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Mashed Potato Cakes

These crispy mashed potato cakes are the ultimate way to transform leftover mash into a sophisticated vegetarian side dish or a comforting snack. By combining fluffy potatoes with savoury parmesan and a hint of seasoning, you create a rich, flavourful base that contrasts perfectly with a light, golden crust. They offer a wonderful combination of textures, being beautifully soft in the middle while maintaining a satisfying crunch on the outside from the pan-searing process.

Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, these cakes fit seamlessly into any mid-week menu or a relaxed weekend brunch. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad and a dollop of soured cream, or as a crunchy accompaniment to your favourite vegetarian sausages. This simple, thrifty recipe is an excellent addition to your kitchen repertoire, ensuring no food goes to waste while delivering a delicious homemade treat every time.

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Ingredients for Mashed Potato Cakes

  • 230g mashed potatoes

  • 30g parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg, whisked

  • 7 tablespoons plain flour, divided

  • Butter or oil, for pan-searing

Place mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, and 3 tablespoons flour in a bowl and stir to combine.

Take a scoop of the potato mixture and form into patties.

Place the remaining 4 tablespoons of flour on a plate.

Lightly coat the potato patties in the flour.

Heat a thin layer of the oil or butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.

Cook the potato cakes for 3 minutes on each side for a total of 6 minutes.

Serve as is or with accompaniments.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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