1-In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups mashed potatoes, 3 large eggs, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of the all-purpose flour, mixing until well blended to form the base of your potato cakes.

2-Gradually add up to an additional ½ cup all-purpose flour to thicken the mixture, making sure it holds its shape without becoming too dry; this step is key for achieving the right texture.

3-Heat a skillet with about ¼ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the oil is hot, which helps prevent sticking and ensures even frying.

4-Drop about ¾ cup of the batter into the hot skillet and flatten it slightly to create the cake shape, then cook until golden brown on one side for a perfect crisp.

5-Flip the potato cake gently and cook the other side until it’s golden and fully cooked through, which usually takes a few minutes per side.

6-Remove the cooked cakes and drain any excess oil on a wire rack to keep them crispy; finally, serve them warm with optional toppings like sour cream and chopped green onions for added flavor.