Fried Potato Patties are a delightful way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden treat. These Potato Patties boast a fluffy interior and a satisfying crunch on the outside. Perfect for any occasion, they serve as an appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. The combination of flavors and textures makes these patties a standout choice in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have delicious potato patties ready in no time.
- Perfect for leftovers: Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting instead of wasting them.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy these patties as an appetizer, side dish, or even in a sandwich.
- Crispy and fluffy: Achieve the ideal texture with a golden crust and tender inside that everyone craves.
- Customizable flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices to match your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To create delicious Potato Patties, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Large frying pan
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Fork: Ideal for mixing the potato mixture gently, ensuring everything is well combined without over-mixing.
- Large frying pan: Allows for even cooking of multiple patties at once while controlling oil temperature effectively.
Ingredients
Fried Potato Patties are the best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes — gorgeously golden brown on the outside, and fluffy, creamy potato heaven on the inside!
For the Potato Patties
- 2 cups cold, leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- About 1 1/2 cup canola oil
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Potato Patties
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cold mashed potatoes and the egg. Make sure the egg is evenly distributed through the potatoes.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Add the grated onion, flour, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to gently mix in these ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare Oil for Frying
Add enough oil to a large fry pan so that it is approximately 1/2 deep. Place over medium heat and allow the oil to come to temperature, about 350°F.
Step 4: Form Patties
Scoop scant 1/2 cups of the potato mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook no more than 3-4 patties at a time. Gently flatten each mound into a patty shape with a spatula.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Fry for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Slide the spatula under each patty and turn it over; using a second utensil can make this easier. Cook for another 2 to 2 1/2 minutes until both sides are crispy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Transfer cooked patties to a cooling rack placed over paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Potato Patties!
How to Serve Potato Patties
Fried Potato Patties are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light snack, an appetizer, or part of a main meal, these patties can adapt to your serving style.
As Appetizers
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
- Mini Sliders: Stack them in mini buns with lettuce and tomato for a fun twist.
With Salads
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw complements the softness of the patties perfectly.
For Breakfast
- Eggs and Patties: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- Avocado Toast: Place a potato patty on top of avocado toast for a filling brunch option.
On a Plate
- With Gravy: Top with gravy for a comforting dish.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed vegetables for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
How to Perfect Potato Patties
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your Potato Patties is essential. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Bold Ingredients: Use flavorful ingredients like garlic powder or herbs to enhance taste.
- Cold Potatoes: Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold; this helps in forming better patties.
- Oil Temperature: Always make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying to achieve that golden brown exterior.
- Gentle Handling: Be careful when shaping and flipping the patties; this maintains their structure.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Potato Patties
Pairing your Potato Patties with complementary side dishes enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Bold Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can add crunch and acidity to balance the rich flavors of the patties.
- Creamy Mashed Peas: This vibrant side adds color and sweetness, creating a lovely contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide nutrients and textures that pair well with potato flavors.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks can serve as an excellent vessel for dipping sauces.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that complements fried foods nicely.
- Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans makes them an ideal companion to savory potato patties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Potato Patties can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few tips to help you avoid pitfalls.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the patties dense. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed to ensure fluffy patties.
- Using warm mashed potatoes: Warm potatoes can change the texture of your patties. Always use cold leftover mashed potatoes for the best results.
- Cooking at the wrong temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, patties will absorb too much oil. Ensure it’s around 350°F before frying for crispy exteriors.
- Crowding the pan: Adding too many patties at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking and browning.
- Skipping cooling time: Not letting your patties cool on a rack can make them soggy. Use a cooling rack over paper towels to maintain crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Potato Patties
- Place cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Potato Patties
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on high for about 30-45 seconds, but be aware they may lose crispiness.
- Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and reheat patties for about 2-3 minutes per side until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Potato Patties without eggs?
You can replace the egg with applesauce or mashed bananas as a binding agent. This will keep your patties together without using eggs.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used! They will give a different flavor but will still create delicious patties.
What toppings pair well with Potato Patties?
Try sour cream, yogurt, or even salsa as tasty toppings. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also add great flavor.
How do I keep my Potato Patties from falling apart?
Ensure your mixture is not too wet and handle them gently when forming patties. Allowing them to chill before frying helps too.
Final Thoughts
Potato Patties are an incredibly versatile dish that brings joy with every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or side dish, they are perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes creatively. Feel free to customize with herbs, spices, or different vegetables for added flavor! Try making these delicious golden treats today!
Fried Potato Patties
Fried Potato Patties are the ultimate way to elevate leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden delight. These delectable patties feature a fluffy interior and a satisfying crunch on the outside, making them perfect for any occasion—whether as a tasty appetizer or a comforting side dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe lets you transform simple ingredients into a flavor-packed treat that everyone will love. With versatile serving options, you can enjoy them on their own, in sandwiches, or paired with your favorite dips. Get ready to indulge in these irresistible potato patties!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- About 1 1/2 cup canola oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes and egg until evenly mixed.
- Add grated onion, flour, salt, and pepper; gently stir until well combined.
- Heat enough canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F).
- Scoop scant 1/2 cups of the mixture into the hot oil and flatten gently into patties; do not overcrowd.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked patties to a cooling rack over paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (45g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices like garlic powder or chives into the mixture. Ensure your mashed potatoes are cold for better patty formation. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature for optimal crispiness.