Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

Looking for a tasty twist on classic mashed potatoes? Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes are the answer!

They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s like having mashed potatoes in the form of a perfect bite-sized cake.

These cakes are perfect for any meal, from dinner to snacks, and they’re super easy to make. Once you try them, they’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes!

Don’t wait! Grab your ingredients and whip up these delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Golden: The outside of these cakes gets perfectly crispy while the inside remains soft and fluffy, offering the ideal contrast in texture.
• Loaded with Flavor: Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions come together to create a flavor-packed bite that you won’t be able to stop eating.
• Quick & Easy: They’re simple to make and perfect for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal or snack later.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your preferences, making these potato cakes your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 12 potato cakes, perfect for serving 4 people as a side dish or snack. Want more? Simply double the recipe.

Difficulty: This recipe is beginner-friendly, making it a fun and easy project for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these delicious potato cakes:

• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the mashed potatoes and all the ingredients.
• Frying Pan or Skillet: For cooking the potato cakes until golden and crispy.
• Spatula: For flipping the cakes gently during cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for ingredients.
• Plate or Tray: For resting the cakes after cooking to keep them crispy.

Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these loaded mashed potato cakes (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably chilled): Leftover mashed potatoes work best, but fresh mashed potatoes will do too.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor.
• ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped: Bacon brings a salty, savory crunch that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• ¼ cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, slightly tangy flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together and gives the cakes structure.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten: Adds moisture and helps hold the cakes together while cooking.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: For seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 2–3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil: Used for frying the cakes to get them crispy and golden brown.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream: For a cool, creamy topping.
• Parsley or extra green onions: To garnish and add a touch of color.

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes (Step-by-Step)

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, golden cakes every time.

Step 1: Mix the Potato Cake Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, chopped green onions, flour, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together easily when you form it into a patty. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 2: Form the Potato Cakes

Once your potato mixture is ready, it’s time to form the cakes. Take a spoonful of the mixture and gently press it into your hands to form a small, flat patty. Aim for about 2-3 inches in diameter. Repeat until you have used up all the mixture. You should be able to make about 12 cakes, depending on the size you choose. Place the formed cakes on a plate or tray, ready to fry.

Step 3: Fry the Potato Cakes

Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the potato cakes in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the cakes in batches if needed. Fry each cake for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them gently, making sure not to break them. Once cooked, remove the cakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once all the potato cakes are cooked and drained, serve them warm. For an added touch, top each cake with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra green onions. These little garnishes will enhance the flavor and make your potato cakes look even more appetizing.

Serving, Storing, and Tips for Success

Now that you’ve made your delicious Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes, let’s talk about how to serve them, store leftovers, and some tips to make sure they turn out perfect every time.

How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

These crispy, cheesy potato cakes can be served in a variety of ways to suit your meal or occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or a juicy burger. They pair wonderfully with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these cakes as bite-sized appetizers at your next party or family gathering. They’ll be a hit with guests!
• With Dips: These cakes are perfect for dipping. Try serving them with sour cream, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
• In a Breakfast Bowl: Add a couple of these cakes to a breakfast bowl with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa for a hearty morning meal.

Storing Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

If you have any leftover potato cakes (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later.

• Fridge: Place the cooled cakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to crisp them up again.
• Freezer: You can freeze the potato cakes for up to 1 month. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes work best for this recipe. They hold their shape better when mixed with the other ingredients, making it easier to form the cakes.
• Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour helps to bind the mixture together and gives the cakes structure. If the mixture feels too wet, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour.
• Adjust the Size of the Cakes: If you prefer larger or smaller potato cakes, feel free to adjust the size of the patties. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly (larger cakes may need a little longer to cook through).
• Get Creative with Add-ins: While this recipe uses cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, feel free to customize your potato cakes with other ingredients. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled sausage, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition for one serving (1 potato cake):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	1g
Protein	4g
Sodium	180mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes FAQ

1. Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cakes ahead of time. After forming the patties, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. If you want to freeze them, follow the freezing instructions mentioned earlier.

2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While fresh or leftover mashed potatoes work best for this recipe, you can use instant mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are prepared with enough moisture and seasoning so they can hold together well in the cakes.

3. How do I make these cakes spicier?
To add more spice, try mixing in some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce into the potato mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.

4. Can I bake the potato cakes instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the potato cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cakes are golden and crispy on the outside.

5. Can I make these potato cakes vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make these vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You might want to add extra flavor with ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some crumbled vegetarian sausage.

6. What can I serve with Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes?
These potato cakes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grilled meats. They’re also great as an appetizer or snack with dipping sauces like ranch or sour cream.

Conclusion

Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, turning them into a delicious, crispy treat. With their savory flavors from cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, these potato cakes are the perfect combination of texture and taste. Whether you serve them as a side, appetizer, or snack, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, these Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes will quickly become a household hit. Enjoy every crispy bite!