Tiffany Haney
Leftover mashed potatoes can be fried in a pan to create a delicious, crispy snack. This easy-to-make dish only requires a skillet, leftover mashed potatoes, and some butter. The potatoes can be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs and spices to enhance their flavor. For those who enjoy dairy, shredded cheese can be added, and for meat lovers, bacon bits can be included as well. Frying mashed potatoes is a simple way to transform boring leftovers into a tasty treat with a nice crust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Leftover mashed potatoes, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheese, bacon bits, eggs, herbs, spices |
| Utensils | Non-stick skillet, heatproof silicone spatula, wooden spoon |
| Preparation | Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, add mashed potatoes, spread evenly, cook for 3 minutes, turn potatoes, season with salt and pepper, top with cheese and green onions |
| Serving suggestion | Fried mashed potatoes can be served with eggs and a salad |
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What You'll Learn
Using a non-stick skillet or pan
To begin, take a non-stick skillet or pan and place it over medium to medium-high heat. You can use butter, olive oil, or a combination of fats, such as butter and bacon fat, for a richer flavour. Heat your chosen fat until it melts and starts to shimmer; you can even let the butter brown a little for added flavour.
Next, take your cold leftover mashed potatoes and form them into small patties, about 1/4-inch thick. You can also make one large patty, pressing it down into the pan and ensuring it cooks evenly. Fry the patties for several minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Use a heatproof silicone spatula to carefully lift and check the progress, being gentle as the cakes are fragile.
Once the crust has formed, turn the patties with the spatula and repeat the process until the potatoes are spotted and golden brown all over. This should take around 10 minutes in total.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding toppings such as cheese, green onions, or herbs and spices for extra flavour.
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Adding butter, oil, or bacon fat
Frying mashed potatoes in butter can add a nice crust and irresistible crispy edges. You can use a non-stick skillet and heat the butter until it melts. The amount of butter used depends on the quantity of mashed potatoes. It is recommended to use about one tablespoon of butter for each cup of mashed potatoes. The butter can then be browned to add flavour. The mashed potatoes can then be added to the pan and cooked until golden brown.
Oil can also be used to fry mashed potatoes. A patty can be formed and the edges coated with olive oil, allowing the oil to get under the patty as well. The patty can then be cooked until the bottom turns golden brown.
Bacon fat is another option to fry mashed potatoes. Bacon grease can be mixed with oil and heated in a skillet. The mashed potatoes can be formed into a patty and fried until a golden crust is formed. Bacon bits can also be added to the mashed potatoes to impart flavour.
The mashed potatoes can be made more flavourful by adding ingredients like cheese, eggs, herbs, and spices.
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Binding agents like eggs
While frying mashed potatoes is a simple process that only requires a skillet, leftover mashed potatoes, and butter, binding agents like eggs can be added to prevent the mixture from falling apart.
Eggs are a great binding agent for fried mashed potatoes. If you are making mashed potato cakes, you can add an egg to the mixture to help hold the cakes together. You can also add shredded cheese, which will act as a binder as it melts. If you want to make your potato cakes vegetarian, leave out the bacon bits and replace the egg with a "chia egg" made from ground white chia seeds and lukewarm water.
If you are frying mashed potatoes without forming them into cakes, you can still add an egg to the mixture to help bind it together. However, some people prefer the taste and texture of fried mashed potatoes without eggs.
In addition to eggs, flour can also be used as a binding agent for fried mashed potatoes. Adding a little flour to the mixture can help to hold the potatoes together and create a crispy texture when fried.
When frying mashed potatoes with eggs, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are cold before adding them to the pan. Form the mashed potatoes into a patty and coat the edges with olive oil, then fry until golden brown. You can also add butter to the pan for extra flavor.
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Seasoning and spices
One popular option is to add garlic. This can be done by heating butter in a pan with chopped garlic, allowing the flavours to infuse, and then adding the seasoned butter to the mashed potatoes before frying. Another option is to add rosemary to the garlic butter for a more aromatic flavour profile. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try frying some garlic and grated ginger, and adding that to your mashed potatoes along with chilli flakes, a bit of sugar, and cilantro.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, chilli powder or chilli flakes can be added to the mashed potatoes before frying. This creates a warm and tingly sensation on the palate. If you're looking for a more subtle heat, white pepper can be used instead.
Inspired by loaded potatoes, you can also experiment with adding sour cream, bacon bits, or chives to your mashed potatoes before frying. The acidity from the sour cream, the savoury notes from the bacon, and the freshness of the chives can create a well-rounded flavour profile.
Additionally, you can draw inspiration from other potato dishes. For example, potatoes au gratin uses cream and thyme, so infusing your butter with thyme before adding it to the mashed potatoes can impart a subtle herbal aroma. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with infusing your butter with saffron for a unique and luxurious flavour.
Lastly, don't be afraid to use salt. While it's important to be mindful of your sodium intake, a pinch of salt can enhance the overall flavour of your fried mashed potatoes. Just be sure to taste as you go to ensure you don't overdo it.
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Serving suggestions
Fried mashed potatoes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. They can be served as a side dish or a snack and can be paired with a variety of toppings and dishes.
For a simple and quick serving suggestion, season the fried mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some chopped fresh chives or sliced green onions for a fresh flavour. If you're feeling indulgent, top the potatoes with cheese and green onions before serving.
For a heartier meal, serve the fried mashed potatoes with eggs, either fried or runny, and a side salad. This combination makes for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
If you're looking for something more creative, try making fried mashed potato cakes. These are made by mixing mashed potatoes with an egg, flour, and salt, and then frying them in patties until browned. You can also add a light panko crust to the cakes for an extra crunchy texture. Serve these cakes with fried eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, or gravy for a filling and comforting meal.
Another option is to shape the mashed potatoes into balls, coat them with breadcrumbs, and then fry them until golden brown. These crispy mashed potato bites can be served as an appetizer or snack and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can fry mashed potatoes in a pan.
You need leftover mashed potatoes and butter. You can also add salt, pepper, and cheese to taste.
Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the mashed potatoes and spread them evenly in the pan. Cook for about three minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Turn the mashed potatoes with a spatula and repeat until they are golden brown all over.
Fried mashed potatoes go well with eggs, salad, and cheese. You can also top them with cheese, green onions, or bacon bits.
