Description
Golden and crisp on the outside, creamy and fluffy on the inside—these Chicken Fried Mashed Potato Cakes are pure Southern comfort food. Perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, this easy recipe turns humble ingredients into a crave-worthy dish that works as a hearty side or satisfying main. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, an easy brunch recipe, or new comfort food inspiration, these fried potato cakes are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 large egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dredging)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed)
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (optional)
1 large egg (for dredging)
1/2 cup oil for frying
1/2 cup brown gravy (for serving)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, 1 egg, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and all-purpose seasoning (if using). Add milk or cream only if the mixture is too thick.
2. Shape the mixture into 8 palm-sized cakes about 3/4 inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
3. Set up a dredging station: one bowl of flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each chilled cake in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Serve hot with brown gravy and sprinkle with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for best results.
You can freeze cooked cakes and reheat in the oven.
Add shredded cheese or bacon to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cakes
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: comfort food, mashed potato cakes, fried potato patties, southern sides