Put your leftover mashed potatoes to good use with this top-rated potato cake recipe.

How to Make Potato Cakes

You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let’s go over the basics:

Potato Cake Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this potato cake recipe (you likely already have most of them at home!):

• Potatoes: This recipe starts with two cups of prepared mashed potatoes. Start from scratch or use leftovers that would otherwise go to waste!
• Flour: A cup of all-purpose flour gives the potato cakes structure and helps crisp them up nicely.
• Onion: A diced onion lends flavor and texture.
• Egg: An egg gives the potato cakes moisture and helps bind the batter together.
• Seasonings: Season the potato cakes with salt and ground black pepper.
• Oil: Fry the potato cakes in vegetable oil until they’re golden brown and crisp.

How to Make Potato Cakes With Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make potato cakes from scratch:

1. Make the batter.
2. Drop circles of batter into hot oil, then fry until they’re golden brown.
3. Drain on paper towels.

What to Serve With Potato Cakes

Serve the potato cakes as a side dish with a dollop of sour cream. You can also balance the savory recipe with a sweet homemade applesauce. Fresh chives or green onions will add a burst of flavor and color.

How to Store Potato Cakes

Store your leftover potato cakes in an airtight container (lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil) in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or in the air fryer for the crispiest results.

Can You Freeze Potato Cakes? 

While potato cakes are best fresh, they can be frozen. Flash freeze the patties, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or another freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This is one of the best recipes I have found so far for leftover mashed potatoes,” says one Allrecipes community member. “It tastes amazing with sweet chili sauce.”

“I loved this, but I added some parsley and garlic powder to mine,” according to Vicki. “They were awesome.”