How to Turn Leftover Mashed Potatoes Into Bacon-Laced Pancakes

“Day to Night” is a new column from Yahoo Food that explores how to turn your sad leftovers into a brand-spanking new meal. Check back soon for more ideas!

Leftover mashed potatoes transformed into cheesy bacon pancakes. (Photo: Donna Yen)

Last week, I showed you how to turn your leftover desk salad into a vibrant and filling noodle dish for dinner. This week I turn a side of mashed potatoes into a stack of crispy, savory pancakes packed with gooey cheese and bits of bacon in every bite.

My inspo for this dish came from the large serving of mashed potatoes that accompanied my order of ribs. And yes, I ordered ribs for lunch. It was one of those days when you step into work starving and you know once noon comes around, it’s going to be an all-in kinda lunch. When I got my order I didn’t bother with the mashed potatoes. They looked so sad and depressing sitting in the styrofoam container. I usually love my mash in its full glory with a pad of butter and a pool of gravy, but I knew all the potatoes needed was a little TLC. So I didn’t toss them away ’cause my mama taught me better that. I’m a survivor (what?) I’m gonna make it (what?) Keep on survivin’.

Leftover mashed potatoes from lunch. (Photo: Donna Yen)

I took them home and the following morning I thought how tasty they would be crisped up on a cast iron skillet for breakfast. My initial thought was potato latkes but then the idea of all the fixings of a baked potato popped into my head as well. A lightbulb went off — loaded potato pancakes! I love dressing my baked potatoes with shredded cheese, green onions, and lots of bacon. By simply adding your favorite potato toppings, one egg, and a little flour I transformed the cold mashed leftovers into crispy savory pancakes.

With an egg, a little flour, and baked potato fixings, your leftover mashed potatoes take on new life. (Photo: Donna Yen)

The only thing I really had to cook outside of the pancakes was the bacon. I find the best way to cook bacon is by placing it on a baking sheet and popping it into a hot oven. Not only do they come out perfect every time, you avoid being burned by the inevitable splattering bacon grease that flies from frying in a hot skillet. A win-win situation.

More: Baking Bacon Is Better Than Pan-Frying It

Baking bacon comes out perfect every time. (Photo: Donna Yen)

After the bacon has been baked, diced, and mixed with the other ingredients, you’re ready to make the pancakes. When it came to frying the potatoes I used my cast-iron skillet. I find that the heavy bottom helps create a nice crisp edge on the pancakes but any kind of skillet will work. I fried and stacked them one-by-one, and topped it with a scoop of sour cream. To give it that quintessential loaded-potato look, I sprinkled more scallions and bacon. These pancakes were hot and perfect for breakfast but they really can be eaten any time of day.

More: How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet Without Destroying It

The heavy bottom helps create a nice crisp edge on the pancakes better than your average pan. (Photo: Donna Yen)

Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes
Makes seven 3-inch pancakes

1 egg
2 cups of mashed potatoes
¼ cup of flour
3 tablespoons of thinly sliced scallions and 1 teaspoon for garnish (white and light green parts only)
3 tablespoons of shredded cheese
3 tablespoons of finely chopped baked bacon and 1 teaspoon for garnish
¼ cup of vegetable oil for frying
Sour cream to serve on top

In a large bowl combine together the mashed potato, egg, cheese, scallions, bacon, and flour until they’re well incorporated. Divide the batter into seven portions and roll each into a ball. Take each ball and flatten it into a pancake using the palm of your hand so it’s about ¼ of an inch thick.

Coat the bottom of a pan with the vegetable oil on medium heat. Fry the pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you’re doing more than one batch, make sure to add more oil in between frying. Let the cakes rest on a plate lined with a paper towel. Serve them with sour cream and garnish the top with more bacon and scallions.

For more awesome recipe inspiration, visit our Pinterest page and get to pinning!

Make the most of your leftovers with more easy recipes:

How to Turn Your Desk Salad Into a Dinner-Worthy Noodle Dish

Make Easy, Crisp Veggie Patties Out of Practically Nothing

How To Make Rice Pudding From Leftover Rice