Don’t let your leftover mashed potatoes go to waste after Thanksgiving. Instead, turn them into something truly delightful: crispy potato pancakes. This easy recipe will take your mashed potatoes to the next level, creating a dish that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Whether you’re looking for a savory brunch or a simple yet satisfying snack, these potato pancakes are the answer.
The Magic of Potato Pancakes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your surplus of mashed potatoes into a culinary treat. By adding eggs, cheese, and chives to your mashed potatoes, you’ll create a mixture that can be easily shaped into delectable patties. And if your original mashed potatoes were already seasoned to perfection, there’s no need to add extra salt and pepper.
Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
The secret to the irresistible crispy exterior of these potato pancakes lies in the cooking process. Before frying them in a hot skillet coated with oil, dredge your potato patties in flour. This simple step will result in golden-brown pancakes with a soft and fluffy interior. You’ll be amazed at how a few extra ingredients and a little bit of frying can transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a new culinary delight.
Serving Suggestions
The best part about these potato pancakes is their versatility. They can be enjoyed at any time of the day and paired with various accompaniments. For lunch, serve them with a dollop of sour cream and a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal. If you’re in need of a quick snack, these potato pancakes are perfect on their own. And if you’re looking to elevate your brunch game, top the pancakes with a fried egg for a hearty and delicious option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon of minced onion
- 1 tablespoon of minced green pepper
- Bacon drippings or cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, milk, egg, minced onions, and minced green peppers. Feel free to add salt and pepper if desired. This will give your potato pancakes an extra kick of flavor.
- Form the mixture into 3-inch round patties. This will help them cook evenly and give them a nice, crispy exterior.
- Heat bacon drippings or cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. The bacon drippings will add a rich, smoky flavor to your potato pancakes, but cooking oil works just as well.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet and fry them until they’re golden brown on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once the potato pancakes are perfectly browned, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will help absorb any excess oil, leaving you with a crispy and delicious result.
- Serve your potato pancakes hot and enjoy! They make a great accompaniment to any meal.
BONUS RECIPE: THE BEST CHEESECAKE BARS (SNACK BARS) IN PHILADELPHIA
These easy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are made with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh strawberry topping and a white chocolate drizzle. They’re a dead ringer for the original Philadelphia Snack Bars! They’re also easy to make and eliminate the need for a full cheesecake.
With fresh strawberry sauce and white chocolate, these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat!
These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars taste exactly like the original Philadelphia Snack Bars, but they’re much better. They begin with traditional Philadelphia cream cheese bars, but are elevated to new heights with the addition of sticky strawberry topping and a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Really, really good!
If you like cheesecake, try this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or this Blackberry Cheesecake. We have dessert dishes for every taste.
WHY ARE PHILADELPHIA SNACK BARS AMAZING?
The centre is creamy (rather than rubbery or grainy).
Fresh strawberries are used to make a beautiful red, sticky, and tasty topping.
Much simpler than a traditional cheesecake.
There is no need for a water bath.
INGREDIENTS
PHILADELPHIA CHEESECAKE BARS HOW TO MAKE
Prepare the crust: Combine the crumbs and butter thoroughly, then press firmly into an 8 or 9-inch baking pan (affiliate).
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla on medium speed. Then, on low, mix the eggs. Pour over the crust that has been prepared.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly underset, at 350°F. Allow to cool after removing from the oven.
To make the topping, follow these steps: While the bars are baking, heat the strawberry sauce ingredients for around 15 minutes on the burner. Then set aside to cool.
Assemble the cheesecake by cutting it into 8-10 bars. Then drizzle with melted white chocolate chips and top with the strawberry topping.
Prepare the crust, then assemble the filling and bake! Make the strawberry sauce while the bars are baking.
FOR A GROUP
Depending on the size of the pan, one recipe yields 8-10 bars. To serve more people, cut these into smaller bars, or double the recipe and bake in two separate pans. This would make a great summer, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, or Christmas treat!
QUESTIONS AND REPLIES
Why were Philadelphia cheesecake bars discontinued?
This is a reasonable question to which we may never have an answer… However, the homemade version of Philadelphia snack bars is far superior!
How should I keep my strawberry cheesecake snack bars?
Refrigerate in an airtight jar for 2-3 days.
Can you make and freeze cream cheese bars?
You may make the bars and topping ahead of time and keep them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Within a few hours of serving, add the topping.
The bars can be frozen for up to two months. It’s ideal to freeze them without the topping and then top them with it right before serving, but you can freeze them with it if necessary. Unwrap them on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap in plastic and foil or store in an airtight container.
TRICKS AND TIPS
Don’t overcook! This is essential for achieving a creamy, smooth texture.
The edges of the bars may be puffy when you take them out, but they should fall flat as they cool.
Cook the strawberry sauce slowly and for a long time. This is essential for achieving the deep red color and vibrant flavor.
Using a large, sharp knife, cut neat, even slices. To keep the cuts smooth, wipe the blade clean between cuts.
