These Honey Butter Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Cheese are a perfect combination of crispy golden edges, gooey cheese filling, and a touch of sweet honey butter. They make a fantastic breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dinner side dish. With the smooth mashed potatoes, melty cheese center, and rich honey butter drizzle, these pancakes will quickly become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly prepared)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melty cheese)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until a dough forms. The dough should be firm but soft enough to shape.
Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Pancakes
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small disc about 1/4-inch thick.
- Place a tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each disc.
- Carefully fold the edges over the cheese and seal it completely. Gently press to form a round pancake shape, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
Step 3: Cook the Potato Pancakes
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the potato pancakes to the skillet, cooking in batches if needed. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more butter if necessary while cooking the remaining pancakes.
- Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Stir in the honey until well combined. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve
- Drizzle the warm honey butter over the potato pancakes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty.
Cooking Notes
- Mashed Potatoes: This recipe works best with starchy mashed potatoes (such as russet potatoes) for a light and fluffy dough. Avoid using overly creamy or runny mashed potatoes.
- Sealing the Pancakes: Make sure the cheese is fully sealed inside the dough to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Butter and Oil Combination: Using both butter and vegetable oil helps achieve a rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning.
Variations
Spicy Cheese-Stuffed Potato Pancakes
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the potato dough for a spicy twist. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an added kick.
Herb and Cheese Pancakes
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the potato dough for extra flavor.
Bacon and Cheese Pancakes
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the potato dough before shaping and stuffing with cheese for a smoky, savory variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make These Pancakes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can shape the potato pancakes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Can I Freeze Potato Pancakes?
Absolutely! Once the pancakes are shaped, you can freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes per side.
What Can I Serve With These Potato Pancakes?
These potato pancakes pair well with a fresh green salad, sour cream for dipping, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. They can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meat.
Honey Butter Potato Pancakes Stuffed with Cheese are a delightful combination of savory and sweet that everyone will enjoy. With a crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and a rich honey butter drizzle, these pancakes are perfect for any meal of the day. Get creative with your favorite variations and enjoy these comforting, cheesy bites with friends and family.
Happy cooking, and savor every bite of these delicious potato pancakes!