Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these loaded mashed potato cakes! They are seriously one of my favorite comfort foods, and I can’t get enough of them. Imagine crispy, golden-brown patties filled with creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy bits of bacon. Yum! They’re perfect as a side dish for dinner or as a snack when you just need something oh-so-satisfying. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up! You just mix everything together, fry them up, and voilà! You’ve got an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be on your regular menu rotation. You’ll find yourself dreaming of them at lunch or even for breakfast—yes, they’re that good!
Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (make sure they’re smooth and creamy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (crispy bits are a must)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh, zesty kick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (to help bind everything together)
- 1 large egg (this helps everything stick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Oil for frying (I usually use vegetable or canola oil)
How to Prepare Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Now, let’s get cooking! These loaded mashed potato cakes come together so easily, and I’m here to walk you through each step. You’re going to love how simple it is to make these tasty little bites.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. Then, add in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese—you want it to melt beautifully inside those cakes! Next, sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Oh, the smell is already making my mouth water! Now, add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, cohesive mixture, so don’t be afraid to get in there!
Step 2: Form the Patties
Once everything’s mixed, it’s time to shape your mixture into patties. I like to scoop about a quarter cup of the mixture and gently press it into a round shape. If the mixture is a bit sticky, dampen your hands with a little water or oil to make it easier to handle. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick patties; this helps them cook evenly. Place them on a plate or cutting board while you prep for frying—you’ll want to make sure you have enough space between each one!
Step 3: Fry the Patties
Now, let’s get that skillet sizzling! Heat a good amount of oil (about 1/4 inch deep) in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a tiny drop of the batter sizzles in the oil. Carefully place your patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Ooh, just wait until you see that gorgeous color! Flip them gently so they hold their shape. You might need to do this in batches, depending on how big your skillet is.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
Once your patties are perfectly crispy, use a slotted spatula to remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy! Serve them warm, and don’t forget to have some sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cakes in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile Dish: Whether you serve them as a side at dinner, a snack, or even for breakfast, they fit perfectly into any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves comfort food, and these loaded mashed potato cakes are sure to impress family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like different cheeses or veggies for a unique twist!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance and freeze before frying, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these loaded mashed potato cakes, let me share some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, a little guidance goes a long way in the kitchen.
- Use Stiff Mashed Potatoes: Make sure your mashed potatoes are thick and not too runny. If they’re too watery, your cakes may fall apart. If you’ve got leftovers, just be sure to let them cool completely before mixing!
- Chill the Mixture: If you find the mixture too sticky while forming patties, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes shaping so much easier.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, give each patty enough space in the skillet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of fry and won’t get that lovely crispy texture we all crave!
- Watch the Heat: Keep the oil at medium heat. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too low, they’ll soak up too much oil. You want that perfect golden brown!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs to the mixture! A pinch of garlic powder or some fresh parsley can elevate the flavor even more—get creative!
- Serve Fresh: These cakes are best enjoyed right after frying while they’re hot and crispy. If you need to make them in advance, do the frying just before serving for the best texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re going to nail these loaded mashed potato cakes! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these loaded mashed potato cakes! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (that’s one delicious cake):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s comfort food, and it’s oh-so-good! Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
FAQ About Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Got questions about these amazing loaded mashed potato cakes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get along with my personal tips to make your cooking experience even better.
Can I make these cakes in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just remember to shape the patties right before frying for the best texture. You can even freeze the formed patties and fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
What are some great dipping sauces?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these loaded mashed potato cakes with sour cream, but you can also try ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. Get creative and find your favorite combo!
Can I add other ingredients to the mix?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can mix in different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. You could even throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for added flavor. Just keep the balance right so the mixture stays cohesive.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house), just place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in a skillet for that crispy goodness or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You totally can! If you prefer a healthier version, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as frying, but they’ll still be tasty!
What should I serve with these potato cakes?
These cakes are fantastic on their own, but they also complement a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled meats, a fresh salad, or even a hearty soup for a well-rounded meal. Trust me, they’ll elevate any dining experience!
Got more questions? Feel free to reach out! I love sharing tips and tricks to help you enjoy these loaded mashed potato cakes as much as I do!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of these delicious loaded mashed potato cakes, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that amazing flavor and texture intact! Just let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!
When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using a skillet to maintain that lovely crispiness. Just place the cakes in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re warmed through and nice and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but be aware they might lose a bit of their crunch. If you go that route, heat them on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties! Just shape them, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fry them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. So convenient!
Imprimer
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes: 5 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious loaded mashed potato cakes perfect for a side dish or snack.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Add flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before frying.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Frying
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cake
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 350mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: loaded mashed potato cakes, mashed potatoes, potato cakes, comfort food
