Potato pancakes kicked up a notch with a melty scallion cream cheese filling and a crunchy bread crumb coating. They’re a great way to re-purpose leftover mashed potatoes into an entirely different dish.
In addition to the mashed potatoes they also have cheddar cheese, egg and flour with a dusting of seasoned bread crumbs mixed with a little cayenne pepper to help them crisp up and perk up.
To make them balls of cream cheese are enveloped inside a potato patty, dunked in bread crumbs then gently flattened.
The secret to having them hold their shape is to refrigerate them for a few minutes before cooking and to not flatten them down too much.
They’re pan fried in oil along with a little butter to help them turn golden brown quickly and for added flavor.
Hot from the fryer they’re completely and utterly irresistible. Just see how many make it to the table.
Why You’ll Love These Potato Pancakes :
- Crispy outside + creamy inside = total flavor win.
- Perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Super customizable — you can change up the filling or spices.
- Great as a snack, appetizer, or a hearty side dish.
- Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals.
Serving Ideas :
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted veggies.
- They make a great snack or party appetizer — just cut them in half for sharing.
- Add a side salad for a simple lunch.
- Delicious with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQ :
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and bread the patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze the uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes per side.
What if I don’t have leftover mashed potatoes?
You can make fresh mashed potatoes, but let them cool completely before starting. Instant mashed potatoes also work in a pinch!
Can I use other fillings?
Definitely. Try swapping cream cheese for herbed goat cheese, or add crumbled bacon to the filling for extra flavor.
📖 Recipe
Cream Cheese Stuffed Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes made with milk & butter
- ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Coating:
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper or more if you like it spicier
For Stuffing:
- ½ cup cream cheese at room temperature
- 3 scallions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix the mashed potatoes, cheddar, flour, egg, salt and pepper together.
- In a shallow bowl mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne together.
- Mix the cream cheese and chives together.
- Scoop up about 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese and roll it into a ball.
- Scoop up ¼ cup of potato mixture flatten it into a thick patty and place the cream cheese in the center. Wrap the potato patty around it and drop it into the crumbs.
- Coat with the crumbs and gentlly flatten into a ½-inch thick patty.
- Repeat until all the patties are made. Refrigerate 20 - 30 minutes. This will help the patties keep their shape.
- In a large frying pan over medium - heat enough oil to generously cover the bottom of the pan and add a pat of butter.
- Fry the patties in batches 2 - 3 minutes per side. Remove to paper towels to drain.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Potato Pancakes are everything comfort food should be — crispy, creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making them from scratch, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try them, let me know — do you go classic with sour cream, or dip them in something else? I’d love to hear your spin on it!
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