My Crispy Mashed Potato Pancake Recipe

My Crispy Mashed Potato Pancake Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious meal with this easy-to-make crispy potato pancake recipe. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll create a savory dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients

  • 1 cups cold mashed potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh chives, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for the cooking process.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the cold mashed potatoes, potato starch (or cornstarch), beaten egg, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of chives. The mixture should be sticky but not too loose.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and fragrant, spoon the potato mixture into the skillet and press it into an even layer. Shape it into a pancake about 9 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium, then cover the skillet with a lid or a flat cookie sheet. Cook for about 8 to 9 minutes, turning the skillet 90 degrees every 2 to 3 minutes. The pancake should be golden brown around the edges, and the top will feel almost dry to the touch.

Step 5: Carefully slide the pancake onto a large plate. Spray another plate with nonstick cooking spray, then invert the pancake onto the greased plate.

Step 6: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Slide the pancake back into the skillet and cook uncovered until the other side is golden brown and crispy, about 5 more minutes.

Step 7: Once both sides are golden, transfer the pancake onto a cutting board. Garnish with the remaining 1 teaspoon of chives and slice the pancake into 8 wedges.

Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, delicious mashed potato pancake!

Cook's Notes

If you prefer individual potato pancakes, shape the mixture into 8 smaller pancakes. Fry them in batches, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes or until both sides are golden and crispy.

How to Store Potato Pancakes

Store any leftover potato pancakes in an airtight lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Can You Freeze Potato Pancakes?

Yes, you can freeze them! Flash freeze the potato pancakes by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 204
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 83mg
Sodium 536mg
Total Carbohydrates 24g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 9mg
Calcium 38mg
Iron 1mg
Potassium 414mg

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful potato pancakes and dont forget to experiment with different toppings like sour cream or cheese!

My Crispy Mashed Potato Pancake Recipe

Comments

Nancy Wilson

10/01/2025 02:56:55 PM

I concur with another reviewer who mentioned that these treats may not be the prettiest, but they certainly deliver in taste. Once the ingredients are combined, the batter resembled a thick pancake batter. Just like with pancakes, be sure to leave space in the pan for them to spread out. This might improve their appearance. I added in some leftover French-style green beans (chopped), and they added a nice flavor. A touch of cheddar or Parmesan cheese could elevate the sharpness of the dish.

Nicole Evans

10/01/2025 01:02:06 AM

Great starting recipe! I made a few tweaks by doubling the flour, adding pepper, shredded cheese, garlic, and onion powder. I rolled the mixture into balls, coated them with flour, flattened them, and fried them in butter and oil. This method prevented them from spreading too much and gave them a delicious crispy texture. Highly recommend trying these adjustments!

Richard Hernandez

09/29/2025 09:38:29 PM

I tried making the recipe two ways - one following the original instructions and the other with some tweaks. I have to say, with my modifications, it definitely deserves a 5-star rating. I added 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion, freshly ground salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese. After heating the oil in the skillet until very hot, I scooped the potato mixture into individual-sized cakes, pressed them down slightly with a spoon, and cooked them until crispy, flipping only once. I served these crispy cakes with sour cream and chives. They held together perfectly and were simply delicious.

Richard Gonzalez

10/01/2025 09:26:36 AM

I have been making potato pancakes since I was a young girl, learning from my mom who grew up during the depression and taught us not to waste anything. I found that using one egg for every two cups of cold mashed potatoes works perfectly. My secret ingredient has always been cornstarch, which helps to stiffen the mixture without altering the flavor or creating lumps. Over the years, I have experimented with various additions like bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and different chopped veggies. I personally enjoy having the plain pancake alongside the rest of the meal. These potato pancakes are a versatile way to use up leftovers, making them the ultimate leftover queen in my kitchen.

Brenda Carter

10/02/2025 06:43:26 AM

Super easy. I decided to enhance it by including bacon and a mix of shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese, which helped it stay intact and created a nice crispy crust. There are countless ways to customize this dish. Much appreciated!

Ruth Gonzalez

09/29/2025 05:07:12 PM

I found the taste of cornstarch to be quite strong. I might consider making a change next time.

Nancy Jones

09/28/2025 08:13:50 PM

I utilized my leftover mashed potatoes from Christmas dinner, combined them with cornstarch, green onions, eggs, and grated cheddar. I then fried them in my trusty cast iron pan.

Katherine Adams

09/29/2025 09:15:50 PM

Wonderful meal featuring turkey and gravy! I will definitely be making more and experimenting with freezing them as recommended. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Rebecca Clark

10/02/2025 06:01:01 AM

I decided to make these into mini pancakes instead. While they did brown nicely, they lacked the crispy texture I was hoping for. Nevertheless, they were delicious. I used leftover holiday potatoes to make this dish, giving them a new twist. The interior was soft and moist, just like mashed potatoes should be. They may not be revolutionary, but they were a great way to use up those potatoes and I would definitely make them again. I did miss the crunchy element of hash browns, but I guess that was expecting too much.