Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish enjoyed by many. But what do you do with the leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste!
There are plenty of tasty ways to use up extra mashed potatoes.
You can turn leftover mashed potatoes into new and exciting dishes. From savory options like potato croquettes to sweet treats like potato donuts, the possibilities are endless.
With a bit of creativity, you can transform your leftovers into delicious meals your whole family will love.
1. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mashed potato pancakes are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Mix your cold mashed potatoes with an egg, some flour, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into small patties.
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
You can add extras like cheese, herbs, or chopped onions to the mix for more flavor. Serve your potato pancakes warm with sour cream or applesauce on top.
2. Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them easily at home.
Start by mixing your cold mashed potatoes with some extras like cheese, ham, or chives.
Shape the mixture into small balls or cylinders. Roll them in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. This gives them a crispy outside.
You can fry the croquettes in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. For a healthier option, bake them in the oven at 450°F for about 12 minutes.
Serve your potato croquettes hot as a side dish or snack. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
3. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. This hearty dish combines ground meat, vegetables, and a savory gravy topped with a layer of mashed potatoes.
To make it, brown ground beef or lamb in a skillet. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Mix in some flour and broth to create a thick gravy.
Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish. Spread your leftover mashed potatoes on top. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme. A sprinkle of cheese on top before baking gives a nice golden crust.
4. Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into tasty Italian dumplings. Mix mashed potatoes with flour and egg to form a dough. Knead the dough gently until it’s no longer sticky.
Roll the dough into long ropes and cut them into small pieces. You can shape them by rolling each piece on a fork for texture.
Boil the gnocchi in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Serve your homemade gnocchi with your favorite sauce. They pair well with tomato sauce, pesto, or a simple brown butter and sage topping.
5. Potato Bread
Potato bread is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make this soft, flavorful bread at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix your mashed potatoes with warm milk or water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then add flour and knead until you have a smooth dough. Let it rise until doubled in size.
Shape the dough into loaves and place in greased pans. After a second rise, bake until golden brown.
The result is a moist, tender bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Potato bread stays fresh longer than regular bread. It also freezes well for future use.
6. Mashed Potato Soup
Mashed potato soup is a great way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a cozy meal.
To make this soup, you’ll need your leftover mashed potatoes, chicken broth, and milk or cream. Heat these ingredients in a pot, stirring until smooth.
Add some cooked bacon, cheese, and green onions for extra flavor. You can also mix in corn or other vegetables you like.
This soup is very filling and tastes just like loaded mashed potatoes. It’s sure to become a family favorite on chilly days.
7. Potato Cakes with Herbs
Potato cakes with herbs are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your cold mashed potatoes with an egg, some flour, and chopped fresh herbs.
Good herb choices include parsley, thyme, chives, or rosemary. Form the mixture into small patties and fry them in a pan with oil until golden brown on both sides.
These savory cakes make a great side dish or snack. You can serve them with sour cream or applesauce for dipping. Try adding grated cheese or finely diced onions to the mix for extra flavor.
8. Mashed Potato Pizza
Mashed potato pizza turns your leftover spuds into a delicious meal. Start with a pizza crust and spread a layer of mashed potatoes over it. Leave a small border around the edge for the crust.
Top the potatoes with shredded cheese like mozzarella. Add other toppings you enjoy, such as crumbled bacon, corn, or sliced scallions.
Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown.
The result is a unique pizza with a creamy potato base instead of traditional sauce.
You can customize this pizza with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste. It’s a fun way to use up extra mashed potatoes and create a tasty new dish.
9. Stuffed Potato Skins
Stuffed potato skins are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Scoop out most of the inside of baked potato halves, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin.
Mix your leftover mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon bits, and chives. Spoon this mixture back into the potato skins. Top with more cheese if desired.
Bake the stuffed skins for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Serve hot as a savory snack or side dish. You can customize the fillings based on your preferences.
10. Colcannon
Colcannon is a tasty Irish dish that combines mashed potatoes with cooked greens. You can use leftover mashed potatoes to make this comforting meal.
Mix your mashed potatoes with cooked kale or cabbage. Add some butter, milk, and chopped green onions for extra flavor. Heat the mixture in a pan until warm.
For a twist, try making colcannon cakes. Form the mixture into patties and fry them until golden brown. These crispy cakes make a great side dish or snack.
Serve your colcannon with a pat of butter on top. It pairs well with ham or bacon for a hearty meal.
11. Potato Waffles
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden waffles. Mix the potatoes with eggs, flour, and baking powder. Add cheese and chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Scoop the potato mixture onto the iron and cook until golden brown. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Serve your potato waffles warm with toppings like sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.
They make a great breakfast or brunch option. You can also use them as a base for savory sandwiches.
12. Potato Dumplings
Potato dumplings are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. To make them, mix your mashed potatoes with flour, eggs, and seasonings.
Shape the mixture into small balls or rounds. You can add a surprise inside, like a crouton, for extra flavor and texture.
Boil the dumplings in water or broth for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface.
Serve them with butter, gravy, or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
These dumplings are versatile and can be added to soups or stews for a hearty touch. You can also customize them with herbs or cheese for different flavors.
13. Potato Latkes
Potato latkes are a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and seasonings to create a batter.
Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with a spatula.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve your crispy latkes hot with sour cream or applesauce.
These potato pancakes make a great breakfast or side dish. You can add grated onion or herbs to the batter for extra flavor.
14. Mashed Potato Salad
Mashed potato salad is a tasty way to use your leftover mashed potatoes. It’s quick and easy to make. You can whip it up in no time for a cookout or family meal.
To make it, mix your cold mashed potatoes with mayo, sour cream, and mustard. Add some chopped pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
Season your salad with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. You can also toss in some chopped celery or green onions for freshness.
Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
This creamy, savory dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. It’s a fun twist on classic potato salad that puts your leftovers to good use.
15. Potato Casserole
Potato casserole is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can create this comforting dish by mixing your mashed potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and herbs.
Add some cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with more cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake until golden and bubbly.
This casserole makes a great side dish or main course. You can even prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
16. Potato Biscuits
Potato biscuits are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. They’re fluffy, tender, and easy to make.
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Mix warm mashed potatoes with flour, baking powder, and butter. The warmth of the potatoes helps create a light texture.
Roll out the dough and cut it into rounds. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and brush the tops with milk.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
Serve these delicious biscuits warm with butter and honey for a satisfying treat.
17. Potato Samosas
Potato samosas are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. These crispy triangular pastries make a great snack or appetizer.
To make them, mix your cold mashed potatoes with spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. Add some peas or other veggies if you like.
Wrap the filling in phyllo dough or pie crust cut into squares. Fold into triangles and seal the edges. You can bake or fry the samosas until golden brown.
Serve your homemade potato samosas warm with chutney for dipping. They’re perfect for parties or a fun twist on leftovers.
18. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This British dish combines potatoes with cooked vegetables, often cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
To make it, mix your mashed potatoes with chopped veggies. Heat butter or oil in a skillet.
Spread the mixture in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon or ham. Some recipes include an egg to help bind the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve bubble and squeak as a side dish or main course. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with a fried egg on top.
19. Mashed Potato Cheese Balls
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into tasty cheese balls. Mix the potatoes with shredded cheese, scallions, and eggs. Form the mixture into small balls.
Coat each ball in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
For extra flavor, try adding different cheeses or herbs to the mix.
These cheesy potato balls make great appetizers or side dishes.
Serve them warm with dips like leftover gravy or cranberry sauce. They’re perfect for using up those extra spuds after a big meal.
20. Potato and Bacon Quiche
Potato and bacon quiche is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You’ll love this savory dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Start by mixing your mashed potatoes with eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon. Pour this mixture into a pie crust. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own.
Bake the quiche in a preheated oven until it’s golden and set.
The potatoes give the quiche a creamy texture, while the bacon adds a smoky flavor.
Serve your potato and bacon quiche warm with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s a filling dish that’s sure to please your family or guests.
21. Loaded Potato Frittata
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty frittata. Mix them with eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Heat oil in a skillet and add the mashed potatoes. Cook until they start to crisp.
Pour in beaten eggs mixed with milk and cheese.
Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, and diced bell peppers. Cook on the stovetop until the edges set. Then pop it in the oven to finish cooking.
When it’s golden and puffy, take it out. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve your loaded potato frittata for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
22. Potato Empanadas
Potato empanadas are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. These handheld treats have a flaky crust and creamy potato filling.
To make them, you’ll need empanada dough and your leftover mashed potatoes.
Mix some sautéed onions into the potatoes for extra flavor.
Place a small scoop of the potato mixture on one half of a dough circle. Fold the other half over and seal the edges.
Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake the empanadas until they’re crispy and golden brown. Serve them warm as a snack or light meal. They’re perfect for on-the-go eating too.
23. Mashed Potato Muffins
Mashed potato muffins are a tasty way to use up leftover spuds. You can make them in a regular muffin tin.
Mix your mashed potatoes with eggs, cheese, and seasonings.
Add some chopped chives or green onions for extra flavor.
Scoop the mixture into greased muffin cups.
Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
These savory muffins are great for breakfast or as a side dish.
You can customize them by adding different cheeses or mix-ins like bacon or spinach. They’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
24. Cheesy Mashed Potato Bites
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into tasty snacks with this easy recipe.
Mix your mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
Form the mixture into small balls and roll them in panko breadcrumbs.
Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for about 15 minutes.
The result is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
These bites make great appetizers or side dishes. You can serve them with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Try different cheese varieties to change up the flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan all work well.
You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra taste.
25. Potato Pierogi
Potato pierogi are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Mix your cold mashed potatoes with shredded cheese for the filling.
Make a simple dough with flour, eggs, and milk.
Roll it out thin and cut into circles.
Place a spoonful of potato filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal.
Boil the pierogi in batches until they float. Then pan-fry them in butter for a crispy exterior.
Serve your homemade pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream on top. They make a satisfying meal or appetizer that puts those leftover mashed potatoes to good use.
26. Mashed Potato Quesadillas
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 any other fillings you like.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook it in a pan until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
You can get creative with the fillings. Try adding cooked bacon, green onions, or jalapenos for extra flavor.
Serve your quesadillas with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.
This quick meal comes together in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast lunch or easy dinner when you’re short on time.
27. Potato Stuffed Bell Peppers
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Try stuffing them into bell peppers for a tasty meal.
Start by cutting peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Mix your mashed potatoes with some cheese and herbs for extra flavor.
Spoon this mixture into the pepper halves.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Top with more cheese if you like.
Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
This dish is easy to customize. You can add cooked bacon, ham, or veggies to the potato mix. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a new meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes offer more than just comfort and taste. They pack a punch of important nutrients that can boost your health. Let’s look at what makes this classic side dish a nutritious choice.
Vitamins and Minerals
Mashed potatoes are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin helps your immune system and skin health. They also have vitamin B6, which is good for your brain and nerves.
Potassium is another key nutrient in mashed potatoes. It helps control your blood pressure and supports heart health.
You’ll also find iron in your mashed potatoes. Iron is vital for healthy blood.
Leaving the skin on your potatoes adds extra fiber. Fiber aids digestion and helps you feel full. It can also lower cholesterol levels.
Caloric Content
A cup of plain mashed potatoes has about 200 calories. This makes them a filling option without too many calories.
The calorie count can change based on what you add. Butter and cream increase calories. Using low-fat milk or broth can keep the calorie count lower.
Mashed potatoes are mostly carbs. These carbs give you energy. They fuel your brain and muscles.
You can boost the protein in your mashed potatoes. Add Greek yogurt or pureed white beans. This makes them more filling and nutritious.
Creative Uses for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes can be transformed into tasty breakfast items and appetizers. You can easily turn them into new dishes with a few extra ingredients.
Incorporating into Breakfast
Start your day with mashed potato pancakes. Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and cheese. Cook the batter on a griddle for crispy, savory pancakes. Top with sour cream or applesauce.
Try potato waffles for a twist on breakfast. Add mashed potatoes to your waffle batter. Cook in a waffle iron for a crispy outside and soft inside. Serve with bacon and eggs for a filling meal.
Make a breakfast bowl by layering mashed potatoes with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon bits. Heat it up for a warm, comforting start to your day.
Transforming into Appetizers
Turn mashed potatoes into bite-sized snacks. Form small balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry for crunchy potato croquettes. Serve with dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Create potato skins by mixing mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon. Stuff the mixture back into potato skins and bake until golden. These make great finger foods for parties.
Try potato-crusted mini quiches. Press mashed potatoes into muffin tins to form crusts. Fill with egg mixture and bake for individual-sized quiches. Add veggies or meat for extra flavor.
Make cheesy potato bites by mixing mashed potatoes with shredded cheese. Form into small patties and pan-fry until crispy. These are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying leftover mashed potatoes. These techniques help keep your spuds safe to eat and tasting great days after you make them.
Optimal Refrigeration Techniques
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in portion-sized containers or bags.
To freeze, scoop the potatoes into 1-cup portions on a lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Label with the date and amount.
Frozen mashed potatoes keep well for up to 2 months. This method lets you thaw only what you need later.
Reheating for Best Texture
To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes, put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or cream.
Cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each.
For oven reheating, spread potatoes in a baking dish. Add some liquid and butter on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Thaw frozen potatoes in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Stir reheated potatoes well. Add extra butter, milk, or seasonings to refresh the flavor and texture.