3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes




Golden brown 3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes frying in a cast iron skillet with scallions and a touch of oil on a marble board.
3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes—crispy outside, fluffy inside, pan-fried to perfection with just three ingredients.

Turn those leftover mashed potatoes into something completely irresistible with these 3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes! Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory little patties come together in minutes using only mashed potatoes, an egg, and flour. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy snack, or a satisfying side dish, these pan-fried cakes check all the boxes—and they’re the perfect way to reduce food waste too!

Not only are they super simple, but the crispy edges are addictive and incredibly satisfying. You can jazz them up with chives, cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce, but honestly—they’re pretty perfect as-is.

Fun fact: Potato cakes (or patties) have been enjoyed across cultures for centuries, from Irish boxty to Jewish latkes. These 3-ingredient ones give you that comfort food vibe without the fuss. So if you’re craving something cozy, crispy, and quick—this is your go-to. Let’s get frying!


Golden brown 3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes frying in a cast iron skillet with scallions and a touch of oil on a marble board.
3-Ingredient Mashed Potato Cakes—crispy outside, fluffy inside, pan-fried to perfection with just three ingredients.

Recipe Yield: 6–8 cakes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1/3 cup all-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, and flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth, thick, and scoopable. If your mashed potatoes are very soft or creamy, you may need an extra tablespoon of flour to hold the cakes together.

2. Shape the cakes: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and gently flatten into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place them on a plate or parchment-lined tray while the skillet heats.

3. Pan-fry until golden: Heat 1–2 tbsp of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the potato cakes (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining cakes, adding more oil as needed.

4. Serve warm: Enjoy immediately while the outside is crisp and the inside is soft. Serve with sour cream, green onions, or your favorite dipping sauce.


Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

  • Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes from the fridge work best—they’re stiffer and easier to shape, helping your cakes hold together.
  • Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour binds everything and creates that golden crust. Add a little more if your potatoes are extra creamy.
  • Medium Heat for Crispy Texture: Pan-fry over medium heat—too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through, too low and they’ll absorb oil.


Be the first to comment

Cooked it? 🍳 Loved it? ❤️ Changed it up? 🔄 Your opinion matters! Log in with Google or Facebook using the button below, share your foodie adventure, and let’s make cooking even more fun together! 🎉

Leave a Reply

Also Popular

Oven Perfect Bacon – Crispy homemade bacon served on a modern square plate with sunny side up eggs and fried potato pieces – FoodForYourGood.com

Oven Perfect Bacon

If you’ve ever wondered how to make bacon that’s perfectly crispy every time, look no further. Our Oven Perfect Bacon...

Country Fried Squash

If you’re craving a crispy, savory side dish that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor, look no further than...

Country Fried Squash with crispy golden edges and fresh parsley garnish on FoodForYourGood.com
Close-up of two slices of rustic, golden-brown toasted bread topped with creamy mashed avocado and fresh avocado slices. Sprinkled with garlic flakes, onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and kosher salt. Styled on a rustic plate with garlic cloves and seasoning for an upscale, cozy, and modern look. Recipe from FoodForYourGood.com

Best 3-Ingredient Avocado Toast

Avocado toast has taken over breakfast menus everywhere, but why spend extra when you can make the Best 3-Ingredient Avocado...

Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Lasagna lovers, get ready for a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite! This Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna is packed...

Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna in a white ceramic baking dish, baked to golden perfection with bubbling cheese. A slice is being lifted, revealing its rich layers of meat sauce, pasta, and creamy cottage cheese. Recipe available on FoodForYourGood.com
Homemade Boston Cream Pie with golden sponge cake, a creamy vanilla custard filling, and rich chocolate ganache dripping down the sides, displayed on a rustic cake stand.

Boston Cream Pie

Boston Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With its soft, buttery sponge cake,...

Crispy Roasted Potatoes & Onions

There’s nothing quite like the perfectly crispy, golden-brown potatoes fresh from the oven. And when you add sweet, caramelized red...

Delicious crispy roasted potatoes with golden-brown caramelized onions, garnished with fresh green onions, served in a rustic bowl. Recipe from FoodForYourGood.com