Mashed Potato Patties

I made these for dinner the other night, and they were an instant hit. This comes from the Galveston County Junior League's Beachside to Boardwalk cookbook. Makes 8 patties.

4 cups mashed cooked potatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 egg
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see note below)
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste

NOTE: The flour is for coating the outside of the patties. I can't imagine how they used 1 1/2 cups! I used a combination of whole wheat flour and almond meal and only used about 3/4 cup total. 

GLUTEN FREE NOTE: Use almond meal instead of the flour.

Combine the mashed potatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, egg and cheese in a bowl and mix well. Shape into large balls. Roll in the flour (or almond meal) and then flatten into patties 1/2 inch thick. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium to high heat. Add the patties. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until brown. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.