Tortitas de Papas con Queso y Puré de Papas (Potato Pancakes with Cheese and Mashed Potatoes)

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, look no further than Tortitas de Papas con Queso y Puré de Papas—a Mexican-inspired version of potato pancakes. These crispy, cheesy potato cakes are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or elevate your meal with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these golden, cheesy patties will surely impress.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make these flavorful potato pancakes with cheese and mashed potatoes, along with some tasty topping ideas to make them even more special.

Why You’ll Love Tortitas de Papas con Queso

These crispy potato pancakes are the perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese, making them a crowd-pleasing comfort food. They’re easy to prepare and customizable to your tastes, with options to add extra seasonings or toppings. The crispy exterior and tender, cheesy interior make them irresistible.

The mashed potatoes serve as the base for this dish, while the addition of cheese adds a rich, creamy layer that melts beautifully inside the pancake. Whether you prefer them as a side dish or a main course, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Tortitas de Papas con Queso

For the Potato Pancakes:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought, seasoned to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus more for coating)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• Salsa or hot sauce

Ingredient Notes:

• Mashed Potatoes: Cold mashed potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they are firmer and easier to handle. If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are well-seasoned for added flavor.
• Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like, but cheddar, mozzarella, or Oaxaca cheese are great choices for a melty, gooey filling. Mix different types for more complexity.
• Flour: The flour is essential for binding the mixture and for creating a crispy, golden crust. If the mixture is too sticky, simply add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying, choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil, to ensure the pancakes fry evenly and don’t become greasy.

How to Make Tortitas de Papas con Queso

1. Prepare the Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, egg, flour, garlic powder (if using), pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should hold together when you shape it. If the mixture is too sticky, simply add a little more flour until you reach the right consistency.

2. Shape the Pancakes

Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a ball. Gently flatten the ball into a patty shape that is about ½ inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, placing the formed patties on a parchment-lined tray to keep them separate while you prepare to fry.

3. Coat the Pancakes

Lightly coat each pancake in a small amount of flour. This step helps the pancakes develop a crispy, golden crust when frying. You can use a shallow dish to coat them evenly, making sure not to overdo it—just a light dusting will do.

4. Fry the Pancakes

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato pancakes in small batches, cooking each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will ensure each pancake cooks evenly and gets a crispy crust.

Once the pancakes are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tortitas de papas con queso while they are still warm. You can top them with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, and sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of freshness. If you enjoy a little heat, drizzle them with salsa or your favorite hot sauce.

Tips for Perfect Tortitas de Papas con Queso

1. Use Cold Mashed Potatoes

Cold mashed potatoes work best for shaping the pancakes. Fresh mashed potatoes can be too soft and sticky, making it harder to shape them. Let your leftover mashed potatoes cool in the fridge before using them for this recipe.

2. Customize the Cheese

Feel free to get creative with the cheese. Mozzarella provides a wonderfully stretchy texture, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Oaxaca cheese is an excellent choice for a more authentic Mexican twist. Mixing different types of cheese can also add depth to the flavor.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When frying, always cook the pancakes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and prevent the pancakes from becoming crispy. Frying in batches allows you to achieve the perfect texture.

4. Add Extra Seasonings

You can enhance the flavor of your potato pancakes by adding seasonings like paprika, cumin, or even chopped green onions. These extra touches add complexity and make the dish even more flavorful.

5. Make Them Ahead of Time

These potato pancakes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat them in a hot skillet or oven to maintain their crispy texture. They’re perfect for meal prepping or as a make-ahead side dish.

6. Top It Off

Toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce add an extra layer of flavor to these already delicious potato pancakes. Try experimenting with different toppings to find your favorite combination.

Conclusion

Tortitas de Papas con Queso y Puré de Papas are a versatile, easy-to-make dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or main course, these cheesy potato pancakes are sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a dish that is crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings!