Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes

Get ready to fall in love with these Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes – the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy goodness on the inside. These cakes are like little bites of heaven, with a deliciously savory filling and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a side dish that’ll steal the show, these cheesy stuffed potato cakes are guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes

These Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes are a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite recipe:

• Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover mashed potatoes? This recipe is a genius way to use them up, and it makes them taste even better!
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Ooey, gooey cheese is stuffed inside each potato cake, creating a melty, delicious surprise in every bite. If you love cheese, this is a recipe you need to try.
• Crispy & Comforting: These cakes have that perfect crispy outer layer and a creamy, cheesy interior that’s pure comfort food. It’s like mashed potatoes and cheese fries had a baby!
• Customizable: Add in your favorite seasonings or veggies to personalize the filling. You can even swap the cheese for your favorite variety to mix things up.
• Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as a snack, a side dish, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering. No matter the occasion, these potato cakes are always a hit.

Ingredients in Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes

Making these potato cakes is easy and they come together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mashed Potatoes: The base of the cake, mashed potatoes provide that fluffy, comforting texture. Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly here!
• Shredded Cheese: The star of the stuffing! Use cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese that melts beautifully.
• Breadcrumbs: These are used to bind everything together and create a crispy outer coating. You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
• Egg: Helps hold the cakes together and adds richness.
• Green Onions: For a burst of flavor and freshness. You can also use chives if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder adds the perfect savory kick to the filling.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Flour: For coating the cakes before frying to give them that golden, crispy exterior.
• Oil: For frying, which gives the cakes that perfectly crisp texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes:

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture: Start by taking your mashed potatoes (either freshly made or leftovers). Stir in the shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
2. Form the Cakes: Take a scoop of the potato mixture and form it into a small patty. Press a little indentation in the center of each patty and stuff it with more cheese (yes, more cheese!). Seal the edges and reshape it into a smooth, round cake.
3. Coat the Cakes: Roll each stuffed potato cake in flour to coat it lightly. This will help create that crispy, golden crust when you fry them.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet to allow for even frying.
5. Fry the Potato Cakes: Carefully place the stuffed potato cakes in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
6. Drain and Serve: Once the potato cakes are crispy and golden, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 370mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes

These cheesy potato cakes are versatile and can be served in so many ways:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can even add some hot sauce for a little kick!
• Salads: Pair them with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside some grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a balanced meal.
• Appetizers: These are great for parties or gatherings. Serve them as appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
• Breakfast or Brunch: These potato cakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them with eggs and bacon for a hearty morning meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. You can even freeze the potato cakes and fry them later for an easy meal.
• Get Creative with the Filling: Want to mix things up? Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the cheesy filling for extra flavor.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these potato cakes gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour alternative to coat the cakes.
• Make Them in Advance: You can form the potato cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. This makes meal prep a breeze!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake these potato cakes instead of frying them?
A1: Yes, you can! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the potato cakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Q2: Can I freeze these potato cakes?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the formed cakes before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer.

Q3: What type of cheese should I use?
A3: You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, gouda, or even a combination of cheeses would work great. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Q4: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A4: Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs or substitute them with crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Q5: Can I use regular potatoes instead of mashed potatoes?
A5: While mashed potatoes work best for this recipe, you could technically use cooked and mashed regular potatoes. Just make sure they’re soft and easy to mash.

Q6: How do I keep the cakes from falling apart when frying?
A6: Make sure the cakes are well-formed and tightly sealed around the cheesy filling. If needed, refrigerate them for 15-30 minutes before frying to help them firm up.

Q7: Can I add meat to the filling?
A7: Yes! Cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage would be a great addition to the filling. Just make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the potatoes.

Q8: Can I use a different coating instead of flour?
A8: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using cornmeal, ground oats, or crushed rice crackers to coat the potato cakes before frying.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, fry them in a pan for a few minutes on each side or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.

Q10: Can I make these in a different shape?
A10: Yes! If you want to change up the shape, feel free to make them into smaller patties or even round balls. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the size.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Potato Cakes are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and cheesy deliciousness. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re using leftovers or making them from scratch, these potato cakes are the kind of comfort food that makes everyone smile. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite!

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