Mashed potato pancakes are the best way to reinvent leftover mashed potatoes! These potato pancakes are crispy outside and fluffy inside, packed with fresh spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
1poundpotatoes(about 4 medium-sized potatoes), boiled, peeled, and quartered
¼cupmilk
1tablespoonbutter
1tablespoonolive oil
1smallyellow oniondiced
8 to 10 ouncesbaby spinach
3clovesgarlicminced
salt and fresh ground black pepperto taste
1cupshredded parmesan cheese
2tablespoonslemon juice
1largeegglightly beaten
2cupspanko crumbs
¼cupvegetable oilfor frying (add more as needed)
For Serving, Optional
yogurt or sour cream
soy sauce or hot sauce
Instructions
Mash the potatoes. Combine peeled boiled potatoes and milk in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they're smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Sauté. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add spinach and garlic to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until the spinach is wilted.
Combine. Remove from heat and add the sautéed veggies to the potatoes. Stir in cheese and lemon juice. Add the egg and panko/bread crumbs; stir until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Form the pancakes. Shape the potato mixture into patties. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet.
Fry. Working in batches, fry the potato pancakes on both sides until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Drain and serve. Transfer the cooked potato pancakes to a paper towel–lined plate while you fry the rest. Serve with yogurt, sour cream, or soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
How to boil potatoes for mashing: Place the whole potatoes in a large pot of cold salted water. Make sure they're fully submerged. Bring the pot to a rolling boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until a fork can smoothly pierce through them without resistance.
Boiling times vary. Medium-sized potatoes take about 15 to 20 minutes after the water starts boiling. Larger potatoes might need 25 to 30 minutes.