Oven Baked Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Crispy Oven-Baked Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe: Golden Comfort

Crispy golden oven baked mashed potato cakes deliver comfort straight to your plate.

Leftover mashed potatoes become magical when transformed into these delightful rounds.

Cheese and herbs mingle beautifully within each perfectly browned exterior.

Crunchy edges promise a satisfying bite that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for weekend brunches or quick weeknight side dishes, these potato cakes pack serious flavor.

Subtle seasonings create depth beyond simple potato goodness.

Whip up this simple recipe and watch everyone request seconds.

Mashed Potato Cakes: The Basics

  • Minimal preparation required, these potato cakes deliver maximum satisfaction with just a few simple ingredients from your kitchen.
  • Takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families needing a delicious side dish or light meal that doesn't consume hours of cooking time.
  • Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for multiple occasions- from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.
  • Oven-baked instead of deep-fried, these potato cakes offer a lighter alternative to traditionalfried versions while maintaining incredible flavor and satisfying crunch.

What’s in Oven Baked Mashed Potato Cakes

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy foundation of the potato cakes, best made from day-old potatoes for optimal texture.
  • Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the potato cakes together and adds richness.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and crispy exterior, regular or panko work well.
Cheese and Seasonings:
  • Cheese, Green Onions: Add flavor depth and savory notes, sharp cheddar recommended for best taste.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile and bring out potato's natural flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior when brushed on top of potato cakes.
  • Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Optional creamy dipping accompaniments that complement the potato cakes.
  • Green Onions, Chives: Fresh garnish for added color and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Mashed Potato Cakes in the Oven

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and get ready for some potato magic.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Potato Magic

In a mixing bowl, gather your ingredients:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Egg
  • Shredded cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Chopped green onions
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes thick and holds its shape perfectly.

Step 4: Shape Your Patties

Scoop out small portions of the potato mixture and shape them into cute little patties. Each patty should be about the size of your palm.

Step 5: Arrange On Baking Sheet

Place each potato patty carefully on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of breathing room.

Step 6: Add Golden Touch

Brush the tops of the patties with olive oil. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown and get super crispy.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your golden potato cakes and let them cool for a moment. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Step 9: Garnish With Flair

Sprinkle some extra chopped green onions or chives on top for a burst of fresh flavor.

Mashed Potato Cake FAQ Guide

  • Are these potato cakes healthy?

These potato cakes offer a nutritious alternative to deep-fried versions. They’re baked instead of fried, reducing oil content, and include protein from eggs and cheese. Green onions add extra nutrients and flavor.

  • Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! These potato cakes are perfect for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes. Cold, day-old mashed potatoes work best because they have a firmer consistency that helps the cakes hold their shape.

  • How do I prevent the potato cakes from falling apart?

Ensure your potato mixture is thick and well-combined. Add breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients. When forming patties, press them firmly and compact the mixture to create stable cakes.

  • What cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère work wonderfully. These cheeses provide excellent flavor and help the potato cakes stick together. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the potato’s creamy texture.

Tips for Fluffy Yet Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Customize Potato Cake Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your potato cakes to control crispiness and cooking time. Thinner cakes will crisp up faster and have more crunchy edges.
  • Prevent Sticking Tricks: Use a non-stick baking sheet or generously grease parchment paper to ensure potato cakes release easily without breaking when flipping.
  • Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or feta to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to your potato cakes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare potato cake mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the mixture set and makes preparation easier on busy days.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make these potato cakes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Keeping Potato Cakes for Later

  • Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Spread potato cakes on a baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Warm a non-stick skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook potato cakes 2-3 minutes per side until golden and hot.

Sides That Work with Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Hearty Beer Pairing- Rich, malty craft beer like amber ale perfectly cuts through the crispy potato cake's richness and complements its savory cheese notes.
  • Zesty Herb Dip- Prepare a quick dill and chive sour cream sauce that adds bright, tangy freshness to balance the potato cake's warm, comforting texture.
  • Grilled Chicken Sidekick- Serve alongside simply seasoned grilled chicken breast to create a complete meal that highlights the potato cakes' crispy exterior and creamy interior.
  • Roasted Green Salad- Toss mixed greens with roasted asparagus or green beans, creating a light, nutritious accompaniment that provides crisp contrast to the potato cakes' softness.

Mashed Potato Cake Variations to Explore

Gluten-Free Potato Cakes: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.

Vegan Potato Cakes: Swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill to elevate the flavor profile and create a more aromatic dish.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute half the mashed potatoes with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.

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Oven Baked Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe

Oven Baked Mashed Potato Cakes Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy oven-baked mashed potato cakes deliver comfort with an irresistible golden crunch. Packed with cheesy goodness and herb-infused flavor, these delightful potato rounds will become an instant favorite for your next family gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Potato Base:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) mashed potatoes
  • ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 400F (200C), creating an ideal baking environment for crispy potato cakes.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the mashed potatoes with the egg, creating a smooth base for the potato cakes.
  4. Incorporate the shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the potato mixture.
  5. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until the mixture achieves a cohesive consistency that can easily hold its shape.
  6. Using a measuring tool or spoon, portion out the mixture into uniform patties, ensuring each cake is approximately 14 cup in volume.
  7. Carefully arrange the potato cakes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each patty.
  8. Delicately brush the surface of each potato cake with olive oil, which will help achieve a golden and crisp exterior.
  9. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the cakes midway through cooking to ensure even browning.
  10. Remove from the oven once the potato cakes have developed a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture.
  11. Plate the hot potato cakes and accompany with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your preferred dipping sauce.
  12. Enhance the presentation and flavor by sprinkling additional chopped green onions or chives over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold mashed potatoes for firmer cakes that hold their shape better during baking.
  • Add extra binding ingredients like flour or cornstarch if the mixture seems too wet or falls apart easily.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Make these potato cakes gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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