Crispy Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Crispy Golden Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Crispy potato lovers can’t resist these golden parmesan mashed potato cakes that elevate a classic side dish into a crunchy, irresistible appetizer.

These delectable little rounds pack incredible flavor and texture in every single bite.

The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering exterior that crackles with each bite.

Leftover mashed potatoes find new life through this simple yet ingenious recipe.

You’ll transform humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears faster than you can plate them.

Each cake offers a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, cheesy interior.

Serve these golden delights as a stunning side or unexpected party snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Enhance Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Perfect Potato Cake Technique: Pat potato mixture with slightly damp hands to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform patties that hold together during cooking.
  • Flour Power Tip: Use all-purpose flour for best binding, but gluten-free flour works perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare potato cake mixture and shape patties in advance, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying to help them maintain shape and develop deeper flavors.
  • Crispy Coating Hack: For extra crunch, lightly dust potato cakes with breadcrumbs or panko before frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that'll impress everyone at the table.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a nutrient-packed alternative that's equally delicious.

Serve Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Crisp And Cheesy

  • Brunch Buddy Delight: Serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs for a perfect weekend morning treat that combines crispy potato cakes with runny yolk goodness.
  • Protein Punch Plate: Pair with grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon to create a balanced meal that adds extra protein and complements the creamy potato texture.
  • Dipping Sensation: Offer homemade ranch, garlic aioli, or sour cream as delicious dipping sauces that enhance the potato cakes' crispy exterior and rich flavor profile.
  • Party Appetizer Wonder: Cut potato cakes into smaller bite-sized portions and serve on a platter with toothpicks for an irresistible crowd-pleasing finger food during gatherings.

How To Store Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Right

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Technique: Separate potato cakes with parchment paper before freezing, allowing easy separation. Freeze flat for up to 1 month, maintaining crispy texture and flavor.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive chilled potato cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare potato cake mixture up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating until ready to shape and fry. This strategy saves time during busy meal preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes

For Potato Base:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation that provides soft interior texture and binds ingredients together, best when freshly made and slightly cooled.
  • Flour: Creates crispy exterior and helps potato cakes hold their shape, use all-purpose for consistent binding.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and nutty undertones, select freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Green Onions: Introduces mild onion brightness and fresh herbal notes, choose crisp, vibrant green stalks.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background warmth without overpowering other ingredients, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for better aroma.
For Binding and Texture:
  • Egg: Acts as crucial binding agent that helps potato cakes maintain structure during cooking, select fresh large eggs.
  • Butter or Oil: Creates golden crispy exterior and prevents sticking, choose neutral cooking oils or clarified butter for best results.

Tools You’ll Need For Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing potato cake ingredients thoroughly.
  • Skillet: Critical for frying potato cakes to golden perfection.
  • Measuring cup: Helps portion out consistent 1/4 cup potato cake mixture.
  • Spatula: Perfect for flipping potato cakes without breaking them.
  • Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying for crispy texture.
  • Cutting board: Great for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Mixing spoon: Useful for combining all ingredients smoothly.

How To Make Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Golden

  • Blend Flavor Powerhouse

Mix creamy mashed potatoes with zesty Parmesan, flour, egg, green onions, and seasoning in a big bowl until everything hugs together perfectly.

  • Shape Crispy Medallions

Grab handfuls of the potato mixture and craft gorgeous golden rounds about half-inch thick, ensuring each cake is compact and ready to sizzle.

  • Sear to Perfection

Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat and gently nestle potato cakes into the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until edges turn beautifully golden and crispy.

  • Drain and Delight

Transfer your stunning potato cakes onto paper towels to catch any extra oil, then slide onto a serving plate and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering crunch with every bite.

Print
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Crispy Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy parmesan mashed potato cakes bring golden comfort from classic leftovers to delightful appetizers. Rich Italian-inspired flavors and simple ingredients make these crunchy rounds perfect for sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml or 16 fl oz) mashed potatoes, cold
  • ½ cup (50 g or 1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (30 g or 1 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml or 0.5 fl oz) butter or olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (8 g) green onions or chives, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • sour cream
  • extra Parmesan
  • chopped fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. Mixture Creation: Blend mashed potatoes with Parmesan, all-purpose flour, egg, green onions, garlic powder, and seasonings in a comprehensive mixing process, ensuring thorough yet gentle incorporation without overworking the mixture.
  2. Patty Formation: Shape uniform potato cakes by hand, compressing the mixture into half-inch thick rounds with deliberate, firm pressure to maintain structural cohesion.
  3. Skillet Preparation: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium temperature, coating the surface with butter or neutral oil until it reaches a subtle shimmer, creating an ideal cooking environment.
  4. Precise Cooking: Carefully place potato cakes into the heated skillet, allowing ample space between each cake to facilitate even browning and crisp development, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
  5. Finishing Touch: Transfer cooked potato cakes to paper towels to remove excess oil, then allow a brief resting period on an elevated surface to preserve their crisp texture and optimal temperature before serving as an enticing side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • Potato Moisture Management: Drain mashed potatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy cakes, using a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid for crispy texture.
  • Binding Technique: Add flour and egg gradually, mixing gently to maintain light consistency and prevent dense, heavy potato cakes.
  • Temperature Control: Use medium heat for even golden-brown crust, avoiding burning or undercooked centers by monitoring pan temperature carefully.
  • Freezing Option: Prepare extra potato cakes and freeze uncooked between parchment paper for quick future meals, thawing before cooking to maintain original texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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