French Fried Mashed Potatoes – Culinary Chase
Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you’re gathering with friends and family for a cozy barbecue in your backyard. As the grills sizzle and laughter floats through the air, the last thing you want is just another boring side dish.
Enter the French Fried Mashed Potatoes! These crispy little cakes pack a flavor punch and are perfect alongside juicy burgers or grilled chicken. Everyone’s going to want a recipe of their own, trust me!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand wasting food, especially when it comes to leftover mashed potatoes. These French Fried Mashed Potatoes turn those humble leftovers into a crunchy delight that everyone will love.
They’re golden on the outside and tender inside, making them a fantastic side dish for any meal. It’s a playful take on traditional mashed potatoes that is sure to impress at summer gatherings and family dinners alike.
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How I Have Used the Ingredients in This Recipe?
To make these French Fried Mashed Potatoes work, I focus on combining classic flavors with a few fun additions. I use crispy bacon for depth, sharp cheddar cheese for a pronounced flavor, and fresh scallions for a little crunch. The egg holds everything together perfectly, while mustard powder spices things up just a pinch. To avoid any sogginess, we’re adding just enough flour to bind the mixture nicely without sticking.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’re going to need to whip up these delightful French Fried Mashed Potatoes:
– ¾ cup diced bacon or pancetta (about 3 slices)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 ¼ cups cooled mashed potatoes (at room temperature)
– 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– ¾ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
– 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon salt)
– 1 egg (beaten) at room temperature
– 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (to add a hint of smokiness)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ingredients From : glutenfreeonashoestring.com
How to Make French Fried Mashed Potatoes?
Now that you have all the ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the cooking process! Making these crispy wonders is straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a plateful of delicious bites ready to serve.
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped bacon or pancetta. Cook until the pieces become nice and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, carefully remove the bacon, draining the excess fat on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep just about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion into the same skillet. Cook the onions, stirring frequently until they become soft and translucent, roughly 6 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl to cool down a bit before using.
Step 3: Mix the Mashed Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, add your leftover mashed potatoes and use the back of a spoon to break them into larger crumbles. You want these to combine well but still have some texture. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and the flour. Mix well to incorporate everything, using the spoon to press the potatoes gently so they absorb all that flour goodness.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the crispy bacon, sautéed onions, mustard powder, chopped scallions, and garlic salt (or garlic powder combined with salt). This is where the magic really begins. Mix until all ingredients are well-distributed.
Step 5: Add the Egg
Beat the egg until smooth, then add it to your potato mixture. Stir until everything is mixed together evenly. You should end up with a thick, cohesive mixture that holds together well.
Step 6: Shape the Patties
Using a medium ice cream scoop or two large spoons, divide the mixture into about 8 equal portions. Each should be roughly 3 tablespoons. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands, then flatten them gently to form patties about ¼ inch thick. To absorb excess moisture from the surface, lightly press each patty on paper towels.
Step 7: Prep for Frying
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top. Set this aside as your frying station.
Step 8: Fry the Patties
Back to the skillet! Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Avoid crowding the pan; add as many patties as will fit comfortably. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Gently flip them over with a spatula to brown the other side. Once done, transfer them to the prepared rack to drain while you repeat the process with the remaining oil and patties.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the patties are crispy and golden, serve them immediately! They pair well with toppings like sour cream, chopped scallions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for those who love a bit of heat.
Recipe Notes
– Don’t Over Mix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the potatoes, as they could become gummy.
– Variations: Feel free to throw in other ingredients like jalapeños for heat or herbs like thyme for an extra flavor kick.
– Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding patties so they crisp up nicely instead of soaking up the oil.
– Consistent Size: For even cooking, try to keep your patties about the same size.
– Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is perfect for those leftover mashed potatoes from dinner. Use them up and avoid waste!
Storage Tips
After cooking, if you have any leftover patties, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, a quick flash in the toaster oven will help to restore some of their original crispiness. If you’re looking to batch-cook, you can also freeze the shaped patties before frying them. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top brings a creamy, tangy aspect to the crunchy patties.
– Drizzle with Hot Sauce: For some kick, drizzle a bit of your favorite hot sauce on top.
– Chop Some Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
– Serve with Grilled Meats: They make an excellent side for grilled burgers, chicken, or steak.
– Alongside a Salad: Balance the richness of the patties with a refreshing green salad sprinkled with vinaigrette.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in French Fried Mashed Potatoes?
– Turkey Bacon: Substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
– Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique flavor twist.
– Plant-based Cheese: For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based or dairy-free cheese.
– Zucchini: Add grated zucchini for additional moisture and additional veggies.
– Quinoa: For a healthier touch, mix in cooked quinoa with the potatoes for added protein.
French Fried Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottom skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- medium ice cream scoop or large spoons
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’re going to need to whip up these delightful French Fried Mashed Potatoes:
- – ¾ cup diced bacon or pancetta about 3 slices
- – 1 small onion finely chopped
- – 1 ¼ cups cooled mashed potatoes at room temperature
- – 4 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- – ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- – 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- – 1 teaspoon garlic salt or ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon salt
- – 1 egg beaten at room temperature
- – 4 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- – ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to add a hint of smokiness
- – Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped bacon or pancetta. Cook until the pieces become nice and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, carefully remove the bacon, draining the excess fat on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep just about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion into the same skillet. Cook the onions, stirring frequently until they become soft and translucent, roughly 6 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl to cool down a bit before using.
Step 3: Mix the Mashed Potatoes
- In a large mixing bowl, add your leftover mashed potatoes and use the back of a spoon to break them into larger crumbles. You want these to combine well but still have some texture. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and the flour. Mix well to incorporate everything, using the spoon to press the potatoes gently so they absorb all that flour goodness.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the crispy bacon, sautéed onions, mustard powder, chopped scallions, and garlic salt (or garlic powder combined with salt). This is where the magic really begins. Mix until all ingredients are well-distributed.
Step 5: Add the Egg
- Beat the egg until smooth, then add it to your potato mixture. Stir until everything is mixed together evenly. You should end up with a thick, cohesive mixture that holds together well.
Step 6: Shape the Patties
- Using a medium ice cream scoop or two large spoons, divide the mixture into about 8 equal portions. Each should be roughly 3 tablespoons. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands, then flatten them gently to form patties about ¼ inch thick. To absorb excess moisture from the surface, lightly press each patty on paper towels.
Step 7: Prep for Frying
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top. Set this aside as your frying station.
Step 8: Fry the Patties
- Back to the skillet! Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Avoid crowding the pan; add as many patties as will fit comfortably. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Gently flip them over with a spatula to brown the other side. Once done, transfer them to the prepared rack to drain while you repeat the process with the remaining oil and patties.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the patties are crispy and golden, serve them immediately! They pair well with toppings like sour cream, chopped scallions, or even a drizzle of sriracha for those who love a bit of heat.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
– Yes, you can! Just prepare according to package instructions, then cool and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
– Absolutely! You can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
3. How can I make these gluten-free?
– Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Can I make these vegetarian?
– Yes! Omit the bacon or pancetta and consider adding mushrooms or extra herbs for flavor.
5. What can I serve these with?
– French Fried Mashed Potatoes are great with grilled meats, sandwiches, or served on a platter with dips at a gathering.
Conclusion
French Fried Mashed Potatoes are not just a clever way to liven up leftovers; they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to the next level. With their crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, they add a delightful twist to traditional mashed potatoes.
Whether at a family gathering or a casual dinner, you’ll find that everyone goes back for seconds! So the next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, don’t let them go to waste; whip up a batch of these addictive bites instead!