Easy & Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Scallion Pancakes: A Delicious Way to Use Up Leftovers
Don’t let those delicious leftover mashed potatoes languish in the fridge! Transform them into these incredibly easy and utterly satisfying Leftover Mashed Potato Scallion Pancakes. This recipe is a true game-changer, artfully combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the delightful crispiness of frozen hash browns and the fresh, zesty kick of scallions. Whether you’re searching for a quick and hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a unique savory side dish, these potato pancakes come together in mere minutes and are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. They’re not just a clever way to use up leftovers; they’re a crave-worthy meal in their own right!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Leftover Potato Pancake Recipe
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a recipe that takes humble leftovers and elevates them into something truly extraordinary. These mashed potato pancakes aren’t just a practical solution for reducing food waste; they are a culinary revelation in their own right. My husband, who has a strong preference for classic breakfast eggs and potatoes, often inspires me to find creative and unique ways to serve these beloved staples. One morning, with a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes staring at me from the refrigerator, the idea for these savory pancakes was born!
Many home cooks might be familiar with traditional Irish potato pancakes, often called “boxty,” which typically incorporate a combination of mashed and grated raw potatoes. My version offers a delightful and incredibly convenient twist: instead of the extra step of grating fresh potatoes, we utilize readily available frozen hash browns! This clever swap saves significant prep time while still delivering that fantastic textural contrast – a wonderfully crispy exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. The frozen hash browns add an extra layer of crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, giving these pancakes an irresistible bite.
What truly elevates these pancakes, however, is the thoughtful addition of finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions). Their mild, yet distinct, oniony flavor provides a fresh, aromatic lift that beautifully cuts through the richness of the potatoes, making each bite even more satisfying and well-balanced. While the pancakes shown in these pictures might appear a little thicker, I’ve discovered that making them slightly thinner allows them to get exceptionally crispy and achieve a gorgeous golden-brown hue – a texture that is absolutely key to their appeal!
Beyond being incredibly tasty, this Leftover Mashed Potato Scallion Pancake recipe is also:
- Effortlessly Easy: With the main ingredient (mashed potatoes) already prepared, these pancakes come together with minimal fuss and effort.
- Remarkably Quick to Prepare: From mixing the ingredients to frying them golden brown, you can have a fresh batch of these savory delights on your plate in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing ingredients you likely already have on hand helps stretch your grocery budget and makes the most of your previous meals.
- Incredibly Versatile: They are perfect as a satisfying breakfast centerpiece, a delightful addition to any brunch spread, or even a unique and flavorful side dish for a light dinner.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to adapt the seasonings and any additional ingredients to perfectly suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
If you find yourself making extra mashed potatoes just to ensure you have leftovers for this recipe, trust me, you won’t be alone! To help you get started, here are some fantastic mashed potato recipes that are perfect for tonight’s dinner and will provide you with plenty for tomorrow’s delicious potato pancakes: Consider trying these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, my highly recommended Easiest Mashed Potatoes recipe, comforting Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, or the ever-popular Bacon Mashed Potatoes. Any of these will make an exceptional base for your crispy potato pancakes!
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Potato Pancakes
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how it brilliantly leverages common pantry and refrigerator staples. You’ll likely find most, if not all, of these ingredients already on hand, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute meal solution or when you want something comforting without a trip to the grocery store. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring these savory and crispy pancakes to life:
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes: These are undeniably the star of our show! Cold mashed potatoes work best as their firmer consistency makes them much easier to handle and form into patties. Almost any type of mashed potatoes will work beautifully – whether they are plain, infused with garlic, made extra cheesy, or seasoned with herbs, they will all contribute their own unique flavor profile to the finished pancakes. Just ensure they aren’t overly soupy or thin.
- Frozen Hash Browns: This is my clever secret ingredient for adding incredible texture and a truly delightful crispiness without the time-consuming effort of grating fresh potatoes. There’s no need to thaw them; they will integrate perfectly into the mixture and cook up beautifully. If you prefer, you can use freshly grated potatoes, but it’s absolutely crucial to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy pancakes.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a vital binder, helping to hold the mashed potato and hash brown mixture together. You might find you need to add an extra tablespoon or two if your mashed potatoes are particularly moist, to achieve the right consistency.
- Egg: Another crucial binding agent, the egg ensures that your potato pancakes remain cohesive and don’t fall apart during the frying process, contributing to their structure.
- Milk: A small amount of milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the batter, ensuring it’s not too stiff but still holds its shape. You might need slightly more or less depending on the initial thickness and moisture content of your mashed potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: These are your essential base seasonings. Always adjust to your personal taste, keeping in mind how well-seasoned your original mashed potatoes were. A little extra seasoning can go a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Finely chopped, these add a wonderful, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your pancakes. Don’t skip them – they truly elevate the dish with their fresh, aromatic bite!
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or even a light olive oil are excellent choices for achieving that desired golden-brown crust. Make sure to use enough to generously coat the bottom of your skillet, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with additional seasonings! A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper can introduce another exciting layer of flavor. Fresh chives also make a fantastic and equally delicious substitute for scallions.
How to Master These Crispy Scallion Potato Pancakes
Making these delightful potato pancakes is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal culinary expertise. With just two main steps, you’ll have a wonderfully satisfying meal ready in what feels like no time at all. The beauty of this recipe lies in its forgiving nature; precision isn’t as critical as it might be with some baking recipes, making it an enjoyable and stress-free dish to prepare.
Step 1: Prepare Your Potato Pancake Mixture
Begin by gathering all your specified ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, combine your essential components: the leftover mashed potatoes, the frozen hash browns (there’s no need to thaw them, as they will cook up beautifully within the mixture), the all-purpose flour, a single egg, the milk, salt, pepper, and your finely chopped green onions. Using a sturdy spoon, a spatula, or even your clean hands (it can be a bit messy but incredibly effective for thorough mixing!), integrate everything together until just combined. You’re aiming for a well-mixed blend, but try to avoid overmixing, which can sometimes lead to a tougher pancake texture. The ideal consistency should be thick enough that you can easily form it into patties without them crumbling apart. If the mixture appears too wet, gently stir in an additional tablespoon or two of flour. Conversely, if it seems too dry or stiff, a tiny splash of milk will help achieve the desired pliability.
Pro Tip for Success: Always ensure your mashed potatoes are cold or at least cool when you begin. Cold potatoes are significantly firmer and much easier to work with, helping the patties to maintain their shape better during the crucial frying stage.
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Next, it’s time to achieve that irresistible crispiness. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet – a cast iron pan works exceptionally well here for even heat distribution – over medium heat. Add enough cooking oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan; typically, about 1/4 inch deep is sufficient. Allow the oil to heat up properly before adding the mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of the potato mixture sizzles instantly upon contact (always be cautious to avoid splattering hot oil!).
Once your oil is hot, carefully place spoonfuls of the prepared potato mixture into the skillet. Using the back of your spoon or a spatula, gently flatten each portion into thin, uniform patties, aiming for a diameter of about 2 inches. Remember the earlier tip: thinner pancakes consistently yield crispier, more delicious results! It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in multiple batches to ensure each pancake has enough space to brown evenly and thoroughly. Fry each side for approximately 3 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful, rich golden-brown color and a satisfying crispy texture. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your individual pancakes and the precise heat of your stove.
As each batch finishes cooking, use a slotted spatula to carefully transfer the crispy pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels. This crucial step helps to drain any excess oil, ensuring that your potato pancakes remain wonderfully crisp and not greasy. Serve them immediately while they are warm and at their absolute best!
Refining Your Frying Technique: If you notice your pancakes browning too quickly, simply lower the heat slightly. Conversely, if they aren’t achieving that desirable crispiness, increase the heat a little. Finding this sweet spot for heat control is key to a perfect batch: a golden, crunchy exterior encompassing a perfectly cooked, tender interior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potato Pancakes
If your potato pancakes are disintegrating in the skillet, the most common reason is that your mixture is too wet. The egg and flour are specifically included to act as binders, holding all the ingredients together. However, if there’s an excessive amount of moisture from the mashed potatoes (perhaps they were initially quite loose) or from the hash browns (especially if you used freshly grated ones that weren’t thoroughly drained), the binders won’t be able to do their job effectively. The straightforward solution is to gradually add a little more all-purpose flour, about a tablespoon at a time, mixing it in until the batter feels more cohesive and capable of forming a stable patty. Additionally, ensure your frying oil is sufficiently hot; frying in oil that hasn’t reached the proper temperature can also contribute to the pancakes falling apart.
While both are undeniably delicious fried potato patties, there are distinct differences that set them apart. Potato latkes are a traditional Jewish dish, most famously associated with the Hanukkah holiday. They are typically prepared with grated raw potatoes, often combined with finely grated onion, matzo meal (or sometimes flour), and egg, then fried until wonderfully crispy. Our leftover potato pancakes, on the other hand, start with pre-cooked mashed potatoes. This foundational difference gives them a distinctly creamier interior texture. We then incorporate frozen hash browns for added crunch and scallions for a burst of fresh flavor. While both offer a savory and delightful potato experience, their cultural origins and the primary form of potato used are key distinguishing factors.
These potato pancakes are truly at their absolute best when enjoyed immediately, fresh off the skillet, capturing their peak crispiness. While you can store cooked pancakes, they tend to lose some of that desirable crisp texture when refrigerated. For optimal results if you want to prepare ahead, I highly recommend preparing the mashed potato and hash brown mixture, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This way, you can simply fry up fresh batches in the morning or whenever you’re ready to enjoy them, ensuring maximum flavor and that coveted crispy texture! If you do happen to have leftover cooked pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat and attempt to restore some crispiness, use a toaster oven or a dry skillet over medium heat; avoid the microwave if at all possible, as it will make them soggy.
Yes, you absolutely can freeze these potato pancakes, and they hold up surprisingly well! After frying and allowing them to drain thoroughly on paper towels, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will happily keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can bake them directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain their satisfying crispiness. A toaster oven or an air fryer also works wonderfully for reheating, delivering excellent crispy results.
No problem at all! You can easily substitute freshly grated raw potatoes. For this recipe, you’ll need to grate about 1 cup of peeled potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds work exceptionally well). Immediately after grating, place the raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as you possibly can. This step is critically important to prevent your pancakes from becoming soggy and falling apart during frying. Once the moisture has been thoroughly removed, proceed with the recipe as directed. While the texture will be slightly different – perhaps a bit denser than with frozen hash browns – the results will still be absolutely delicious!
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Mashed Potato Scallion Pancakes
These incredibly versatile potato pancakes are absolutely fantastic when enjoyed on their own, but they truly shine and become an unforgettable meal when paired with complementary toppings and savory sides. Depending on whether you’re serving them for a leisurely breakfast, an elaborate brunch, or as a flavorful accompaniment to a light dinner, the serving possibilities are virtually endless!
- The Classic Egg Pairing: Whether they’re fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly fried eggs with runny yolks, delicately poached eggs, or even a hearty omelet, eggs are arguably the most iconic and perfect match for potato pancakes. This combination creates a truly hearty, comforting, and satisfying start to any day.
- Creamy Sour Cream & Fresh Herbs: A generous dollop of cool, tangy sour cream (or a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt for a lighter touch) and a generous sprinkle of extra chopped green onions or fresh chives is a traditional and utterly delicious topping. It perfectly enhances the savory flavors and adds a refreshing counterpoint.
- Add Some Cheesy Goodness: While the pancakes are still warm, melt a slice of your favorite cheese on top – cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack all work beautifully. Alternatively, serve them with a side of creamy cottage cheese for a pleasant textural and flavor contrast.
- Explore Savory Sauces: Never underestimate the transformative power of a good sauce! Try a light drizzle of soy sauce for an umami-rich kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an invigorating heat, or even a creamy homemade dill sauce. Even unexpected choices like ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo can be surprisingly tasty and add another layer of flavor.
- Serve with a Vibrant Veggie Scramble: For a complete, balanced, and healthy meal, whip up a colorful veggie scramble featuring ingredients like bell peppers, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and onions, and serve it alongside your crispy potato pancakes.
- The Sweet & Savory Combo: While primarily savory, the subtle sweetness of applesauce makes a surprisingly wonderful pairing, especially popular with traditional latkes. Don’t knock this classic combination until you’ve given it a try – you might just love it!
- Hearty Breakfast Meats: Elevate these pancakes into a luxurious brunch spread by serving them alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or even thinly sliced smoked salmon for a touch of elegance.
- Fresh Fruit on the Side: To beautifully balance out the richness of the potato pancakes, a vibrant side of fresh fruit (such as juicy berries, refreshing melon, or bright sliced oranges) provides a wonderfully refreshing and sweet counterpoint, making for a truly well-rounded and delightful meal.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and combinations to discover your ultimate serving preference! These versatile pancakes are truly designed to be adaptable and enjoyed in countless delicious ways.
More Irresistible Potato Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a devoted potato lover, just like us, then you’re undoubtedly always on the lookout for new, exciting, and delicious ways to enjoy this incredibly versatile and comforting vegetable. From rich, creamy casseroles to flavorful and satisfying side dishes, potatoes are an indispensable staple in countless kitchens around the world. After experiencing the sheer deliciousness and convenience of these incredible leftover potato pancakes, we’re sure you’ll be inspired to explore even more potato-centric dishes. Here are some of our other cherished and highly-rated potato recipes that we are confident you will adore and want to add to your cooking repertoire:
- Creamy & Classic Scalloped Potatoes
- Sweet & Savory Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Fluffy & Delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Hearty & Indulgent Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Effortless Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
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Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes with Scallions
Ingredients
- 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup frozen hashbrowns
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon season salt or to taste (this will depend on how seasoned your mashed potatoes are)
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the cold leftover mashed potatoes, frozen hash browns (no need to thaw), all-purpose flour, egg, milk, season salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined into a thick batter that can form patties.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, ensuring it generously coats the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet, gently flattening them with the back of a spoon or spatula into thin patties about 2 inches in diameter. Fry for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Drain the cooked pancakes on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Notes
