Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let those extra spuds go to waste! There are many tasty ways to transform leftover mashed potatoes into new dishes.
You can turn leftover mashed potatoes into 27 different recipes, from savory to sweet. These recipes are easy to make and use items you likely already have in your kitchen. Try making potato pancakes for breakfast, shepherd’s pie for dinner, or even cinnamon rolls for dessert. Get ready to see mashed potatoes in a whole new light!
Mashed potato pancakes are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. To make them, mix mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and seasonings.
Form the mixture into small patties. Cook them in a skillet with butter or oil until golden brown on both sides.
You can add extras like cheese, herbs, or diced onions for more flavor. Serve your potato pancakes warm with sour cream, applesauce, or ketchup on the side.
These crispy cakes make a great breakfast, side dish, or snack. They’re quick to prepare and a fun twist on regular mashed potatoes.
Potato croquettes are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. You can make these crispy treats by mixing your cold mashed potatoes with cheese, herbs, and spices.
Shape the mixture into small cylinders or balls. Then coat them in breadcrumbs. Fry the croquettes until they’re golden brown on the outside.
The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, creamy center. Potato croquettes work well as a side dish or appetizer. You can serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
Try adding different cheeses or herbs to change up the flavor. Potato croquettes are easy to make and a crowd-pleasing way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes.
Shepherd’s pie is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This comforting dish combines seasoned ground meat with veggies and a mashed potato topping.
To make it, cook ground beef or lamb with onions, carrots, and peas. Add some beef broth and flour to create a savory sauce.
Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish and top with your leftover mashed potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
You can customize your shepherd’s pie by adding different vegetables or herbs. It’s an easy weeknight meal that transforms your leftovers into something new and delicious.
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious homemade gnocchi. Mix the potatoes with flour and an egg to form a soft dough. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until it’s no longer sticky.
Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into long ropes. Cut these ropes into 1-inch pieces to create your gnocchi. You can press each piece with a fork to create ridges if desired.
Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and toss with your favorite sauce. Gnocchi pairs well with tomato sauce, pesto, or a simple butter and sage topping.
Mashed potato soup is a creamy, comforting dish that transforms your leftover spuds into a new meal. Start by melting butter in a pot and sautéing onions until soft.
Add flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in milk and chicken broth. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Mix in your leftover mashed potatoes and let them melt into the liquid.
For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
Serve your mashed potato soup hot, topped with extra cheese, bacon, or chives for a satisfying meal that uses up your leftovers.
This dish takes your leftover mashed potatoes to the next level. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
Mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
Top with more cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or as a hearty side dish. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños or diced tomatoes.
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into a tasty pizza crust! Mix your mashed potatoes with an egg, flour, and seasonings. Spread the mixture on a greased baking sheet.
Bake the crust at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Once it’s crispy, add your favorite toppings.
Try cheese, bacon, and herbs for a loaded potato pizza. Or go classic with tomato sauce and mozzarella. The options are endless!
This unique crust is a fun way to use up leftovers. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Plus, it’s easy to make and customize to your taste.
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a delicious homemade bread. Mix the potatoes with warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add bread flour gradually to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place. Shape the dough into loaves and let them rise again before baking.
The result is a moist, fluffy bread with a subtle potato flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches or toasting. You can also add herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
Potato bread stays fresh longer than regular bread due to its higher moisture content. It’s a tasty way to use up those extra mashed potatoes and create a new family favorite.
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into tasty stuffed mushrooms. Start by cleaning and removing the stems from baby bella or button mushrooms.
Mix your mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, chives, and crumbled bacon. Spoon this mixture into the mushroom caps.
Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.
Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese melts. The result is a delicious appetizer or side dish that combines creamy potatoes with earthy mushrooms.
For extra flair, add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with more bacon before serving. Your guests will love this creative use of leftover mashed potatoes.
Mashed potato tacos are a tasty way to use up leftover spuds. Start by warming corn tortillas in a skillet. Spread a layer of mashed potatoes on one half of each tortilla.
Fold the tortillas in half to form tacos. Brush the outsides with oil and bake them in the oven until crispy. This takes about 10 minutes at 400°F.
For extra flavor, mix some cheese, herbs, or spices into your mashed potatoes before filling the tacos. Top your crispy potato tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
These tacos make a quick and satisfying meal. They’re great for lunch or dinner, and kids love them too.
Twice-baked potatoes are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Start by scooping out baked potato skins and mixing the flesh with your mashed potatoes.
Add some sour cream, butter, and shredded cheese to make the filling extra creamy. Mix in crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for flavor.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins. Top with more cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
You can customize these with your favorite add-ins like broccoli or jalapeños. Twice-baked potatoes make a great side dish or even a full meal.
Mashed potato quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. To make them, spread mashed potatoes on one half of a tortilla. Add shredded cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
Cook the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The outside should be golden brown and crispy. For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or cilantro to the filling.
Serve your mashed potato quesadillas with salsa and sour cream on the side. They make a quick and easy meal that both kids and adults will enjoy. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or seasonings.
Potato cakes with ham are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your cold mashed potatoes with diced ham, shredded cheese, and a beaten egg. Add a little flour to help bind the mixture.
Form the potato mixture into small patties. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
These savory cakes make a great breakfast or lunch. You can customize them by adding herbs or green onions. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top.
Mashed potato donuts are a tasty way to use up leftover spuds. You can make these sweet treats with just a few ingredients.
Mix mashed potatoes with flour, sugar, and baking powder. Shape the dough into rings and fry them until golden brown. The result is soft, fluffy donuts with a subtle potato flavor.
You can coat your donuts in cinnamon sugar or glaze them for extra sweetness. They’re best served warm and make a great breakfast or dessert.
This recipe is quick and easy. You can have fresh donuts ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fun way to transform plain mashed potatoes into something special.
Potato and cheese pierogi are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You’ll need to make a dough with flour, eggs, sour cream, and water. Knead it for a few minutes, then let it rest.
For the filling, mix your mashed potatoes with some sharp cheddar cheese. Add garlic powder and onion for extra flavor. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
Put a spoonful of filling on each circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal. Boil the pierogi in salted water until they float, then cook for 1-2 minutes more.
You can serve them as is or pan-fry them in butter for a crispy exterior. Top with fried onions or sour cream for a classic touch.
Mashed potato gratin transforms your leftover spuds into a cheesy, crispy delight. Start by spreading your mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Top them with thinly sliced potatoes arranged in an overlapping pattern.
Sprinkle grated cheese, herbs, and seasonings over the top. Pour a mix of cream and milk over everything. Bake until golden brown and bubbling.
This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with the crispy texture of traditional potato gratin. It’s perfect for using up leftovers while creating a new, exciting side dish. You can customize it with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste.
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty meal by stuffing them with veggies. Start by reheating your mashed potatoes and spreading them in a baking dish.
Create a veggie mixture using your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peas. Sauté them lightly with some garlic and onions for extra flavor.
Spoon the veggie mixture onto the mashed potatoes and gently press it in. Top with some shredded cheese if you like. Bake in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
This dish is a great way to use up leftovers and add more vegetables to your diet. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into tasty fritters. Mix your mashed potatoes with flour, egg, and chives. Form the mixture into small patties.
Dredge each patty in flour for a crispy coating. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fritters until golden brown on both sides.
These fritters make a great side dish or snack. You can add cheese, onions, or herbs for extra flavor. Serve them warm with sour cream or applesauce for dipping.
Mashed potato spring rolls are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by spreading mashed potatoes on a spring roll wrapper. Add some cheese, bacon bits, or green onions for extra flavor. Roll up the wrapper tightly, sealing the edges with water.
You can fry the rolls in oil until golden brown and crispy. For a healthier option, bake them in the oven. Serve your mashed potato spring rolls hot with a dipping sauce like sour cream or ranch.
These crispy treats make a great appetizer or side dish. They’re perfect for parties or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike.
Potato-leek pancakes are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your mashed potatoes with chopped sautéed leeks, flour, and eggs.
Form the mixture into small patties and fry them in a pan until golden brown. The result is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
These savory pancakes make a great breakfast or side dish. You can top them with sour cream or applesauce for extra flavor. They’re also good on their own as a quick snack.
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into tasty bites with this easy recipe. Mix your potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
These cheesy puffs make a great side dish or snack. You can add extras like chives or bacon bits for more flavor. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.
Start your day with a hearty mashed potato breakfast bowl. Take your leftover mashed potatoes and warm them up in the microwave or on the stove.
Top the potatoes with a fried egg, some crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives for extra flavor.
You can customize your bowl with other toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or hot sauce. This filling breakfast will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and tasty breakfast option.
Potato scones are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your mashed potatoes with flour and a bit of butter to form a dough. Roll it out and cut into wedges or circles.
Cook the scones on a hot griddle for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. They’ll develop a nice crispy exterior while staying soft inside.
Potato scones make a great breakfast side dish. You can also serve them as a snack or light meal. Try topping them with cheese, eggs, or your favorite spreads for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes offer important nutrients your body needs. They provide energy, vitamins, and minerals to support your health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Mashed potatoes contain vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. They also provide vitamin B6 to help make red blood cells. Potassium in mashed potatoes aids heart and muscle function.
You’ll get iron from mashed potatoes too. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood. Mashed potatoes also contain magnesium for bone health.
The fiber in mashed potatoes supports good digestion. Leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Caloric Content
A half-cup serving of mashed potatoes has about 110 calories. This makes them a filling but moderate-calorie food. The calories come mainly from carbs, with some protein.
Mashed potatoes are low in fat on their own. But added butter or cream increases the calorie and fat content. Using low-fat milk or broth can keep the calories lower.
You can adjust portion sizes to fit your calorie needs. Mashed potatoes can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.
How to Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Proper storage keeps your leftover mashed potatoes fresh and tasty. Follow these tips to make the most of your extras.
Refrigeration Tips
Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing other flavors. Use within 3-5 days for best quality.
Before storing, let the potatoes cool to room temperature. This stops condensation and helps maintain texture. Don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream. This brings back moisture and creaminess. Stir well and heat in the microwave or on the stove.
Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date so you know when to use them.
Portion the potatoes before freezing. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Flatten bags for quicker thawing and to save space.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then warm in the microwave or oven. Add butter or milk to improve texture and flavor.
Creative Uses for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into tasty new dishes. Try adding them to soups or baked goods for extra flavor and texture.
Enhancing Soups and Stews
Mashed potatoes make soups and stews richer and creamier. Add a scoop to your favorite broth-based soup to thicken it. You can also use them as a base for potato soup.
Mix in some milk, broth, and seasonings to thin out the potatoes. Then add extras like bacon, cheese, or chives. For a heartier meal, try turning shepherd’s pie into a soup.
Combine leftover mashed potatoes with ground meat, veggies, and broth in a pot. Heat and stir until everything is hot and well-mixed.
Adding to Bakery Items
Mashed potatoes add moisture to baked goods. You can use them in breads, rolls, and even sweet treats. Try making potato bread by adding 1 cup of mashed potatoes to your usual bread recipe.
For a breakfast treat, make potato cinnamon rolls. Mix mashed potatoes into the dough for extra softness. You can also use potatoes to make waffles or pancakes.
Add 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes to your regular waffle or pancake batter. This gives a crispy outside and fluffy inside. Top with syrup or savory toppings like eggs and bacon for a filling meal.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
