Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

These garlic mashed potato cakes combine leftover mashed potatoes with minced garlic, cheddar cheese, and green onions for a flavorful dish. The mixture is shaped into patties, then fried until golden and crisp outside while staying creamy inside. Perfect as a savory side or snack, they come together quickly and offer versatility with optional herbs or different cheeses. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or paired with sour cream or applesauce for added taste.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:03:00 GMT
Golden-brown, crispy Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes ready to eat, a perfect savory side. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, crispy Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes ready to eat, a perfect savory side. | citrushearth.com

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these garlic mashed potato cakes are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Perfect as a side dish or a savory snack.

I have always enjoyed turning leftovers into new dishes this recipe quickly became a favorite in my household.

Ingredients

  • Potato Cakes: 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, 2 cloves garlic minuted, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl mix together the mashed potatoes eggs minced garlic cheddar cheese green onions flour salt and pepper until well combined.
Step 2:
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 3:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Step 4:
Add the potato cakes in batches being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 5:
Transfer the cooked cakes to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Warm, cheesy Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes with a delightful crispy exterior, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Warm, cheesy Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes with a delightful crispy exterior, ready to serve. | citrushearth.com

These potato cakes have become a beloved snack at family gatherings with everyone asking for seconds.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl measuring cups and spoons skillet or frying pan spatula paper towels

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (cheese) Wheat (flour) If using store-bought mashed potatoes check for additional allergens or ingredients

Nutritional Information

Calories 230 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 7 g per serving

Freshly fried Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes, showing a beautiful texture and appealing aroma. Save to Pinterest
Freshly fried Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes, showing a beautiful texture and appealing aroma. | citrushearth.com

These garlic mashed potato cakes make a quick satisfying side dish or snack perfect any time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these potato cakes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to keep the texture while making them suitable for gluten-free diets.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

Feel free to use mozzarella, parmesan, or any preferred cheese to change the flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

How do I achieve the perfect crispy exterior?

Fry the potato cakes over medium heat using enough vegetable oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Can I add extra flavors to the potato cakes?

You can enhance flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika into the mixture before cooking.

What are good accompaniments for these cakes?

These cakes pair wonderfully with sour cream, applesauce, or a side salad to balance their savory richness.

Simple Garlic Mashed Potato Cakes

Crispy outside, creamy inside garlic mashed potato cakes ideal for sides or savory snacks.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Time to cook
15 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

Potato Cakes

01 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
02 2 large eggs
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
06 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking

01 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

How to Make It

Step 01

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend mashed potatoes, eggs, minced garlic, cheddar cheese, green onions, flour, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.

Step 02

Form Patties: Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of mixture and shape into a patty about 1/2 inch thick; repeat with remaining mixture.

Step 03

Heat Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Step 04

Fry Potato Cakes: Fry patties in batches without overcrowding, cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Step 05

Drain and Serve: Place cooked cakes on paper towels to drain excess oil and serve hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions.

What You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Nonstick skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk (cheese), and wheat (flour).
  • Check store-bought mashed potatoes for potential allergens.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 230
  • Fat content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 24 grams
  • Protein amount: 7 grams