Herb-Infused Mash Patties You Didn’t See Coming

Late night thoughts. I was knee-deep in growing my collection of vintage herb pots—tiny, mismatched, with the funny little saucers. It hit me how herbs don’t get enough spotlight in the spotlight of comfort food. These mashed potato patties aren’t just leftover mash turned up a notch—they’re basically a salute to those quiet moments of peeking into my windowsill garden.

This recipe matters now because everyone’s craving something familiar but with an edge—something that makes the mundane magic again. The smell of garlic, chives, and thyme when they hit the hot pan? That’s invitation enough. Crispy edges, soft insides, herbs giving a subtle green-gift aroma—this isn’t fancy, but it feels like a secret handshake for anyone who’s ever loved a good, surprisingly imperfect snack.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• It’s the kind of thing you toss together with whatever herbs are languishing in your fridge, no fancy shopping needed.
• Perfect for a quick lunch or a drunken snack—because who doesn’t want crispy, herby bites after midnight?
• Filling but not heavy, with that delightful contrast of crunchy outside and tender inside.
• Impressively adaptable—think leftover roast veggies or a sprinkle of cheese for extra kick.
• It catches you off guard how satisfying these little patties are, even if you weren’t planning to cook at all.

They’re more of a whisper than a shout, really—just a little reminder that simple ingredients can surprise you when treated right. I didn’t start out wanting to perfect a herb mash—just fiddling in the kitchen one evening, and now I barely cook without a handful of parsley around.

That’s the thing with these. They’re not flashy, but they stick with you. Maybe the reason they do? It’s the quiet moment of knowing you’ve taken crispy, humble mash and given it a little twist—no fuss needed.

Herb Mashed Potato Patties

This dish features small, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside patties made from leftover mashed potatoes infused with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, and garlic. The potatoes are shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior with a fragrant, herb-scented interior.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups mashed potatoes preferably cooled leftovers
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives fresh
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg egg beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour optional, helps bind the patties
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Plate

Method

 

1. Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, chopped chives, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the herbs are evenly incorporated and the mixture feels cohesive.
2. Pour in the beaten egg and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture holds together when shaped.
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick, handling lightly so you don’t compress the potatoes too tightly.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot, ensuring enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Gently place the patties into the hot skillet, allowing them to sizzle softly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy, then flip carefully.
6. Continue frying the patties for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until equally golden and crispy. Use a spatula to gently press down if needed for even browning.
7. Remove the patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and stay crispy.
8. Let the patties cool for a minute or two — they should be hot, crispy on the outside, and tender within, with faint herbal aroma wafting through the air.

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional herbs, cheese, or leftovers like roasted veggies for added flavor.

Honestly, I keep thinking about how this little dish sneaks into your daily routine. Like, next thing you know you’re snacking on herb bites while waiting for your coffee to brew. That unexpected crunch and herby smell—that’s usually enough to make a boring evening feel just a little more interesting.

Plus, they’re almost like the edible version of that favorite, weird vintage mug you bought on a whim—sounds odd, but it somehow fits perfectly into your day. Who knew mashed potatoes had such quiet surprises?