Crispy Parmesan Mashed Potato Patties from Leftovers

Leftover Parmesan Mashed Potato Patties are a simple, satisfying way to transform cold mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy side or snack. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a great way to use up leftovers so you don’t feel like you’re eating the exact same meal twice.

Leftover Mashed Potato Patties

If you dislike eating leftover mashed potatoes straight from the fridge, try turning them into patties. This recipe works particularly well with garlic-flavored mashed potatoes, but any well-seasoned, cold mashed potatoes will do. It’s written for roughly half a batch of mashed potatoes (about 2 2/3 cups), but you can scale the amounts up or down to match what you have on hand.

What You’ll Need

Gather a few basic ingredients to turn cold mashed potatoes into golden patties. Measurements are shown in the recipe card below.

• Cold leftover mashed potatoes (about 2 2/3 cups for the amounts below)
• Egg whites (or whole eggs) to help the coating adhere
• Grated Parmesan cheese to mix with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs plus dried herbs)
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil for baking

How To Make Leftover Mashed Potato Patties

These patties are baked for a lighter finish, but instructions include easy adjustments if you prefer pan-frying. The process is quick and yields a crunchy exterior with a creamy potato center.

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray or oil a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the egg whites in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in another shallow bowl.
4. Using a 1/3-cup measuring cup (or your hands), form the cold mashed potatoes into 8 even patties and flatten slightly.
5. Brush each patty with egg whites, or dip and flip to coat both sides. Press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat evenly, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with a little oil.
6. Bake 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown; flip and bake an additional 10–12 minutes until both sides are crisp and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

Recipe Card

• Yield: 4 servings (about 8 patties)
• Serving size: 2 patties
• Total time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 2/3 cups cold leftover garlic mashed potatoes (or other seasoned mashed potatoes)
• 2 large egg whites (or 2 whole eggs)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or a light oil for the pan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with spray or oil.
2. Whisk egg whites until smooth; combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a separate bowl.
3. Measure and shape mashed potatoes into eight patties using a 1/3-cup scoop, then coat with egg whites and press into the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place patties on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake 15 minutes. Flip and bake another 10–12 minutes until both sides are golden.
5. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips, Variations and Storage

• Best texture: Use cold mashed potatoes straight from the fridge so they hold together when shaping.
• Pan-fry option: For extra crispness, pan-fry patties in a tablespoon of oil over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• Flavor swaps: Mix in chopped chives, cooked bacon bits, or shredded cheddar before shaping for different flavor profiles.
• Freezing: Place raw, breaded patties on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer until warmed through to keep them crisp.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values per serving (2 patties): Calories 147; Carbohydrates 20.5 g; Protein 8.5 g; Fat 4 g; Fiber 2 g; Sodium 233 mg; Sugar 1.5 g.

Serving Suggestions

These patties are a versatile side. Serve with grilled chicken, a green salad, or alongside roasted vegetables. They also make a satisfying snack with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a light dipping sauce.

More Leftover Recipe Ideas

• Leftover turkey transformed into soup or enchilada skillet dishes
• Use extra sweet potatoes in a skillet or empanada-style hand pie
• Turn leftover roast into hearty salads or pot pie fillings