Loaded with flavor from cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies!
- Great as a side dish or a snack, any time of day.
Variations
One of the best things about loaded mashed potato cakes is how versatile they are! Feel free to mix things up with different cheeses—try adding pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor. If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, finely chopped spinach or zucchini can be great additions. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these cakes your own! Each variation will bring a new twist to this already delightful dish.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded mashed potato cakes are so versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing for that extra creamy goodness. You could also whip up a quick spicy aioli or a zesty salsa for a fun twist. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies. Trust me, these cakes will elevate any dish they accompany!
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about loaded mashed potato cakes, don’t worry—I’ve got answers! Here are a few common queries I often hear:
Can I use frozen mashed potatoes? Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and at room temperature before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help your cakes hold together better.
What if my mixture is too wet? If you find your potato mixture is a bit too sticky, simply add a little more breadcrumbs until it’s easier to form into patties. This can help with shaping and frying.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent drying out. Fry them right before serving for that crispy goodness!
Are these loaded mashed potato cakes gluten-free? You can easily make them gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore that crunchy exterior. Enjoy!
Learn more about delicious tomato soup to pair with your loaded mashed potato cakes!
Z nadrukami
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Loaded mashed potato cakes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, packed with flavor.
Składniki
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, and egg.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Form mixture into patties.
- Dredge each patty in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry patties until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Uwagi
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Frying
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cake
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 250mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 24g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: loaded mashed potato cakes, potato cakes, mashed potato recipes
