Transform Leftover Mashed Potatoes into Delicious, Healthy Baked Garlic, Cheese & Bacon Patties
Do you ever find yourself with a container of leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge, and despite your best intentions, they slowly get forgotten? It’s a common dilemma – nobody wants to waste delicious food, but sometimes inspiration for repurposing those creamy spuds just doesn’t strike. Well, fret no more! We have the perfect, utterly delightful, and incredibly easy solution for you: savory baked garlic, cheese, and bacon potato patties. These little gems are not just a fantastic way to give your leftover mashed potatoes a new life; they are also a healthy, satisfying side dish or snack that your whole family will love.
Imagine crispy on the outside, fluffy and flavorful on the inside, packed with the irresistible combination of garlic, cheese, and a hint of smoky bacon. And the best part? By baking them in the oven instead of frying, they remain incredibly “point-friendly” for those following Weight Watchers, coming in at only 2 WW points each. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort and health consciousness, proving that comfort food can indeed be smart food. Track this recipe easily on your WW app here!
These patties are incredibly versatile. They can elevate any meal, serving as a delightful accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple fresh salad. They are also perfect on their own as a light lunch or a satisfying snack. Preparing them takes very little time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and wholesome without a lot of fuss. Get ready to turn those humble leftovers into a culinary highlight!
Garlic Cheese & Bacon Potato Patties
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1/3 cup light grated cheese
- 2 Tbsp bacon crumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 1 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg white
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and set it aside. This ensures a golden, crispy bottom for your patties.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, light grated cheese, bacon crumbs, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Ensure the mashed potatoes are cold, as this makes them much easier to handle and shape.
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Using your hands, form approximately 10 uniform patties from the potato mixture, each just under 1/4 cup in size. In a small separate bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Using a pastry brush, gently brush each side of the formed patties with the egg white. In another shallow plate, mix together the panko crumbs and finely grated parmesan cheese.
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Carefully roll each egg-white-brushed patty in the panko and parmesan crumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. This coating is key to achieving that satisfying crispy texture.
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Arrange the coated patties on your prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking. Lightly spray all the patties with an additional layer of cooking spray. This helps them become beautifully golden and extra crispy.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip each patty over and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy on both sides. Serve your delicious garlic cheese & bacon potato patties warm and enjoy them as a delightful side or a satisfying snack! This recipe yields 10 patties, each at 2 WW SmartPoints or 2 PersonalPoints.
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Nutritional Information per pattie: Calories 65, Fat 2g, Saturated fat 0.7g, Carbs 10.5g, Fiber 0.7g, Sugars 0.4g, Protein 3.1g. This makes them a wonderfully balanced and guilt-free treat.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Leftover Mashed Potato Patties
There are countless reasons to make these delicious potato patties your go-to solution for leftover mashed potatoes. First and foremost, they are incredibly tasty. The combination of savory garlic powder, sharp grated cheese, and crispy bacon crumbs transforms plain mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the panko coating, followed by a soft, flavorful interior.
Beyond taste, these patties are a smart choice for healthy eating. Baking them rather than pan-frying drastically reduces the amount of added fat, making them much lighter. For those tracking their intake, knowing each patty is only 2 Weight Watchers points provides peace of mind and makes meal planning easier. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, hearty dish without compromising your wellness goals.
Furthermore, this recipe champions the idea of reducing food waste. Instead of discarding perfectly good mashed potatoes, you can effortlessly turn them into a brand new meal or snack. It’s economical, environmentally conscious, and creatively satisfying. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in half an hour. This makes it perfect for busy individuals or families looking for quick and wholesome meal solutions.
Tips for Perfect Potato Patties Every Time
- Cold Mashed Potatoes Are Key: Ensure your mashed potatoes are thoroughly chilled. Cold potatoes are firmer and less sticky, making them much easier to shape into uniform patties that hold together well during baking. If they are too warm, they might be difficult to handle.
- Don’t Overmix the Potato Mixture: While you want to combine the ingredients well, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Achieving the Crispy Coating: The egg white acts as a binder, helping the panko and parmesan crumb mixture adhere to the patties. Don’t skip the cooking spray on the outside of the coated patties; it’s essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness without deep-frying. For an extra crisp, you can even spray them again halfway through the second baking period.
- Uniform Size Matters: Aim for patties of roughly the same size (just under 1/4 cup each). This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up at the same rate. Using a measuring scoop can help with consistency.
- Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize! You can add finely chopped chives or parsley for freshness, a pinch of onion powder for more depth, or a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Customization Ideas
These garlic cheese and bacon potato patties are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a Side Dish: They make an excellent accompaniment to almost any main course. Think roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled steak, or even alongside a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. Their savory flavor complements a wide range of proteins and vegetables.
- Appetizer or Snack: Serve them with a dipping sauce like a light ranch, sour cream and chive dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or a satisfying afternoon snack.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy them as a flavorful alternative to hash browns alongside scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, or a slice of avocado toast.
- Customization Options:
- Cheese Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to just light grated cheese. Try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Herb Power: Mix in fresh herbs like chopped chives, dill, or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Veggie Boost: Finely minced bell peppers, shredded zucchini (squeezed dry), or even a tablespoon of finely chopped spinach can add extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce in the potato mixture can add a welcome kick.
- Bacon Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or add sun-dried tomatoes. For a leaner option, use turkey bacon crumbs.
Storage and Reheating
Have extra patties or want to meal prep? These potato patties store and reheat beautifully!
- Refrigeration: Allow the patties to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, arrange the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: The best way to reheat them and retain crispiness is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place frozen or thawed patties on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes (longer for frozen), or until heated through and crispy.
- Air Fryer: For an even quicker and crispier reheat, pop them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave will make them soft rather than crispy. If you’re in a hurry and texture isn’t a primary concern, microwave for 30-60 seconds per patty.
Embrace the joy of turning simple leftovers into something truly special with these amazing garlic cheese and bacon mashed potato patties. They’re proof that with a little creativity, healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious. So next time you have mashed potatoes left over, you know exactly what to do!
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