Crispy Potato Patties

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/4/23
Stack of thick crispy potato patties topped with a dollop of sour cream on a plate

The Spruce Eats

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 6 servings

Leftover mashed potatoes aren't very good if you just reheat them and serve them as is. You have to add something to them to make them flavorful. Potato patties are a great way to use up this ingredient to make another recipe that is crisp, hot, and delicious. This easy recipe is loved by everyone.

Use leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving dinner to make these delicious, crisp potato patties. They're a classic side dish, perfect to serve with everything from meatloaf to roasted chicken. Or, you can serve them as an appetizer.

You can also make potatoes just for this recipe. Try using dried potato flakes; they are a quality product and make really good mashed potatoes. Follow the package directions carefully, and remember to cool the potatoes thoroughly before you start this recipe.

Serve these little patties with meatloaf, roast chicken, or grilled steak. They're also great served with ketchup or with a sauce made by combining mustard and mayonnaise or sour cream. Try them alongside a soup or green salad.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes, cooled

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 small onion, minced

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for crispy potato patties recipe gathered

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  2. Mix together the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, and onion in a medium bowl.

    Potatoes, egg, and onion mixed in a bowl with a spoon

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  3. Add the flour, cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir well with a wooden spoon.

    Thick potato mixture with cheese in the bowl

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  4. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter together until the butter melts and the mixture starts to sizzle.

    Olive oil and butter melting in a cast-iron skillet

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  5. Drop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the frying pan, patting it into 3-inch circles that are about 1/2 inch thick. Cook the potato patties until the bottom is browned and crisp, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes.

    3 potato patties frying in oil in the cast-iron skillet

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  6. Carefully turn each patty over with a spatula and cook the second side until it is brown and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes longer.

    Lightly browned potato patties in the cast-iron skillet

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  7. Remove the patties from the pan and drain briefly on paper towels.

    Browned patties degreasing on a plate lined with paper towels

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  8. Serve the patties immediately with ketchup or salsa or any other sauce you'd like. Enjoy.

    Potato patties fanned out on a plate, served with sour cream in a small bowl

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Variations

  • Other types of cheese in this recipe would also be good in this recipe, such as grated cheddar, Swiss, Muenster, or Havarti.
  • Season the potatoes with dried herbs, such as thyme, marjoram, parsley, basil, or rosemary.
  • Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be substituted for regular all-purpose flour.
  • For more nutrition, you could sneak in some mashed cauliflower or some finely shredded carrots. 

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Potato Patties

You can keep these patties warm in a 250 F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving if you like. They will stay crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.


They will keep in the fridge for three to four days if they're wrapped well and covered. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350 F for 10 to 15 minutes until completely hot, or over low heat in a skillet with a little melted butter or olive oil.


For longer storage, freeze potato patties individually, wrap in foil, and transfer to a zip-close plastic freezer bag for up to three months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
223 Calories
14g Fat
18g Carbs
6g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 223
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 19%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 449mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 8mg 39%
Calcium 95mg 7%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 278mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)