Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, grated cheese, flour, chives (or green onions), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. If using any optional add-ins, fold them into the mixture now.
Step 3: Shape the Potato Cakes
- Flour Your Hands: Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
- Form Cakes: Scoop out a portion of the potato mixture and form it into a patty. The cakes should be about 1/2 inch thick. Place each cake on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used, spacing the cakes evenly on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush: Lightly brush the tops of the potato cakes with melted butter or olive oil. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Flip: Carefully flip each potato cake and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let the potato cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped chives or green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy the potato cakes hot as a side dish or with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Closing Thoughts
Oven-Baked Mashed Potato Cakes are a versatile and delicious way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these cakes can be customized with various add-ins and cheeses to suit your taste. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of these easy-to-make potato cakes.