In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed potatoes and egg. Add the flour and onion and mix all together well. Add salt and pepper to batter if desired.

In a large skillet or on a griddle, heat vegetable oil (about 3 Tablespoons maybe) over medium-high heat. Dollop batter onto the heated surface in heaping tablespoons. Flatten each dollop slightly with the spoon to create the cakes.

Cooking time is about a minute per side. They should be golden brown on each side, so I usually cook them with my eyes more focused on the pancakes than the clock.

If cooking multiple batches, transfer completed cakes to a paper lined microwave-safe plate in the microwave. If needed when all the cakes are done, microwave the stack for 20 seconds to assure they're all warm.

I hope you like them. I sure do!


I like these with butter and maple syrup. But since they're more savory than sweet, they are also terrific with a fried egg and grated cheese on top. You can also try adding some chopped parsley or basil for color - or spice them up with jarred roasted red pepper or jalapenos! Delicious!

Mr Breakfast would like to thank MamaMia for this recipe.

Overall Average Rating = 5 (out of 5)

Based on 56 votes.

View all 70 comments for this recipe.

From Ashford

Rating (out of 5):

I, too, had some leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving and made these pancakes tonight. This is a great recipe - easy and delicious.

Comment submitted: 11/30/2015 (#19678)



From M. J. Balmer

Rating (out of 5):

Delicious! Made them the Sunday after Thanksgiving with leftovers. Will make again. Thank you for sharing the recipe :)

Comment submitted: 11/28/2015 (#19672)



From Roberta2

Rating (out of 5):

It was awesome.

Comment submitted: 12/16/2014 (#19151)



From ncrsaa (Team Breakfast Member)

Rating (out of 5):

Just made them for special Sunday breakfast and everyone (dad and kids) thought they were great! I made them as directed, except I skipped the onions. Good stuff! Thanks!

Comment submitted: 9/2/2013 (#16368)



From Kejriwal

Rating (out of 5):

I liked it better than hash browns to have as a side dish. The edges get just a little crisp but the inside is soft. Very nice.

Comment submitted: 11/14/2012 (#14838)



From katlover

I did this, but why did they stick to the non-stick pan? It was a potato mess. What did I do wrong? Is my pan bad?

Comment submitted: 8/15/2012 (#14294)



From waldo b.

Awesome!

Comment submitted: 7/27/2012 (#14195)



From bopper

Rating (out of 5):

Loved it. Thanks much!

Comment submitted: 6/29/2012 (#14089)



From speedway

Rating (out of 5):

Had it as a side dish with fancy scrambled eggs. I used advise from one of the comments and added shredded Cheddar cheese too. It went really well the the scrambled eggs and it was great to get a taste of both at once. I give this recipe a thumbs-up.

Comment submitted: 2/18/2012 (#13553)



From Paul

Rating (out of 5):

This was way better than I thought it might be. I'd make it again.

Comment submitted: 12/26/2011 (#13347)



From crazytypist

Rating (out of 5):

This was easy to make and was a great way to get rid of all my mashed potato leftovers. Very tasty. Next time we will try with shredded cheese on top.

Comment submitted: 11/27/2011 (#13241)



From Glennigan

I have been making potato pancakes for a while and this pretty much follows my recipe except for a couple of things. Mind you this is not heart-healthy. I grate my potatoes and I fry them in bacon grease. Then I eat them with loads of salt & butter, no applesauce. Told you it was not heart-healthy.

Comment submitted: 11/9/2011 (#13134)



From kim bennani

Rating (out of 5):

I just made them with finely diced cornichons... so yummy.

Comment submitted: 10/1/2011 (#12958)



From Kathy

Rating (out of 5):

I made them with shredded cheese in the batter, then topped with sour cream! 5/6 kids thought they were awesome!

Comment submitted: 9/16/2011 (#12910)



From N. Carolina

Rating (out of 5):

I just made these for my in-laws and got great comments. They were really good. So thanks.

Comment submitted: 9/6/2011 (#12879)



From Nell

Rating (out of 5):

So glad I found this. I like it better than the shredded potato kind - which I love, so I'm pretty happy.

Comment submitted: 5/4/2011 (#12645)



From Hoops&Dee

Rating (out of 5):

Made it again this weekend. Great every time. I top them with sour cream and chives. My husband tops with maple syrup. Anything goes... delicious.

Comment submitted: 4/3/2011 (#12386)



From keyes1

Rating (out of 5):

They came out a little dry then expected but were AWESOME!

Comment submitted: 3/24/2011 (#12341)



From cece33

Rating (out of 5):

Great use for leftover mashed potatoes. This is a really good recipe.

Comment submitted: 2/28/2011 (#12215)



From Etompkins3127

Rating (out of 5):

I've been doing this one for about a year now, but adding Creole Seasoning to the potatoes. It's a great way to kick off the day.

Comment submitted: 2/4/2011 (#12067)



View all 70 comments for this recipe.

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