Easy Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

If you have some leftover mashed potatoes and want to turn them into something hearty, crispy, and downright delicious, these Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes are your new go-to recipe. This dish transforms simple leftovers into a flavorful, golden-brown treat packed with smoky bacon and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these patty cakes are satisfying, economical, and irresistibly tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Uses leftover mashed potatoes with minimal prep for a speedy meal solution.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines smoky bacon and sharp cheddar that creates layers of rich, comforting taste.
• Versatile: Works well as a main dish, side, or appetizer depending on your mood and occasion.
• Killer Texture: Crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy center that everyone loves.
• Leftover Friendly: Reinvents leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting, reducing food waste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that perfectly balance flavor, texture, and ease. Each component contributes to turning everyday leftovers into a crowd-pleasing dish.

• Leftover Mashed Potatoes: The creamy base that holds the patty cakes together with moisture and mild flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky, adds incredible depth and aroma.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it infuses the cakes with rich, gooey goodness.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything in perfect patty form.
• Green Onions: Fresh and mild, they add a lovely pop of color and brightness.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crunch and helps the cakes hold their shape during frying.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Oil or Butter: For frying, ensuring a perfectly crisp and golden crust.

Variations for Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to customize it according to what you have on hand, your dietary preferences, or to try new taste sensations. Small tweaks can take these patty cakes in exciting new directions.

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne powder for a fiery twist.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or chives to brighten the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for depth.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flair.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to make this dish friendly for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Bacon and Cheese

Start by frying the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces. Grate the cheddar cheese and have it ready to mix in.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine your leftover mashed potatoes, chopped bacon, grated cheddar, chopped green onions, and the egg. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture holds together without being too sticky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into uniform patties about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. This size ensures even cooking and perfect crispy edges.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a rich, golden brown and are heated through. Drain on paper towels if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes hot, garnished as you like or accompanied by delicious sides for a full meal experience.

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients gently to keep the cakes tender and avoid rubbery texture.
• Watch the Heat: Use medium heat to get a crispy crust without burning the patties.
• Add Breadcrumbs Gradually: This helps you control the moisture and maintain the perfect patty consistency.
• Rest Before Cooking: Let the patties chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up and hold better while frying.
• Use Sturdy Leftovers: Mashed potatoes that aren’t too watery work best for shaping.

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Top with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley, and add a few crispy bacon bits for an irresistible finish that adds fresh and crunchy accents.

Side Dishes

Pair these patty cakes with a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables also complement this dish wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the patty cakes stacked with layers of lettuce and tomato for a fun burger-style meal or dress them up on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard to add a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover patty cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

Place uncooked patty cakes on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen to maintain texture, or freeze fully cooked cakes and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crisp exterior, or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re well chilled and not too runny, so the patty cakes bind properly and hold their shape.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese; can I substitute?

Yes, other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack work well, just adjust the flavor according to your preference.

How do I make these patty cakes gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed nuts like almonds or pecans as a binding and crispy coating alternative.

Can I bake the patty cakes instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, though frying offers the best texture and crunch.

What’s the best way to prevent patty cakes from falling apart?

Using the right balance of egg and breadcrumbs and chilling the formed patties before cooking helps keep them sturdy and intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple leftover mashed potatoes into these crispy, cheesy, smoky Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes. They’re an easy, delicious way to reduce waste and create meals everyone will ask for again. Give this recipe a try, and share the joy of comfort food elevated to a new level!

Related Posts

• Easy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
• 5 Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls to Try Now
• Easy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe to Try

Print