Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself? These stuffed potato cakes are the perfect solution! With a crispy outer layer and a savory, cheesy filling, these potato cakes are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon (or veggies) creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these potato cakes in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch of these stuffed potato cakes ahead of time and enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even a main course throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Mashed potatoes: Whether you use leftover mashed potatoes or make them fresh, the creamy texture is essential for binding the ingredients together.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice will add a gooey and flavorful element to the filling.
- Cooked bacon: For a meaty option, crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory taste. Substitute with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Green onions: Optional for a fresh and slightly tangy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Coating the potato cakes before frying adds a crispy outer layer.
- Oil: For frying the potato cakes to a golden brown perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, cooked bacon (or sautéed vegetables), green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small patties and coat them with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the potato cakes until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crispiness, refrigerate the shaped potato cakes for 30 minutes before frying.
- Swap out the bacon for cooked sausage or ham for a different flavor profile.
- Store any leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use cold mashed potatoes for easier shaping and frying.
- Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- Adding a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder to the breadcrumb coating can add a subtle kick to the potato cakes.
Serving Suggestions:
These stuffed potato cakes are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad, coleslaw, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair them with a refreshing lemonade or an ice-cold beer for a satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the potato cakes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these potato cakes?
- Yes, you can freeze the shaped potato cakes before frying. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and shape the patties in advance for a quick meal option.
- Can I bake these potato cakes instead of frying?
- While frying gives a crispy texture, you can bake the potato cakes at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier alternative.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
- Instant mashed potatoes can be used, but the texture may differ slightly from using fresh or leftover mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
With their irresistible combination of creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy filling, and crispy exterior, these stuffed potato cakes are a must-try recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting snack, these potato cakes are sure to please your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and elevate your snacking game today!
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Quick & Easy Stuffed Potato Cakes
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These quick and easy stuffed potato cakes are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into Cakes: Form the mixture into small patties and coat each with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Cakes: Heat oil in a pan and fry the potato cakes until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings by adding different herbs, spices, or cooked meats.
- For a healthier version, try baking the potato cakes in the oven instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg