Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe - Yummy Tummy Aarthi
Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe - Yummy Tummy Aarthi is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Yummy Tummy on YouTube.
Prep: 37 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $4.32 total, $1.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mashed Potatoes (leftover or freshly boiled and mashed potatoes, smooth)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped; parsley can be used instead)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (for binding)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup Ketchup (for serving (optional))
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (for serving (optional))
Instructions
Prepare Mashed Potatoes (if needed)
If you don’t have leftover mash, peel and dice 2 large Russet potatoes, boil in salted water until fork‑tender (about 10‑12 minutes), then drain and mash until smooth.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 100°C
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl combine the mashed potatoes, chopped coriander (or parsley), flour, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar, paprika, and cayenne. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Shape Patties
Lightly oil your hands, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture, roll into a ball and flatten into a ½‑inch thick patty. Place each patty on a plate.
Time: PT5M
Chill
Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate the patties for 10‑15 minutes to firm up.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 4°C
Heat Oil
Add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil to a tawa or skillet and heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers (about 180°C).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Fry Patties
Place the chilled patties in the hot oil, cooking 4‑5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Serve
Serve the cheesy mashed potato cakes hot with ketchup or sour cream for dipping.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with dairy‑free cheese and plant‑based butter
Allergens: Milk, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mashed Potatoes: Sweet potato mash
- Instead of Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh parsley, Dried herbs (1 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Gouda
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Chili powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Ketchup: Tomato sauce
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Frying Pan (Tawa)
- Plate for chilling
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the mashed potato mixture until uniform
- Chilling the patties to set their shape
- Frying at the correct oil temperature to achieve a golden crust
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the mixture for extra flavor.
- For extra crunch, coat each patty lightly with breadcrumbs before frying.
- Serve with a drizzle of sriracha mixed with mayo for a spicy dip.
Troubleshooting
Patties fall apart while frying.
Make sure the mixture is well‑bound with flour and chill the patties for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
Cakes are soggy instead of crisp.
Heat the oil to 180 °C before adding patties and avoid crowding the pan; fry each side until deep golden.
Cheese melts out and the interior looks dry.
Use shredded cheese that melts evenly and do not over‑mix; keep the interior moist by not over‑cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, chilled patties on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag; keep for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes per side.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the mashed potato mixture and shape the patties up to 24 hours ahead; keep them covered in the fridge.
- Uncooked chilled patties freeze well; fry directly from frozen for a quick snack later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes in American comfort food cuisine?
Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes are a modern twist on classic American comfort foods that repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, embodying the frugal, family‑friendly spirit of home cooking. They have become popular as a kid‑approved snack and side dish at backyard gatherings and school lunches.
How do Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
They echo the tradition of turning leftovers into new dishes, similar to hash browns or potato pancakes, while adding cheese for extra richness—a hallmark of American comfort cuisine that values hearty, indulgent flavors.
What regional variations of cheesy potato cakes exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, they often include cheddar and corn kernels; in the South, they may feature pepper jack cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Some New England versions add baked beans as a topping for a hearty brunch.
What occasions or celebrations are Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes traditionally associated with in American culture?
They are a popular addition to casual gatherings such as family game nights, picnics, and school potlucks, and are frequently served as a side at holiday brunches where leftover holiday mash can be reused.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include plain mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, all‑purpose flour, and fresh herbs. Acceptable substitutes are sweet potato mash, gluten‑free flour, dairy‑free cheese, or dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes?
They pair nicely with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a simple green salad. For a full comfort‑food plate, serve them alongside baked beans, coleslaw, or a tangy mustard dip.
What makes Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes special or unique in American snack cuisine?
Their uniqueness lies in the combination of creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy fried exterior and melted cheese, offering a textural contrast that appeals to both kids and adults while reducing food waste.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes?
Common errors include skipping the chilling step, which leads to patties falling apart, using too much flour which makes them dense, and frying at too low a temperature, resulting in soggy cakes.
Why does this Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes recipe use a brief refrigeration step instead of baking the patties?
Refrigeration firms up the mixture, allowing the patties to hold their shape during the quick high‑heat fry, whereas baking would produce a softer, less crisp exterior that many prefer for this snack.
What does the YouTube channel Yummy Tummy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Yummy Tummy specializes in easy, family‑friendly recipes that transform everyday leftovers into tasty meals, focusing on quick cooking techniques and kid‑approved flavors.
How does the YouTube channel Yummy Tummy's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Yummy Tummy emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, budget‑conscious cooking, and step‑by‑step visuals that make leftovers feel exciting, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate plating or exotic cuisines.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
