Imagine transforming leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden-brown patties that are packed with irresistible flavor. These Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes are more than just a side dish – they're a culinary magic trick that turns humble ingredients into a crave-worthy treat.

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and loaded with sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions, these potato cakes deliver comfort food at its finest. Moreover, they're the perfect solution for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Whether you're looking for a delicious breakfast, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a creative side dish, these Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes promise to become a new family favorite.
Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes: A Crispy Potato Sensation
This isn't just another potato recipe – it's a flavor-packed culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy exterior, creamy interior, and bold, savory flavors.
Get ready to discover how leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into the most irresistible potato cakes you've ever tasted.
Serving Suggestions:
Your Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes shine when served with:
- Fried eggs
- Sour cream
- Applesauce
- Fresh green salad
- Grilled meats
Pro Tips for the Perfect Potato Cakes:
Potato Precision: Use cold, leftover mashed potatoes for the best texture.
Flour Finesse: Add flour gradually to achieve the right binding consistency.
Shaping Secrets: Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking when forming patties.
Frying Technique: Use medium heat to ensure crispy exterior and cooked interior.
Flavor Customization: Experiment with different cheese and herb combinations.
Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes Recipe Details:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 potato cakes
- Equipment: Large mixing bowl, nonstick skillet, paper towels
This potato-based comfort dish represents the ultimate way to transform leftovers into a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Potato Cakes:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. The key to perfect potato cakes is having everything prepared and ready to go.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced green onions, and minced garlic. These ingredients will create a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and add the flour, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything thoroughly. The goal is to create a mixture that holds together easily when shaped.
- Check the consistency of your mixture. If it seems too loose, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You want a firm texture that will hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Prepare a small bowl of flour for dusting. Scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a small patty, approximately ½-inch thick. The uniform size ensures even cooking.
- Lightly dust each potato cake with flour. This step is crucial – the flour helps create a crispy exterior and helps the cakes hold their shape during cooking.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. The right temperature is key to achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Carefully place the potato cakes in the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents greasiness.
Ready to Enjoy!
Serve warm, with a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is pure culinary magic.
Storage Solutions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month
- Separate layers with parchment paper when storing
Whether you're preparing a weekend brunch or looking for a creative way to use leftover mashed potatoes, these Bacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes deliver comfort and flavor in every single bite.
PrintBacon & Cheddar Potato Cakes W/Green Onions & Garlic
This potato-based comfort dish represents the ultimate way to transform leftovers into a delicious meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 potato cakes 1x
Ingredients
For the Potato Cakes:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. The key to perfect potato cakes is having everything prepared and ready to go.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced green onions, and minced garlic. These ingredients will create a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and add the flour, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything thoroughly. The goal is to create a mixture that holds together easily when shaped.
- Check the consistency of your mixture. If it seems too loose, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You want a firm texture that will hold its shape when formed into patties.
- Prepare a small bowl of flour for dusting. Scoop about ¼ cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a small patty, approximately ½-inch thick. The uniform size ensures even cooking.
- Lightly dust each potato cake with flour. This step is crucial – the flour helps create a crispy exterior and helps the cakes hold their shape during cooking.
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. The right temperature is key to achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Carefully place the potato cakes in the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents greasiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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