This Potato Pancakes Recipe is the best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe is well loved by everyone in our family. This is just about the only way that my kids will eat mashed potatoes and by “eat,” I mean they wolf them down!

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

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There’s just something about that beautiful cheese pull with each one that makes these completely irresistible. Potato pancakes are quick and easy to make and have the simplest ingredients.

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest and YES, it’s totally worth it to make mashed potatoes just to have these potato pancakes! P.S. Don’t miss the sweet little taste test with my son at the end of the video! 

Watch How To Make Mashed Potato Pancakes:

All that melty cheese! I want these all over again. Seriously my friends, these are GOOD! I love how forgiving these potato pancakes are. We usually wing it and “eye-ball” the recipe except for when we measured everything just for you!

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

Ingredients for Potato Pancake Recipe:

4 cups mashed potatoes*
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup flour (or up to 1/2 cup flour for creamier potatoes)
2 to 3 Tbsp chives, chopped
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
Light Olive oil or Canola oil to sauté
Sour cream to serve

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

*This recipe works best with mashed potatoes that are not ultra creamy and buttery, and if they are, you may need a little more flour for them to hold a patty shape. This recipe is not intended for use with instant mashed potatoes.

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

Time Saving Tip: Use a trigger release ice cream scoop, scraping the scoop against the side of the bowl to quickly and easily create uniform patties.

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

⬇ Print-Friendly Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe:

Cheesy Potato Pancakes Recipe (VIDEO)

4.93 from 107 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Cheesy potato pancakes are the best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and yes it is absolutely worth it to make mashed potatoes just for this recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 makes 22 potato pancakes
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes, *
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, (8 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, or up to 1/2 cup flour for creamier potatoes
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 2 Tbsp Light Olive oil , or Canola oil to sauté
  • Sour cream to serve

Instructions

How to Make Mashed Potatoes:

  • Fill a 5 Qt pot with water. Add 1 Tbsp salt and peeled quartered russet potatoes (2 lbs or about 7 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered). Cook until easily pierced with fork. Drain well and mash in 4 Tbsp butter then let cool to room temp. Mashed potatoes can be made 1 - 3 days ahead.

How to Make Mashed Potato Pancakes:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups mashed potatoes, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup flour and 2 Tbsp chopped chives. Use a potato masher to mash the mixture together until well mixed. If the potatoes are too loose to hold a patty shape, add flour a Tablespoon at a time.
  • Place a heaping tablespoonful of potato mixture between your palms and form into a round, 1/3" thick patty. Dredge both sides of the pancake in bread crumbs and set on a cutting board. Repeat with remaining pancakes.
  • Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat with enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan. Once oil is hot, add patties in a single layer and sauté 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed. I usually have 2 skillets going at once to finish sooner.

Notes

*Recipe works best with mashed potatoes that aren't super creamy. If they are very moist, you may need a little more flour for them to hold a patty shape. Do not use instant mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Per Serving

270kcal Calories32g Carbs10g Protein10g Fat4g Saturated Fat42mg Cholesterol264mg Sodium371mg Potassium2g Fiber1g Sugar260IU Vitamin A24.8mg Vitamin C165mg Calcium1.1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Potato Pancakes Recipe (VIDEO)
Amount per Serving
Calories
270
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
42
mg
14
%
Sodium
 
264
mg
11
%
Potassium
 
371
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
32
g
11
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
 
260
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
24.8
mg
30
%
Calcium
 
165
mg
17
%
Iron
 
1.1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheesy Potato Pancakes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 270
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com

If you try this mashed potato pancakes recipe, let me know!! Oh p.s. you can also use dill if you don’t have chives.

Cheesy mashed potato pancakes recipe - best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed Potato Pancakes are crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese! | natashaskitchen.com
4.93 from 107 votes (37 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lester
    January 28, 2021

    My new favorite way to eat potatoes

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 28, 2021

      Great to hear!

      Reply

  • LaneyM
    January 8, 2021

    Made these with leftover mashed potatoes. They were delicious. I mean cheesy mashed potatoes with a crispy exterior so why wouldn’t they be great! No not a pancake but a fantastic recipe to repurpose leftovers.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 9, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe, Laney!

      Reply

  • VICTORIA
    November 24, 2020

    THANK YOU A HUNDRED TIMES. SON BROUGHT US A MEAL WITH HUGE POTOTOES, WHAT TO DO….GO TO NATASHAS’ KITCHEN…SHE ALWAYS KNOWS. CAN’T WAIT TO EAT THEM. YOUR SON IS A GREAT ADVERTISER…CUTE

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 24, 2020

      You are most welcome. I’m glad were able to find this recipe, I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Vicki Alonzo
    November 15, 2020

    Love your recipes, alot of them are very simple BUT sooo goood.
    Thank you for putting the option to change serving quantity!
    It is super helpful!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 16, 2020

      You’re welcome, I’m glad you use that part in the recipe!

      Reply

  • Melissa
    September 15, 2020

    Hi Natasha-

    I love your recipes and can’t wait to try this one. Can you help me understand why boxed potatoes wont work? We have leftovers from a fast-food fried chicken location and I can pretty much guarantee the potatoes from a box. I had wanted to use them up and make these, but now I’m heasitant.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 16, 2020

      Hi Melissa, boxed potatoes will have difficulty holding the patty shape.

      Reply

  • Elaine
    September 9, 2020

    Just made these with leftover mashed potatoes from 3 days ago. They took less than 10 minutes to mix up and get into the frying pan, and they were delicious. Breathed new life into stale leftovers. Fantastic!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 9, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Veronika Hyman
    September 1, 2020

    Hi Natasha, I’m from South Africa, I tried out a few of you recipes, any every one of them was SO delicious, I will never use anyone else’s recipes ever again. Thank you for all the beautiful recipies. God Bless!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      Thank you so much for trusting my recipes, Veronika. That feels so good to know that you always rely on my recipes!

      Reply

  • Pauline
    August 29, 2020

    Hi Natasha, I have just made your Cheesy Pancakes they were beautiful. I froze some to see how they kept. Had two last night with a salad and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce they were smashing. Going to keep a supply in freezer from now on. Thank you again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 29, 2020

      You’re welcome, Pauline! I’m so glad you enjoyed these!

      Reply

  • Ginger Anderson
    June 16, 2020

    Could you use frozen hash browns In place of the mashed potatoes?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 16, 2020

      Hi Ginger, I haven’t tested that with frozen hash browns to advise.

      Reply

  • Nerissa
    June 13, 2020

    Our girl scout leader gave us a bag of potatoes so off I went googling potato recipes. This browness and crispiness on the picture looked intriguing. Plus I already had all of the ingredients on hand except for chives. I put in parsley instead and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing! We’re going camping in a few weeks and I’m thinking of putting this on the menu.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 13, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that Nerissa! Thank you for that great review!

      Reply

  • Earl Torno
    May 27, 2020

    These look great! Looking forward to making them this weekend. Just wondering if I can freeze any leftovers…if there are any leftovers.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 27, 2020

      Hi Earl, it might be better to refrigerate overnight so they cook more evenly the next day without requiring thawing.

      Reply

  • Steve Jamieson
    May 11, 2020

    These look good, for sure, but I’m not particularly fond of cheese. Will the mixture hold together if I omit the cheese?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 11, 2020

      Hi Steve, the cheese helps keep it together but here is what one of our readers wrote “been making these for years better without the cheese use onions instead of chives but need to add a bottle of ketchup” I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Steve Jamieson
        May 12, 2020

        Yes, it does. Thanks for the quick response; I can’t wait to give it a go!

        Reply

  • Tonya Denton
    May 6, 2020

    Just made these for the first time and it’s a definitely a RECIPE KEEPER! My hubby loved it as well. Looks like we’ll be eating it tomorrow as well since it’s just the two of us. LOL!

    This isn’t the first recipe I’ve tried from your website. I’ve never been disappointed and I’ve been pinning your recipes for several years now. Plus I get posts from your FB page.

    Thank you for the many inspirations for “What’s for Dinner”!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 6, 2020

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Naina
    April 30, 2020

    Hi natasha. Loved watching ur recipe. Can u Pl tell me substitute for eggs in this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 30, 2020

      Hi Naina, I haven’t tried it without egg (it might still work just omitting it), One of my readers suggested a vegan egg replacer which might work if you have something like that on hand.

      Reply

  • Kenneth Odister
    April 12, 2020

    I was wondering can you use green onions instead of the chives?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 13, 2020

      That should work great Kenneth!

      Reply

      • Kenneth Odister
        April 15, 2020

        I plan on making these tonight I will let you know how they turn out.

        Reply

        • Kailee Bringedahl
          April 18, 2020

          Hi! These are delicious! I was wondering how many of these counts as a serving?

          Reply

          • Natashas Kitchen
            April 18, 2020

            Hi Kailee, it really depends on how large you mold the pancakes. It would be easier count-wise to make 24 slightly smaller pancakes then each serving would be exactly 3 pancakes.

  • Grampa Joe
    March 30, 2020

    Natasha, you my dear are indeed a mind reader. When we read your recipes for today we found ourselves with several pounds of mashed potatoes in the fridge looking for something to make out of them. Needless to say the pancakes came out delicious. Mama came back for seconds. I guess the mozzarella tickled her fancy as she said “did you put mozarella in these?” She loves mozzarella. Thanks again for another wonderful recipe. Grampa Joe

    Reply

    • Grampa Joe
      March 30, 2020

      PS. Forgot to mention, we added two huge fried minced cloves of Music garlic in EVOO and added all to the tater pancakes. Mama just loves garlic.

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 30, 2020

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Janet
    March 18, 2020

    Hi Natasha, will this work on Air Fryer? I tried this but I don’t like how greasy it gets after pan fried.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 18, 2020

      Hi Janet, I haven’t tried it in an air fryer so I can’t say but please let me know how you like it if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Nancy
    March 9, 2020

    Hi Natasha, what other cheese would you recommend instead of mozzarella. Mozzarella cheese and I don’t get along!! Thank-you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 10, 2020

      Hi Nancy, I have had readers report great results with using cheddar so I think Colby jack cheese would work fine

      Reply

  • mary (sue) sergeant
    March 9, 2020

    I wonder how these would be if you used cauliflower mashed potatoes?

    I’m keto and potatoes are a definite NO on keto.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 9, 2020

      Hi Mary, I have not tested this recipe with cauliflower alone. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Karen
    February 10, 2020

    This weekend is Family Day weekend in Ontario and I’m super excited to make these for my family!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2020

      This will be so perfect for a family get together! I hope you all love this recipe!

      Reply

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