Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

The Best Way to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Updated April 14, 2025
Prep Time: 5m
Cook Time: 55m
Total Time: 1h
Servings: 22
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (15 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

270
Calories
10g
Fat
42mg
Cholesterol
264mg
Sodium
32g
Carbohydrates
10g
Protein
Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Recipe Description

Mashed potatoes are a typical example of side dish and, as such, tends to get overlooked. We always prepare it at large gatherings because it goes well with pretty much everything, but that fact also leads us to make a much larger quantity of mashed potatoes than we actually need.

That is great at the event, sure, because no one wants to run out of food. However, that excess translates into keeping full containers of leftovers. Even if we consume those mashed potatoes over the next days, a sizable amount ends up going to waste in a few days more often than not.

Mashed potato pancakes come to the rescue because they can stop that waste. If you feel that you are not going to eat those leftovers often enough, you can convert them into a snack that is more tasteful than it has the right to be, given how easy it is to prepare. Let’s dive deeper into it!

What are mashed potato pancakes?

First of all, keep in mind that potato pancakes in general are definitely not new. However, most of them use fresh potatoes which are shredded and fried. Here, we are talking about a simpler recipe focused on using leftover mashed potatoes you had originally prepared for other meals.

In short, the goal is to add cheddar cheese and chives to the mashed potatoes, shape patties, and lightly fry them using a pan. With just a little bit of skill, you will be able to make pancakes with a crispy texture on the outside and a fluffy interior with a signature touch of cheddar flavor.

Compared with the original potato pancakes, these ones get a softer texture. Besides that, they are less delicate as a whole, so it is easier to shape the patties. Another perk of these pancakes is that they go very well with a variety of fillings. We hope you enjoy our potato pancake recipe!

Tips for Storing, Shaping & Serving

  • If you need to store some pancakes, we recommend you use an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to reheat them, it will be good to use an air fryer, the oven at 350°F, or a skillet with just a little bit of olive oil.
  • While it is usual to make individual mashed potato pancakes, you can opt for shaping a single larger patty to fry. This way, you can make individual servings later on by slicing like pizza. It is a good option if you think you would take too long to shape many patties.
  • Potato pancakes from mashed potatoes go well with many sides. You can serve them with sour cream to make them the main item, or add scrambled eggs, vegetables and/or even a few bacon strips in case you want to assemble a more elaborate meal with them.

To make Mashed Potato Pancakes with Mozzarella cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Combine mashed potato, mozzarella, egg, flour and chives

    5 min
    Step 1 - Cheesy Mashed Potato PancakesStep 1 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    Mix the mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, egg, flour and chives together in a large bowl using a potato masher.

  2. 2

    Make patties

    15 min
    Step 2 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    To make a patty, take a heaped tablespoon of potato mixture. Using your hands, roll the mixture into a ⅓ inch thick patty. Repeat until you have used all of the potato mixture.

  3. 3

    Coat with breadcrumbs

    15 min
    Step 3 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    Dunk each patty in bread crumbs until it is evenly coated. Repeat until all the pancakes are coated.

  4. 4

    Heat oil

    2 min
    Step 4 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Cook the pancakes

    20 min
    Step 5 - Cheesy Mashed Potato PancakesStep 5 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    When the oil is hot, add as many pancakes as can fit in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown. Repeat until all the pancakes are cooked.

  6. 6

    Serve

    Step 6 - Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes

    Serve these cheesy pancakes hot with steamed greens on the side.

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Try these out soon and don’t forget to come back to leave a comment to let me know how you get on!

About the author

Arturs Arnicans

Arturs Arnicans is a passionate chef, recipe developer, and culinary expert with a deep love for innovative and flavorful cooking. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has honed his skills in kitchens across Latvia and beyond, blending classic techniques with modern creativity. At Cook.me, Artūrs takes on a dual role—sometimes crafting his own unique recipes and other times serving as an editor, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of taste and quality. Whether developing new flavor combinations or fine-tuning existing recipes, his goal is always to inspire home cooks to create delicious meals with confidence. Outside of Cook.me, Artūrs is a respected name in the culinary world. As the President of Latvia’s Chef Association and a consultant for top restaurants, he continuously pushes the boundaries of modern cuisine while staying true to fresh, high-quality ingredients. From simple home-cooked dishes to gourmet creations, Artūrs believes that food should bring joy and connection to every table. His expertise, creativity, and passion shine through in every recipe he shares.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (15 reviews)
Quinn
May 4, 2024
Verified

Simply love these!

Irene
February 26, 2024
Verified

These cheesy mashed potato pancakes saved my life! I had a pile of leftovers after Thanksgiving, and these were a hit. We had them for brunch, and my kids couldn't get enough. Such a simple way to make old food new again!

Grace Thompson
February 21, 2024
Verified

These Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes were superb! I made them with leftover mashed potatoes from dinner and my kids loved them. It was so easy to make, and they were crispy and cheesy. A family favorite now!

Alice
January 27, 2024
Verified

Simply delicious snack!

Katy
January 25, 2024
Verified

Delicious, easy, fun

Juju
October 10, 2023
Verified

Delicious! These pancakes were easy and super tasty. I made them using leftover mash from dinner, and they quickly became my favorite dish. Everyone loved them, and I felt so proud. Perfect for cozy nights in!

Barbara Jennings
October 1, 2023
Verified

I made these cheesy mashed potato pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes from dinner. My kids loved them, and they were simple to make. Will make again for family!

Beth
August 18, 2023
Verified

So easy, love!

HappyHomeCook
June 28, 2023
Verified

I made these cheesy mashed potato pancakes with leftover potatoes from our family gathering last week. I'm so thankful for this recipe! They were so easy to prepare and delicious. My kids gobbled them up, and I felt great using up those leftovers!

Maddie
May 16, 2023
Verified

Tasty pancakes, quick dinner fix!

Tina
November 21, 2022
Verified

Delicious! I made these pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes after our family gathering. Everyone loved them, and they were a hit with the kids. So easy to make and full of flavor. A great way to repurpose leftovers!

Wendy
July 19, 2022
Verified

So tasty!! Yummy

Tomás López
October 16, 2021
Verified

¡Los pancakes de puré de papa son simplemente excepcionales! Hice una gran cantidad de puré y nunca había pensado en ello. Sabrosos y fáciles, ahora son mis favoritos para el desayuno.

Paige Thompson
May 1, 2020
Verified

I made these pancakes from leftovers for breakfast. My kids loved them and asked for more. So easy!

Athina
January 8, 2020
Verified

Well done! Verified!

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