Mashed Potato Pancakes

Turn leftover mashed potatoes into golden, crispy, cheesy mashed potato pancakes! They're perfect for using up surplus cooked spuds from Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner and so good that you’ll start to dream of cooking a fresh batch of creamy mashed potatoes just for the excuse to fry some up. Mashed potato pancakes are the kind of versatile potato side dish that’s worth keeping in your back pocket anytime you’re gathering with family or friends for big meals.

The best part about this recipe is that the pancakes work any time of day. Serve them for breakfast with cream cheese and lox, pair them with a grilled steak at dinner, or set them out as an appetizer with a generous dollop of tangy sour cream. No matter how or when they’re served, they’ll disappear quickly.

If you’re looking for more post-holiday ideas, check out these leftover mashed potato recipes.

How do you keep mashed potato pancakes from falling apart?

This recipe includes four ingredients that ensure your mashed potato pancakes won't fall apart. First, there's an egg, which helps bind the batter together. Second, there's flour, which absorbs some of the excess moisture from the milk and butter that is likely in your leftover mashed potatoes (a main cause of pancakes falling apart). The flour also provides protein and starch, which helps the egg hold everything together. Third, melty cheddar cheese acts as the most delicious binder in the potatoes. Finally, a nice coating of breadcrumbs on the outside of each patty keeps everything contained and creates a crunchy bite!

Do you have to coat the pancakes in breadcrumbs?

The breadcrumbs are not required but are highly recommended. If you skip the breadcrumbs, you won't get that satisfying crunch but the pancakes will still hold together just fine.

How long do mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?

Leftover mashed potatoes will keep for up to four days in the fridge. You can extend their life by freezing mashed potatoes for up to one month.

How do you store leftover mashed potato pancakes?

Place the pancakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat the pancakes in an air fryer, a 350-degree-Fahrenheit oven, or a skillet with a touch of oil until warmed through.

Can mashed potato pancakes be frozen?

Yes! Cooked mashed potato pancakes can be frozen for up to three months. Arrange them in a single layer with parchment paper between each in an airtight container. To reheat, place the frozen pancakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a 375-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp. Alternatively, reheat the frozen pancakes in an air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the difference between traditional potato pancakes and mashed potato pancakes?

While mashed potato pancakes are made with mashed potatoes as a base, traditional potato pancakes are made with grated starchy potatoes, (like russets), grated onion, eggs, and a binder like flour, matzo meal, or breadcrumbs. Other ingredients, like green onions and garlic, are sometimes added to traditional potato pancakes, such as in Molly Yeh’s Latkes with Caramelized Onion Sour Cream.