Instant Potato Pancakes

Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

These potato pancakes with instant potato flakes are Chef John's easy recipe for crispy and flavorful mashed potato pancakes, perfect as a side dish.

Ingredients

1 cup cold water
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dry potato flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sour cream for garnish

Directions

1 Whisk together cold water, egg, and salt in a large bowl until salt has dissolved. Mix in dry potato flakes until incorporated. Stir in 1 tablespoon chives; season with black pepper and cayenne pepper.
2 Divide potato mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into pancakes.
3 Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to combine.
4 Place pancakes in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook until the bottoms are browned, about 10 minutes. Flip and flatten slightly. Cook until other sides are browned, 7 to 8 more minutes.
5 Transfer pancakes to a serving plate. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with remaining chives.