Oven-Baked Mashed Potato Cakes are a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, offering a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and transform them into a delicious side dish or snack. Follow these steps to create golden, crispy potato cakes that are sure to be a hit.Ingredients2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (chilled)1 large egg, beaten1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or your choice)1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onionsSalt and pepper, to taste1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil, for brushing
STEP 1: PREHEAT OVEN AND PREPARE BAKING SHEETPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.STEP 2: MIX THE INGREDIENTSCombine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, grated cheese, flour, chives (or green onions), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. If using any optional add-ins, fold them into the mixture now.STEP 3: SHAPE THE POTATO CAKESFlour Your Hands: Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.Form Cakes: Scoop out a portion of the potato mixture and form it into a patty. The cakes should be about 1/2 inch thick. Place each cake on the prepared baking sheet.Repeat until all the mixture is used, spacing the cakes evenly on the baking sheet.STEP 4: BAKEBrush: Lightly brush the tops of the potato cakes with melted butter or olive oil. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.Flip: Carefully flip each potato cake and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and golden.STEP 5: SERVECool Slightly: Let the potato cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped chives or green onions.Serve: Enjoy the potato cakes hot as a side dish or with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.Closing ThoughtsOven-Baked Mashed Potato Cakes are a versatile and delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these cakes can be customized with various add-ins and cheeses to suit your taste. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of these easy-to-make potato cakes.
