(Potato Pancakes with Cheese and Mashed Potatoes)
This Mexican-inspired dish combines creamy mashed potatoes and cheese to create golden, crispy potato pancakes that are perfect as a side dish or a light meal. They're easy to make and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
Ingredients
For the Potato Pancakes:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought, seasoned to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder (if using), pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined. The mixture should hold together when shaped. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Shape the Pancakes
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Flatten the ball gently into a patty or pancake shape about ½ inch thick.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture and place the patties on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Coat the Pancakes
- Lightly coat each pancake in a small amount of flour. This helps them develop a golden crust during frying.
4. Fry the Pancakes
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the potato pancakes in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve
- Serve the potato pancakes warm with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped herbs.
Tips for Perfect Potato Pancakes
- Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes are firmer and easier to work with.
- Choose Melty Cheeses: Mozzarella, cheddar, or Oaxaca cheese are great options for a gooey center.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
- Customize Seasonings: Add paprika, cumin, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Variations
- Stuffed Potato Pancakes: Place a cube of cheese in the center of each patty for a melty surprise.
- Spicy Tortitas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the mixture.
- Vegetable Mix: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or skillet.
- Reheat: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad, soup, or grilled protein for a complete meal.
- Serve as an appetizer or snack with dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or chipotle mayo.
Final Thoughts
Tortitas de papas con queso y puré de papas are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for using leftover mashed potatoes, these crispy pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them as a snack, a side, or a main dish with your favorite toppings!
