Table of Contents
These crispy mashed potato patties come together in minutes and deliver a golden outside with a tender inside. The recipe uses pantry basics and one bowl mixing so cleanup is fast. It works with leftover mashed potatoes or freshly made ones when you need a quick side or snack. Perfect for busy weeknights or a last minute appetizer.

Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is simple because it relies on one main component mashed potatoes and a few binders to hold everything together. Flour and egg create a quick, sturdy coating so patties hold their shape while frying. Grated cheese and green onions add instant flavor without extra steps. Frying at medium heat produces even browning without burning the outsides before the centers heat through. The method is forgiving so small changes in texture or moisture are easy to fix. Overall it is fast, reliable, and adaptable for whatever you have on hand.
Flavor and Texture
The outside becomes crisp and golden thanks to hot oil and a thin flour binder. Inside remains soft and creamy because mashed potatoes have a smooth, dense structure. Cheese melts into pockets of savory richness if you include it. Green onions add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich potato. Salt and pepper keep the overall profile balanced and simple.
Ingredients
* 2 cups mashed potatoes
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1 egg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Oil for frying
Step by Step Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, cheese, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small patties.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Quick Tips and Shortcuts
Use cold leftover mashed potatoes straight from the fridge to speed up prep and improve patties firmness. If the mix feels too sticky add a bit more flour one tablespoon at a time until it shapes easily. For a lighter finish use a nonstick pan and less oil or shallow fry rather than deep fry. Make patties small and uniform so they cook through in the same amount of time. If you want extra crispness dust each patty lightly with flour before frying.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to restore crispness rather than microwaving which makes them soft. You can freeze cooked patties on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Short Closing Note
These patties are a fast, practical answer to leftover mashed potatoes and a crowd pleasing side or snack. Small tweaks keep the recipe flexible for whatever you have in the pantry.
Conclusion
Want more ideas for similar quick potato bites try this related recipe for inspiration at Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes | Feasting At Home for variations and serving suggestions.
FAQ
Can this be made in under 30 minutes?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.
Does it work for meal prep?
Most versions store well for one to three days.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.
Crispy Mashed Potato Patties
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these mashed potato patties are a quick and easy side or snack.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, cheese, green onions, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Notes
Use cold leftover mashed potatoes for better texture. If the mix is sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. For extra crispness, lightly dust patties with flour before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
