Hey there, cheeseheads! Say hello to our Leftover Cheesy Potato Pancakes – the perfect solution to your “what to do with these leftover mashed potatoes” dilemma. These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re a crispy, cheesy delight that will have you looking forward to leftovers.
With a golden crust on the outside and a gooey, cheesy middle, these pancakes are the epitome of comfort food.
These savory and delicious potato pancakes are the magical transformation of humble leftovers into a dish that could easily steal the show at brunch or be that perfect side dish you’ve been searching for. We had leftover mashed potatoes, and friends coming over for brunch, and bam! These leftover cheesy potato pancakes were born 😀
What’s in Leftover Cheesy Potato Pancakes
At the heart of these heavenly pancakes are, of course, your leftover mashed potatoes. Mix in some sharp cheddar (because, let’s be honest, everything’s better with cheddar) and a handful of green onions for a burst of flavor.
The addition of an egg helps to bind everything together, ensuring your pancakes hold their shape and don’t fall apart when you’re flipping them.
And here’s the secret ingredient – a pinch of garlic powder. It’s this little touch that elevates the pancakes from good to “can’t stop eating.”
Variations and Substitutions
Cheddar cheese: Not a cheddar fan? Swap it out for some mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy experience.
Make it spicy: Add a kick with some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Green onions: If you’re out of green onions, chives or even a bit of finely diced red onion can work wonders.
Top Tips for Leftover Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- Once you place the potato pancakes into the pan, it is best not to move them around, or they might stick. Allow them time to sear a crusty bottom/top.
- Make sure your mashed potatoes are cold; it helps the pancakes keep their shape.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – give those pancakes some space to crisp up.
- Flip when golden brown to achieve that perfect, Instagram-worthy crust.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Got leftovers of your leftover pancakes? No problem. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month.
What to Serve with Leftover Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Pair these cheesy wonders with a fresh green salad like our Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, or Beet Goat Cheese Salad.
They also make a great side for eggs like these Goat Cheese Soft Scrambled Eggs or Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs. You also can’t go wrong with a nice hearty soup! We can’t get enough of this Cheesy Potato Soup.
Leftover Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
Cheesy Potato Pancakes
- 4 cups leftover cheesy potatoes
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup minced chives plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Place cheesy potatoes, breadcrumbs, and chives into a large bowl and mix well.
- Next, heat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add olive oil.
- When olive oil is fragrant, add 1/3 cup of the pancake mixture into the pan.
- Let the pancake cook for 2-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Pancakes will be a bit more moist than regular pancakes. Repeat until all of the cheesy pancake mixture is gone.
- Serve hot with greek yogurt and chives sprinkled over the top.
