Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—these Quick & Easy Stuffed Potato Cakes are a game-changer! Whether you’re using up leftover mashed potatoes or making them from scratch, these golden beauties are perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal. Stuffed with gooey cheese, crispy bacon (or veggies for a vegetarian twist), and packed with flavor, these potato cakes are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Potato Cakes
✔️ Crispy & Golden – A crunchy breadcrumb coating makes every bite satisfying.
✔️ Cheesy & Flavorful – The melted cheese inside takes these to the next level.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – A perfect way to use up extra mashed potatoes.
✔️ Customizable – Make them vegetarian, gluten-free, or add your favorite fillings!
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick prep, and absolutely delicious.
🏆 What Do Stuffed Potato Cakes Taste Like?
These stuffed potato cakes are like a cross between hash browns and croquettes—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside. The cheese melts beautifully, the bacon adds a smoky crunch, and the garlic powder gives them a subtle kick. Every bite is pure comfort food bliss!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Coating & Frying:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
🍽️ Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels for draining
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
✔️ Vegetarian? Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
✔️ Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
✔️ Extra crispy? Double-coat the patties by dipping them in beaten egg before rolling in breadcrumbs.
✔️ Spicy? Add a dash of paprika or chili flakes to the mix.
👩🍳 How to Make Quick & Easy Stuffed Potato Cakes
1️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, bacon (or veggies), green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2️⃣ Shape the Patties
- Form the mixture into patties about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Roll each patty in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
3️⃣ Fry Until Golden & Crispy
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the potato cakes 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, crispy potato cakes!
🍽 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, lightly press the patties with a spatula while frying!
🍴 What to Serve with Stuffed Potato Cakes
These potato cakes are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – A cool, tangy dip.
- Garlic aioli or ranch dressing – Extra indulgence!
- Side salad – A fresh balance to the crispy richness.
- Fried eggs – Turn them into a hearty breakfast!
🔥 Tips for the Best Potato Cakes
✔️ Use cold mashed potatoes – They hold their shape better.
✔️ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches for even cooking.
✔️ Keep them warm – Place fried potato cakes in a low oven (200°F) while you cook the rest.
✔️ Make ahead – Form the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
🏡 Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Crisp them up in a skillet or air fryer—avoid the microwave, or they’ll get soggy.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Can I air-fry these potato cakes?
Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether—the cakes will still be delicious.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Quick & Easy Stuffed Potato Cakes are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into an irresistible dish! Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit.
📌 Tried this recipe? Leave a review and tag me on Pinterest with your delicious creations!
And if you love potato-based dishes, check these out:
🥔 Red Velvet Oreo Cookies | Vintage Confections
🥔 Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Happy cooking! 🍽✨