🧡 Pumpkin Garlic Potato Cakes (made from leftover mashed potatoes!)

If you’ve made my Pumpkin Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you must try transforming the leftovers into these irresistible Pumpkin Garlic Potato Cakes. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and full of cozy fall flavor thanks to the garlic, herbs, and subtle pumpkin richness.
They take just minutes to prep and make the perfect breakfast, lunch, or appetizer. Serve them with eggs, a fresh salad, or as a fun holiday side dish. This is one of those “leftovers recipes” that tastes so good, you’ll start making extra mashed potatoes on purpose!
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Potato Cakes
- Crispy edges + creamy centers
- Uses leftovers (no waste!)
- Savory, flavorful, and perfectly seasonal
- Quick to fry — ready in under 15 minutes
- Pairs beautifully with sweet or savory toppings
- Family-friendly and great for holiday brunches
🥔 Ingredients
(Makes about 8–10 small potato cakes)
- 2 cups leftover Pumpkin Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (add more if mixture is too soft)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme, or sage), minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons oil or butter for frying
Optional mix-ins (all delicious):
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons finely diced onion or green onion
- A pinch of my Pumpkin Pie spice mix (⅛ tsp) to enhance warmth
🍳 Instructions
1. Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, combine:
- leftover Pumpkin garlic mashed potatoes (or any mashed potatoes)
- egg
- flour
- herbs
- Parmesan
- black pepper
Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
If the mixture feels too sticky to shape, add a little more flour.
2. Shape the Cakes
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small patties about ½–¾ inch thick.
Place them on a parchment-lined plate.
3. Pan-Fry Until Crisp
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the potato cakes for 3–4 minutes per side, until:
- deep golden
- crispy
- slightly puffed
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
4. Serve Warm
Enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings (see below!).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These pair beautifully with:

Savory options:
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- chive cream sauce
- fried or poached eggs
- sautéed greens
- gravy

Slightly sweet options:
- use my homemade Cranberry sauce
- maple syrup
- honey butter
- apple compote
This recipe works amazingly well for fall breakfasts, cozy dinners, and holiday brunch menus.
If you like Pumpkin, see more Pumpkin inspired recipes here.
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