Turn your humble leftovers into a culinary masterpiece! These delightful Potato Patties with Chives are an incredibly easy and delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a versatile dish your whole family will adore. Perfect as a quick snack, a satisfying side, or even a light main course, these golden-brown beauties are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!

In the bustling world of home cooking, we often seek recipes that are not only delicious but also practical. It’s been a little while since we last explored a savory sensation on the blog, and what better way to reintroduce it than with a dish that champions both flavor and efficiency? Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart – one of my absolute favorite, easiest, and most flavorful creations. These aren’t just any potato patties; they are a celebration of simplicity and a testament to the magic of transforming humble ingredients.
Irresistible Potato Patties with Chives: A Leftover Revival!
These savory potato patties hit all the right notes! First and foremost, they are an ingenious solution for reducing food waste. If you ever find yourself with a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste! This recipe breathes new life into them, transforming them into something truly spectacular. Secondly, you only need a handful of basic ingredients – just seven, to be exact – most of which are likely already in your kitchen pantry. This means less shopping, less fuss, and more time to enjoy your culinary creations.

The versatility of these chive potato patties is truly remarkable. They can be enjoyed as a delightful snack, a hearty main dish, or a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. Imagine them alongside a perfectly fried egg for breakfast, as a flavorful side with pan-seared salmon, or paired with succulent roasted chicken for dinner. Their enticing texture – wonderfully crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft and fluffy within – makes them a guaranteed hit with the entire family. They are so easy to prepare, yet yield such impressive results, making them a go-to option for any occasion.
Effortless Preparation: One Bowl, Seven Simple Ingredients
The true genius of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how little effort is required to create such a flavorful and satisfying meal. Forget about complicated techniques or an endless list of exotic components. All you need is one mixing bowl and seven readily available ingredients. The process is incredibly straightforward: simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, use your hands to shape the mixture into perfectly formed patties, and then fry them in a pan until golden and irresistible. It’s cooking made easy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

One of the best things about simple recipes is their adaptability. If you happen to be out of eggs, don’t despair! You can absolutely omit the egg from this recipe, and the patties will still turn out wonderfully flavorful and hold their shape well. The flour acts as a binding agent, ensuring your potato cakes remain intact. Similarly, if Parmesan cheese isn’t in your fridge, feel free to substitute it with any other grated hard cheese you have on hand – cheddar, Gruyère, or even a nutritional yeast blend can work wonders, adding a different but equally delicious dimension to your patties. Embrace the flexibility and make this recipe truly your own.
Mastering Your Potato Patties: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
There’s nothing intimidating about crafting these delicious potato patties. The entire process is designed for ease and enjoyment. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of golden, crispy, and fluffy patties ready in no time. It all begins with a single bowl and a desire for something truly tasty.
Mixing the Core Ingredients
To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Begin by adding the fragrant grated Parmesan cheese. Next, introduce the vibrant, freshly chopped chives, which will infuse your patties with their delicate oniony flavor. Pour in the beaten egg, which acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together. Take a fork and gently mix these initial ingredients until they are well combined. This forms the flavorful base of your potato patty mixture.




Adding Potatoes and Flour
Once your aromatic base is ready, it’s time for the star ingredient: your cooled, mashed potatoes. Add them to the bowl, along with 35g of plain flour. The flour helps to absorb any excess moisture and ensures your patties hold their shape beautifully. Using your fork or a sturdy spoon, stir everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a cohesive mixture. At this stage, it’s crucial to taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper can elevate the flavors significantly.


Chilling and Shaping for Perfection
For optimal results and easier handling, place the bowl with your potato mixture into the fridge for about 10 minutes. This brief chilling period allows the mixture to firm up slightly, making it much easier to shape and work with. It prevents the patties from being too sticky and helps them maintain their form during cooking.

Once chilled, remove the mixture from the fridge. Sprinkle the remaining flour onto a shallow plate or dish. Divide the potato mixture into 8 equal portions. This ensures uniform size and even cooking. Using your hands, gently shape each portion into a patty. Aim for a thickness of about 1-1.5 cm for the best crispy-fluffy balance. Dredge each patty lightly in the flour on both sides, making sure to gently shake off any excess flour. This thin coating helps achieve that desirable golden, crispy exterior.

Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the floured potato patties into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook the patties for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a wonderfully crispy crust. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your pan and heat, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Boosts
These Potato Patties with Chives are incredibly versatile and can be elevated with various toppings and pairings. While they are fantastic on their own, consider serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a refreshing tang, and a sprinkle of extra fresh chives for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside crispy bacon, a poached egg, smoked salmon, or even a fresh green salad. They also make an excellent base for a quick weeknight dinner when paired with grilled chicken or fish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite condiments, from a spicy sriracha mayo to a classic tomato relish.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Delicious Potato Patties
Planning ahead can be a lifesaver in the kitchen, and these potato patties are perfect for meal prep. If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Simply shape them, dredge them lightly in flour, and then arrange them on a tray. Cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap or foil and transfer it to the fridge. This way, they’ll be ready to fry whenever you are.

These versatile patties can also be frozen, providing a convenient option for quick meals. For the best results, I highly recommend cooking them first before freezing. Allow the cooked patties to cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw! Simply place the frozen patties on a baking sheet and reheat them in an oven preheated to 190°C (375°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and crispy again. You can also quickly reheat them in an air fryer for an extra crispy finish.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! I hope you’re inspired to try these incredibly easy and satisfying Potato Patties with Chives. They are truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences with me! You can always connect with me and see more delicious recipes by following on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe

Potato Patties with Chives
These potato patties are a great way to use any leftover mashed potato! Super easy and quick to make, they can be served as a side, appetizer, or a main course!
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: potato cake, tattie scones
Servings: 4 people
Author: Anna Wierzbinska
Ingredients
- 650 g cooled, mashed potatoes (any type)
- 45 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (plus extra to garnish)
- 1 medium egg
- 65 g plain flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, place Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoon of chives. Add egg and mix until combined. Add mashed potatoes and 35g of flour and mix again until combined. Place the bowl with the mix into the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- Place the remaining flour on a shallow plate or dish, divide the potato mixture into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a patty, dredge each patty in flour on both sides, gently shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry patties until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes on each side). Top with sour cream and more chives and enjoy!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Did you make this? Tell me how you like it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!
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