Fried Potato Patties

Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into a new side dish for the next day's breakfast or dinner. Or you can make them up and freeze them for weeks later.

Leftover mashed white or sweet potatoes

Flour

Salt and pepper

Cooking oil or reserved bacon grease

I like these for breakfast with bacon and a poached egg, so I start by cooking my bacon so I can reserve some of the grease to cook my potato patties. Heat either bacon grease or cooking oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Since the potates are already cooked, you just need enough grease to form a crust on the outside of your patties.

Form mashed potatoes into patties with your hands. Combine enough flour, salt and pepper to coat the number of patties you made. For 1/4 cup of flour, add 1/4 t. salt and pepper to taste. Coat potato patties in flour on all sides, brushing off the excess. If you are freezing your patties for later, wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

Add coated patties to your hot pan and cook for 5 minutes on each side, flipping only once to minimize the chances of them getting smooshed or breaking apart. Serve hot.