Leftover mashed potatoes can be a great starting point for many tasty dishes. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can transform them into new and exciting meals.
With a little creativity, you can turn this humble side dish into the star of your next meal.
These recipes give you lots of ways to use up extra mashed potatoes.
You’ll find ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Whether you want something quick and easy or a more involved recipe, there are options to suit different tastes and cooking skills.
Get ready to see mashed potatoes in a whole new light!
1. Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mashed potato pancakes are a tasty way to use up leftover spuds.
To make them, mix your mashed potatoes with an egg and some flour. Add salt, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor.
Shape the mixture into small patties. Coat them in bread crumbs for a crispy outside.
Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the pancakes for a few minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot as a side dish or snack.
These pancakes are easy to make and very filling. You can add cheese, herbs, or bacon bits to change up the taste. They’re great for breakfast or dinner.
2. Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make these crispy treats by mixing your mashed potatoes with cheese, herbs, and seasonings.
Form the mixture into small patties or cylinders. Coat them in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Fry the croquettes until they’re golden brown on the outside.
Serve your potato croquettes as a side dish or appetizer. They pair well with dipping sauces like ketchup or sour cream. You can add bacon bits or different cheeses to change up the flavor.
3. Shepherd’s Pie Topped with Potatoes
Shepherd’s pie is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This comforting dish combines savory meat and vegetables with a creamy potato topping.
To make it, spread cooked ground beef and veggies in a casserole dish. Cover with a layer of mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
You can customize the filling with different meats or vegetables. Try adding cheese to the potato topping for extra flavor.
Shepherd’s pie is perfect for cold nights. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat later. Your family will love this hearty, satisfying meal made from leftovers.
4. Mashed Potato Quesadillas
Mashed potato quesadillas are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You’ll need tortillas, cheese, and your cold mashed potatoes.
Spread the mashed potatoes on half of a tortilla. Add shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half to close it.
Cook the quesadilla in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. The cheese will melt and hold everything together.
Try adding extras like scallions or crispy onions for more flavor. Serve your quesadillas with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.
This quick meal takes about 10 minutes to make. It’s an easy comfort food dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
5. Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
Loaded mashed potato balls are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by mixing cold mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Form the mixture into small balls.
Next, coat each ball in beaten egg and roll it in breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer.
Fry the coated balls in hot oil until golden brown. The outside becomes crunchy while the inside stays soft and creamy.
Serve your loaded mashed potato balls warm as a snack or side dish. They taste like a loaded baked potato in bite-sized form.
6. Potato Bread
Potato bread is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This soft, moist bread has a slightly dense texture and subtle potato flavor.
To make potato bread, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Add this to mashed potatoes, flour, butter, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise.
Shape the dough into a loaf and bake until golden brown. The result is a delicious bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.
You can make potato bread by hand or use a bread machine for convenience. Either way, it’s an easy recipe that transforms leftovers into something new and yummy.
7. Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious gnocchi. Mix the potatoes with flour and egg yolks to form a dough.
Then, roll the dough into ropes and cut them into small pieces.
You can cook the gnocchi by boiling them in water until they float to the surface. Serve them with your favorite sauce or simply toss them in butter and herbs.
For best results, use light and fluffy mashed potatoes. If your leftovers are too dense or gummy, your gnocchi might turn out heavy. Add flour gradually to get the right consistency.
This recipe is quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up extra mashed potatoes and create a new meal your family will love.
8. Potato Soup Base
Leftover mashed potatoes make a great base for creamy potato soup. You can transform them into a comforting meal with just a few extra ingredients.
Start by heating your mashed potatoes in a pot. Add some chicken or vegetable broth to thin them out.
Then, stir in milk or cream for extra richness.
For flavor, mix in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or garlic. Sprinkle in some cheese for a cheesy potato soup. Add corn or other veggies if you like.
Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Heat everything together until hot and well combined. Serve topped with extra bacon, cheese, or green onions.
9. Potato Cakes with Jalapeños
Spice up your leftover mashed potatoes with zesty jalapeños. Mix cold mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, flour, and diced jalapeños.
Then, form the mixture into small patties.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
These potato cakes pack a flavorful punch. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer.
You can top them with sour cream to balance the heat. For extra indulgence, add shredded cheddar cheese to the mix before cooking.
10. Mashed Potato Pizza Crust
Leftover mashed potatoes make a tasty and unique pizza crust. Mix your mashed potatoes with an egg, some Parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt.
Then, press this mixture into a greased pie plate to form your crust.
Bake the potato crust at 400°F for about 15 minutes until it starts to set. Then add your favorite pizza toppings and cheese.
Pop it back in the oven until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
This crust works well with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and mushrooms. You can also try toppings that pair nicely with potatoes, such as bacon, corn, and scallions.
11. Garlic Mashed Potato Dip
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty dip. Mix them with minced garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese.
Then, heat the mixture in the oven until warm and bubbly.
The garlic adds a punch of flavor, while the cheese makes it extra creamy.
Serve this dip with veggie sticks, crackers, or bread. It’s great for parties or as a quick snack. You can adjust the garlic to your taste.
This dip is a fun way to use up those extra mashed potatoes. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
12. Potato Muffins
Potato muffins are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them in a muffin tin for easy portioning.
Mix your mashed potatoes with cheese, eggs, and seasonings.
Then, spoon the mixture into greased muffin cups.
Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes until golden brown. The tops will get crispy while the insides stay soft.
These savory muffins make a great side dish or snack. You can add extras like bacon bits or chives for more flavor.
Potato muffins freeze well too. Make a big batch and reheat them later for a quick meal addition.
13. Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed potato fritters are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You only need a few simple ingredients to make them.
Mix cold mashed potatoes with flour, cheese, and chopped scallions. Then, add a beaten egg to help bind everything together. Form the mixture into small patties.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes a few minutes per side.
Serve your fritters hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. They make a great side dish or snack. You can customize them by adding different herbs or spices to the mix.
14. Potato Samosas
Potato samosas are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make a flavorful filling by mixing your mashed potatoes with spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger.
Add some cooked peas or finely chopped onions for extra texture and flavor.
Then, wrap the filling in store-bought phyllo dough or make a simple dough from flour and oil.
Shape the samosas into triangles and fry or bake until golden and crispy. They make great appetizers or snacks. Serve them with chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
15. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. You can make this tasty dish in less time than traditional twice-baked potatoes.
Start by mixing your mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, and cheese. Add some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Then, pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Top with more cheese and bake until hot and bubbly. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at holiday dinners or family gatherings.
You can customize it with your favorite toppings like chives, green onions, or extra bacon. It’s a comforting and satisfying side dish that everyone will love.
16. Potato Waffles
Potato waffles 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 eggs, flour, and baking powder. Add some shredded cheese for extra flavor if you like.
Cook the mixture in a waffle iron until golden brown and crispy. The result is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve your potato waffles as a side dish or top them with eggs and bacon for breakfast. They’re also great with sour cream or applesauce.
You can store leftover potato waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or oven to bring back their crispiness.
17. Cheesy Potato Bites
Cheesy potato bites are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make them in a mini muffin pan for easy portioning.
Mix your mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped chives. Add some crumbled bacon for extra flavor if you like.
Scoop the mixture into greased muffin cups.
Then, bake at 400°F until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
These bites are crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer. You can top them with a dollop of sour cream for more indulgence.
18. Potato and Leek Pie
Potato and leek pie is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You’ll need mashed potatoes, leeks, bacon, and cheese.
Cook bacon until crispy, then set aside. Sauté sliced leeks in the bacon fat until soft.
Mix the leeks and crumbled bacon into your mashed potatoes.
Spread the mixture in a pie dish and top with shredded cheese.
Then, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until hot and the cheese is melted.
This savory pie makes a great lunch or light dinner. You can add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
19. Mashed Potato Tacos
Mashed potato tacos are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
To make them, spread warm mashed potatoes onto tortillas. Add your favorite taco toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed potato chips on top before folding the tacos.
You can also spice up plain mashed potatoes with cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Bake the tacos in the oven for a crispy shell, or enjoy them soft. These tacos work well with both corn and flour tortillas. Try adding some hot sauce or green onions for more flavor.
20. Potato Stuffed Bell Peppers
Potato stuffed bell peppers offer a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Start by cutting bell peppers in half and removing the seeds.
Fill each pepper half with your leftover mashed potatoes. You can mix in some cheese, herbs, or spices to add extra flavor.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Pour a bit of tomato sauce in the bottom to keep them moist. Bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.
The peppers will soften and the potato filling will get hot and slightly crispy on top. Sprinkle with some extra cheese in the last few minutes of baking if you like.
This easy recipe transforms basic leftovers into a whole new meal. It’s filling, colorful, and lets you enjoy those mashed potatoes in a fresh way.
21. Vegan Potato Pancakes
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into tasty vegan potato pancakes. Mix your mashed potatoes with flour, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. Add some chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Form the mixture into small patties. Cook them in a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
These pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them with vegan yogurt, cashew cream, or your favorite plant-based dip.
You can customize your pancakes by adding herbs, spices, or veggies. Try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or fresh chives for variety.
22. Baked Mashed Potato Cups
Baked mashed potato cups are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. To make them, mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and shredded cheese.
Spoon the mixture into greased muffin tins. Top with more cheese if you like. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown on top.
These crispy cups make a great side dish or appetizer. You can customize them by adding bacon bits, chives, or other mix-ins to the potato mixture before baking.
Serve the potato cups warm. They pair well with many main dishes or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
23. Crispy Potato Skins Dip
This tasty dip turns leftover mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits.
Scoop the mixture into hollowed-out potato skins. Bake until the tops are golden and crispy.
Serve warm with extra toppings like chives or green onions. This dip is perfect for game day snacking or casual gatherings.
You can customize it with your favorite potato skin toppings. Try adding jalapeños for some heat or swap the bacon for vegetarian-friendly options.
24. Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is a tasty way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Mix your mashed potatoes with some cream, cheese, and seasonings. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
Top it with more cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. Bake until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish with a crunchy topping.
You can add extras like bacon, herbs, or garlic for more flavor. This dish works well as a side or main course. It’s easy to make and reheats nicely for leftovers.
25. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a tasty way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can make it quickly and easily with items you likely have on hand.
Start by mixing your cold mashed potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. This creates a creamy base for your salad.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, and pickles for crunch and flavor. You can also include diced onions or bell peppers if you like.
Season your salad with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Mix everything well and chill before serving. This unique take on potato salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
26. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Bites
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into tasty snacks with these garlic Parmesan bites. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to boost flavor. Shape the mixture into small balls.
Roll the potato balls in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior. Bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown. The result is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Serve these bites as appetizers or side dishes. They’re great for parties or as an after-school snack. Pair them with marinara sauce or sour cream for dipping.
27. Mashed Potato and Bacon Tart
This dish turns your leftover mashed potatoes into a tasty savory tart. You’ll need a pie crust, leftover mashed potatoes, cooked bacon, cheese, and eggs.
Spread the mashed potatoes in the pie crust. Mix in crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Pour a mixture of beaten eggs over the top.
Bake the tart until it’s golden brown and set in the middle. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This tart works great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can add extra flavors like green onions or garlic if you want. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
28. Sweet Potato and Potato Mash
Mix leftover mashed sweet potatoes and regular mashed potatoes for a tasty twist. Combine equal parts of each in a bowl and stir well.
Add a splash of milk or cream to make the mixture smoother. Season with salt, pepper, and butter to taste.
Heat the mash in the microwave or on the stove until warm. You can also bake it in the oven for a crispy top.
This blend offers a nice balance of flavors. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory regular potatoes. It’s a great side dish for many meals.
Nutritional Benefits of Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes offer several important nutrients. They provide vitamins, minerals, and energy to support your health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Mashed potatoes contain vitamin C. One medium potato gives you 10% of your daily vitamin C needs. This helps your immune system and skin health.
Potatoes also have potassium. This mineral supports heart and muscle function. You’ll get some B vitamins from mashed potatoes too. These help your body turn food into energy.
Leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Caloric Content
A medium potato has about 110 calories. This makes mashed potatoes a good energy source.
Most calories in potatoes come from carbs. One serving has around 26 grams of carbs. Your body uses these for fuel.
Plain mashed potatoes are low in fat. Adding butter or cream increases calories and fat. For a lighter option, try using low-fat milk or broth instead.
Mashed potatoes also give you some protein. A medium potato contains about 2 grams. Protein helps build and repair body tissues.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into tasty new dishes. You can add them to baked goods for extra moisture or use them in savory breakfast recipes.
Incorporating into Baked Goods
Mix mashed potatoes into bread dough for a soft, moist loaf. Add 1 cup of cold mashed potatoes to your favorite bread recipe. The potatoes will make the bread stay fresh longer.
You can also use mashed potatoes to make cookies. Mix 1 cup of mashed potatoes with 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
For a quick snack, try potato pancakes. Mix 2 cups of mashed potatoes with 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of flour. Form into patties and fry in a hot skillet until golden brown.
Using in Savory Breakfasts
Make a tasty breakfast casserole with leftover mashed potatoes. Layer the potatoes in a baking dish with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
You can also use mashed potatoes to make breakfast burritos. Warm up the potatoes and spread them on a tortilla.
Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa. Roll up and enjoy.
For a twist on hash browns, form mashed potatoes into small cakes. Coat with breadcrumbs and fry until crispy.
Serve with eggs and toast for a filling breakfast.