We all know that right after Thanksgiving, it’s an inevitable fact that most of the turkey and mashed potatoes are left untouched. When this happens, there are usually three options. The first one is to give it, the second is throw it away (it spoils, you know) and the third one is you make a new dish out of it.
Well…the third one is somewhat easy, especially if you have a very creative mind.There are many things you can do with turkey. There are actually lots of recipes for turkey leftovers. However, it’s also very good if you pair it with cheesy leftover mashed potato leftover pancakes. This recipe is very easy to make, as long as you can follow the instructions that are listed below.
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chilled Mashed Potato Leftovers
- 2/3 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp. Scallions chopped
- 1 pc. Egg slightly beaten
- 3 tbsp. All-purpose Flour
- ½ cup All-purpose Flour
- Vegetable Oil for frying
- Sour Cream for serving
Instructions
- mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, spices
- Mix chilled mashed potato leftovers, scallions, cheese, egg and 3 tablespoons of flour in a large mixing bowl. Mix until everything is blended thoroughly.
- By using your two hands, divide the mashed potato mixture into twelve equal parts. Make sure that you have washed your hands before this, though.
- Roll every mashed potato portion into a large, compact ball before flattening it by means of a rolling pin. Just flatten the pancake into a disc about a ½-inch thick.
- Next, place the remaining ½ cup of flour in a dish and drench the mashed potato discs in it.
- Next, heat at least three to four tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Make sure that the bottom of the pan is all coated with it.
- Fry the pancakes for about three to four minutes until the pancakes are golden-brown in color and crispy on both sides. If in case that the oil runs out during frying, just add more of it until the whole batch is done. Once cooked, transfer the pancakes in a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil and add some salt in it.
- Serve the finished Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes and top it with sour cream and some chopped scallions.
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Oven-Baked Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a bit of olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your potato pancakes go in.
- Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This prevents the pancakes from sticking and helps them become beautifully crispy.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, chopped scallions (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form Pancakes: Take a scoop of the mixture and form it into a pancake shape, about 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture, leaving some space between each pancake.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may want to flip them halfway through the baking time for even crispiness.
- Serve Hot: Once they’re beautifully browned and irresistible, remove the potato pancakes from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two to firm up, then serve them hot.
Tips for making Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Cooking Tips
- The Cheese Matters: Choose high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese can work wonders.
- Optimal Pancake Thickness: Aim for pancakes about 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick. This thickness ensures a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
- Preheat Your Oven: If you’re baking your pancakes, make sure the oven is properly preheated to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect crunch.
- Handle with Care: When forming the pancakes, gently shape them. Avoid packing the mixture too tightly to maintain a fluffy texture.
- Use Non-Stick Surfaces: Whether you’re frying or baking, use a non-stick pan or parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If frying, give each pancake enough space in the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Crispy is Key: The magic lies in the crispiness. Achieve that golden crust by allowing the pancakes to cook undisturbed until they’re ready to flip.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add extra ingredients like chopped scallions, bacon bits, or minced garlic to personalize your pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Bliss: Start your day with a breakfast twist. Serve your pancakes with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, and a perfectly poached egg on top.
- Sidekick to Soup: Pair these pancakes with a comforting soup, like tomato bisque or creamy broccoli, for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Brunch Bonanza: Create a brunch platter by serving your pancakes alongside crispy bacon strips, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
- Tapas Time: Make them bite-sized and serve as appetizers for a tapas-style gathering. Offer dipping sauces like aioli or sweet chili for an extra kick.
- Sweet and Savory: Top your pancakes with a spoonful of applesauce or cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Burger Buddy: Swap out traditional burger buns and use these pancakes as a bun replacement for a unique burger experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but homemade or leftover mashed potatoes will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
- Can I freeze these pancakes for later? Absolutely! Once cooked, let them cool, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for that crispy texture.
- What’s the secret to achieving maximum crispiness? Achieving crispy potato pancakes involves using a hot pan or oven and allowing them to cook undisturbed until golden brown on each side.
- Can I make these pancakes gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free
Experience the culinary brilliance of Chef John at Food And Meal Restaurant. With over 20 years of global expertise, My innovative creations and unwavering dedication to cooking have earned me a well-deserved reputation. My passion for gastronomy is showcased in every dish, combining fresh, local ingredients with harmonious flavors and captivating presentations. My ability to tell a story through my food reflects my profound understanding of culture and emotion.