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

  • Joyce
    January 9, 2022

    Are the potato pancakes to be served with anything or as a snack by themselves? They look delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      They can be eaten by themselves, or with your favorite roasted chicken or any meat of your choice.

      Reply

  • Arlene brands
    January 5, 2022

    Would like to make these but can I use Bob Evans prepared potatoes

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 5, 2022

      Hi Arlene, we love using fresh ingredients for this recipe. I haven’t tried using storebought mashed potatoes but feel free to try it!

      Reply

  • Tosha
    December 12, 2021

    I love this recipe! (and many of the ones you share, Natasha ). I have some leftover rice so I’m going to try it with rice. I hate to throw away food. I’m sure it will work great. I’ll let you know.
    Thank you for being such a lovely person and sharing your recipes!
    Tosha (from Chile)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 12, 2021

      Please let us know how it goes, we’d love to hear your feedback!

      Reply

  • Donna
    December 6, 2021

    Plan on making these for dinner. Do I use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella (8 oz.) or 2 cups (16 oz.)? Thanks. They look delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 6, 2021

      Hi Donna, Great question. Two cups of cheese is about 8oz in weight not volume. If you are measuring with a cup that would be ounces in volume vs weight. Hope this helps 🙂

      Reply

    • Donna
      December 7, 2021

      Hi Natasha, Thanks for your response. I used 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, but I clearly did something wrong. The pancakes did not hold their shape, they melted and stuck to the pan? Honestly, they were still delicious, but I’m not sure why they didn’t keep their shape? I would like to try again, any suggestions?

      Reply

  • Donna
    December 6, 2021

    Planning on making these for dinner. Do I use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella (8 oz.) or 2 cups (16 oz.)? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 7, 2021

      Hi Donna, it’s 2 cups by measuring cup measurement of shredded cheese (with a weight measurement of 8 oz)

      Reply

  • Real Twin Flame
    November 28, 2021

    Very nice, no complaints other than it needed a small sprinkle of salt. Thanks again for another great recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 28, 2021

      You’re very welcome. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Barry
    November 20, 2021

    Served these under Tournedos Rossini instead of bread. A perfect step up taking the Tournedos from great to awesome when combined with the Sauce Périgueux. Thanks Natasha you have hit a home run once again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Barry! I’m glad this was a hit!

      Reply

  • Carol James
    November 10, 2021

    This is not about the pancakes . I would like to know if you ever BBQ ? One other thing, what does salt do for a recipe. You sprinkle it on alot of the food.Just to ĺet you know, I love your blog. I look forward to it èvery day.

    Reply

  • Vanessa
    September 26, 2021

    These were the best! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside:)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 26, 2021

      Thanks for your awesome feedback, Vanessa!

      Reply

  • Maryjayne Miranda
    September 22, 2021

    I love your take on potato pancakes. Husbands request this morning, loved them! He said no more tossing the leftover ! Wow, he hates leftovers. Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 22, 2021

      You’re welcome. Glad you both loved this recipe.

      Reply

  • Julie W
    August 28, 2021

    Made it tonight and enjoyed this recipe very much. Delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 28, 2021

      It really is delicious, and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it, Julie! That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Mildlaurens
    June 21, 2021

    My family liked it though my sister are very picky when it comes to cheese what can I do for them

    Reply

    • Natasha
      June 22, 2021

      Hi, you could leave out the cheese and just have potato pancakes, but I do think the cheese adds great flavor and a little saltiness to the pancakes.

      Reply

  • Asantha Bandara
    June 1, 2021

    I made these and they were wonderful. I substituted the mozzarella with cheddar since its expensive in sri lanka but they fried and melted beautifully. Thanks Natasha for these.😀😃

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 1, 2021

      Hello there, great to hear that cheddar worked well too. Thank you for sharing your great review with us!

      Reply

  • peter shaw
    May 10, 2021

    i stuffed up i put bread crumbs in the spuds still ok when i cooked them l o l

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 10, 2021

      I’m glad it still worked out Peter!

      Reply

  • Christine
    April 20, 2021

    Hi Natasha, can you bake the potatoes instead of frying them?
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 20, 2021

      Hi Christine, Some of our readers have baked these and said they enjoyed them that way. One reader wrote: “I sprayed them with cooking spray on each side and I baked them at 400F for about 7-8 mins per side. They were wonderful!” I hope this helps.

      Reply

  • Juliya
    April 7, 2021

    We love these! Anytime I have leftover pashed potatoes, kids beg for these!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 7, 2021

      That’s great to hear, Juliya. I hope that you and your kids will love all the other recipes that you will try.

      Reply

  • Marisa L
    March 7, 2021

    Hi Natasha

    I was so excited to try this recipe but it did not turn out for me. It came out very mushy and was falling apart. Still edible though. Could it be because I added milk to your step 1 under the heading how to make mashed potatoes?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 8, 2021

      Hi Marisa, that is likely the culprit. I would make it as written without substitutions the first time around.

      Reply

  • Rosie Leonetti
    February 14, 2021

    Delicious
    I made mine with instant potatoes just needed to add extra tbs flour

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 14, 2021

      Glad you liked it, Rosie. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    • Cassie W.
      March 2, 2022

      So glad to hear this! The recipe says to not use instant potatoes, but doesn’t say why you shouldn’t. I was disappointed until I saw your comment. My husband prefers instant mashed potatoes, and I’m glad to hear that they can be used for this recipe.

      Reply

  • Ethan
    February 5, 2021

    These were pretty dang good and are now my favorite use for leftover mash potatoes. To improve I’d suggest using sharp cheddar instead of mozz and half the amount, that way you get more flavor and you get more solid pancakes without having to add more and more flower which I found myself doing because the cheese makes the mix really loose. Then use panko breadcrumbs which are long jagged and airy which allows the oil to drain whithout using paper towels or drying rack and its crispier as opposed to regular bread crumbs which just soak up oil. I also added cayenne for an added punch which worked well.

    Reply

  • Kathrine McMenemy
    February 1, 2021

    The best potato pancakes I’ve ever made OR HAD. Son asks me to make more anytime. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 1, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

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