What happens when mashed potatoes meet a crispy pancake? A match made in heaven. These easy homemade pancakes use leftover mashed potatoes, pan-fried to a golden brown and topped with sour cream and chives. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, save this idea for a family favorite meal to try soon.

mashed potato pancakes on a white plate topped with sour cream and chives in the background

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of mashed potatoes with the crispy delight of pancakes, all topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. This recipe for mashed potato pancakes is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to turn a simple ingredient like mashed potatoes into a gourmet meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to elevate everyday ingredients into something truly special, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its rich flavors and creative use of ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of mashed potatoes, sour cream, and chives creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and refined. The ingredients are also easily accessible, making this dish feasible for anyone to prepare.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the impressive results it yields with relatively minimal effort. The combination of crispy pancakes and creamy toppings is sure to impress your family and friends.

Key Ingredients

The key to making great mashed potato pancakes lies in the quality of your ingredients. You will need leftover mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, eggs, butter, sour cream, chives, and salt and pepper to taste. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of potatoes or add various herbs and spices to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Additionally, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a slightly different taste.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. If using leftover mashed potatoes, make sure they are cold. If you’re making the mashed potatoes from scratch, boil 2-3 large potatoes until they’re tender, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper. Let them cool down completely.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick but still able to be formed into patties. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour.
3. Step 3: Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a patty. Heat a non-stick pan with a small amount of butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
4. Step 4: Once the pancakes are cooked, place them on a plate. Top each pancake with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of crispy, golden pancakes and creamy, fresh toppings.

Handy Tips

• Make sure your mashed potatoes are cold before mixing them with flour and egg. This will help the patties hold their shape better when cooking.
• Don’t overmix the potato mixture, as this can make the pancakes dense and heavy.
• Adjust the amount of flour according to the consistency of your mashed potatoes. If your potatoes are particularly moist, you may need a bit more flour.
• For an extra crispy exterior, you can coat the patties lightly with additional flour or panko breadcrumbs before frying.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when cooking the mashed potato pancakes. You want to cook them over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn on the outside before they’re fully cooked on the inside. The ideal temperature is around 325°F to 350°F (165°C to 175°C). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. Signs of doneness include a crispy, golden exterior and a cooked-through interior that’s still tender.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor is essential for mashed potato pancakes. The exterior should be crispy and golden, while the interior remains tender and fluffy. To achieve this, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, rather than crispy, pancakes. Also, don’t flip the pancakes too many times, as this can prevent them from developing a nice crust.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. This will help you achieve the perfect crunch on the outside without overcooking the inside.
• Don’t overwork the potato mixture, as this can make the pancakes dense. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, then stop mixing.
• For a professional touch, garnish with additional chives or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the sour cream.
• Consider using a cast-iron skillet for cooking the pancakes, as it retains heat well and can help achieve a crispy crust.

Storage Tips

• Leftover mashed potato pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan with a little butter until crispy and warm.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen. Reheat frozen pancakes in a pan with butter or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm and crispy.
• When storing, make sure the pancakes are completely cool to prevent moisture from forming and making them soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these mashed potato pancakes, they can be beautifully packaged in a variety of ways. Consider placing them in a decorative tin or basket, lined with parchment paper or a cloth napkin. You can also wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift box. Don’t forget to include a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives on top of each pancake for a complete and thoughtful gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the mashed potato mixture for a unique flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of sour cream and chives, try topping your pancakes with diced bacon, shredded cheese, diced onions, or a fried egg.
• Ingredient swaps: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter version, or add some grated carrot or zucchini to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your pancakes are too dense, it might be because the mixture was overworked. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together next time. If they’re too soggy, it could be because the potatoes were too moist or the pancakes were not cooked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. For a vegan version, consider using a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the color and texture of the pancakes. If they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they’re done. If they’re too pale, they might need a bit more cooking time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the uncooked potato mixture and the cooked pancakes. For the mixture, shape it into patties, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked pancakes can also be frozen and reheated in a pan or oven when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as given contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re cooking more pancakes at once.

Conclusion

Mashed potato pancakes are a delightful and creative way to enjoy mashed potatoes. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and the freshness of sour cream and chives, they make for a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish, a main course, or even a snack, these pancakes are sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of turning a simple ingredient into something truly special.