There’s something about the comfort of mashed potatoes that warms the soul, don’t you think? Picture cozy nights spent with family, laughter bubbling up as the aroma of buttery potatoes fills the air. Loaded Mashed Potato Cake is a little treasure in my household—crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I whipped these delights up; it was an experiment that turned out to be a feast! Ever since, this recipe has woven its way into my dinner routine, and I’m thrilled to share it with you because trust me, you’re going to want to tuck this gem under your wing.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine biting into a golden-brown cake that’s not just hearty but bursting with flavors! The loaded mashed potato cake marries the humble potato with the indulgent richness of cheese, crispy bacon, and a burst of freshness from green onions. This dish isn’t just about feeding hungry bellies; it’s about creating warmth and joy around the dinner table. The beauty of it is in its versatility; you can serve these cakes as a decadent side, a delightful brunch option, or even a snack.
Besides being a crowd-pleaser, this recipe can be a fridge-cleaner. Got leftover mashed potatoes? Use them! It’s a super-easy way to elevate your leftovers into a star performer. Plus, every bite promises gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and those crispy edges that create a symphony in your mouth. Who wouldn’t want that kind of deliciousness in their life tonight?
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this dish sing:
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Mashed Potatoes (2 cups): The heart of this cake. If you have leftover mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner, this is your divine excuse to transform them into something extraordinary! If you don’t, feel free to whip up a fresh batch—just make sure they are fluffy and well-seasoned.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Cheese makes everything better—need I say more? Go for sharp cheddar for that punch of flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick!
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Cooked Bacon, chopped (1/2 cup): Bacon brings the magic! The smoky crunch adds texture and depth. If you’re wanting a vegetarian option, some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can add that same kind of savory goodness.
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Green Onions, chopped (1/4 cup): A sprinkle of green onions not only provides freshness but also a lovely pop of color. Don’t skip them—they make it vibrant!
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Sour Cream (1/2 cup): This is what makes the cakes creamy rather than dense. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute.
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Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of garlic gives warmth without being overpowering. Garlic lovers could easily up this to a full teaspoon.
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Salt and Pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! A pinch of salt and a grind of pepper elevate the flavors.
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Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These are crucial for that crunchy outer shell. Panko breadcrumbs give an even better crunch!
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Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point—canola or vegetable oil works wonders here.
Step-by-step instructions overview
Alright, grab your mixing bowl; let’s make this magic happen!
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well-blended! A good mix ensures that every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
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Shape the Patties: Now, it’s time to form your mixture into lovely little cakes. Think of them like potato burgers—about 1 inch thick and just the right size for flipping. Once shaped, gently roll them in breadcrumbs so they get all crunchy and ready for their bath in hot oil.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat up about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the cakes. Fry them until each side gives you that perfect golden-brown hue, roughly 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step—this is where the magic truly happens!
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Serve Warm: Serve these warm, with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a few green onions on top for garnish. You could even offer a dollop of sour cream or your favorite sauce on the side.
Best way to enjoy it
So, how do you serve these beauties? Well, the options are endless! Pair your Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes with a refreshing salad for a satisfying meal, or serve them alongside grilled chicken or steak for an indulgent feast. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread, alongside eggs and fresh fruit. Consider a drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy contrast—trust me; it’s divine!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? You lucky chef! You can store these cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you want to freeze them, place the uncooked cakes in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about a month. And when you’re ready to indulge, cook from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the frying time.
Helpful cooking tips
- When mixing, don’t overwork the potato mixture. You want them fluffy, not gummy!
- Experiment with different cheese; every variety brings a new flavor twist.
- If you’d rather bake them, using a little olive oil spray on a baking sheet can yield a healthier option with a slightly different texture.
Creative Twists
Want to add a personal flair? Switch up the cheese to feta or experiment with herbs like dill or thyme for an aromatic touch. You can even toss in some cooked veggies like spinach or corn for added nutrition. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability—make it yours!
Ingredients list
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Directions to follow
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into cakes and coat each with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry cakes until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or green onions if desired.
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time? Expect about 15 minutes to mix everything, and then cooking might take around 20-25 minutes, depending on how many you’re frying at once.
- Can I make these vegan? Absolutely! Use mashed potatoes with plant-based milk, swap the sour cream for a vegan alternative, and use a plant-based bacon or skip it altogether.
- Do these freeze well? Yes! They freeze wonderfully. Just make sure they’re well-stored.
- What can I serve on the side? Salads, grilled meats, or even some roasted veggies would pair beautifully!
- Can I bake them instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
Oh, friend, making Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes is not just about glorious flavors; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, sharing laughter and nourishment with loved ones. These cakes are bursting with comfort and creativity, encouraging you to experiment and make them your own. As you whip up this recipe, remember to relish the process, savor the aromas, and take a moment to celebrate the joy of home-cooked meals. Dive in, and don’t forget to share your experience with me; I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
Use Your Leftovers
Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:
Loaded Mashed Potato Cake
Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes are a perfect way to elevate leftovers into a delicious dish everyone will love.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.Ensure everything is well-blended. -
Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into cakes, about 1 inch thick, and roll them in breadcrumbs.This gives them a crunchy outer shell. -
Fry to Perfection
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the cakes for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown.Don't rush this step! -
Serve Warm
Serve the cakes warm, garnished with extra cheese or green onions if desired.Great with a dollop of sour cream or sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 100 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
