Do you still have that lumpy mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner? You don’t have to throw it away just yet because there are many delicious ways to use it.
Mashed potatoes are considered a staple food, and it can be boring to eat the same thing twice or thrice in a row.
However, with a little creativity, you can transform your leftovers into a tasty snack, breakfast, or a fabulous dinner. Here are 38 easy leftover mashed potato recipes that will please your palate.
38 Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes
1. Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and seasoning, then fry in a non-stick pan until golden brown. Serve with sour cream and chives.
2. Savory Shepherd’s Pie
Layer mashed potatoes with leftover meat and vegetables, then bake in the oven for a tasty comfort dinner.
3. Mashed Potato Waffles
Add herbs or cheese to your mashed potatoes, then make waffles in a waffle maker and serve with gravy or basil pesto.
4. Leftover Fried Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with fried chicken, spinach, and cheese, then bake until golden brown.
5. Potato Bread
Use Potato Bread recipe as an alternative to your usual bread. You can also add herbs and cheese to give it a unique taste.
6. Creamy Mashed Potato Soup
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with chicken or vegetable stock, then add bacon or ham for flavor. Simmer until hot and serve with garlic bread.
7. Cottage Pie
Ah, Cottage Pie – a hearty hug on a plate! Imagine a rich, savory stew of ground beef and veggies bubbling beneath a fluffy, golden blanket of mashed potatoes.
Each warm spoonful promises comfort and familiar goodness, the perfect antidote to chilly days or weary souls.
8. Classic Bangers and Mash
Cook ground beef and onions until tender, then mix mashed potatoes and cheese together in a baking dish for a simple and tasty dinner.
9. Parsnip and Potato Potpie
A delicious and hearty potpie made with mashed potatoes, parsnips, and vegetables.
10. Twice-Baked Potatoes
Scoop out the middle of baked potatoes, mix with cheese or bacon, then fill the skin back up and bake until crispy.
11. Potato Croquettes
Form mashed potatoes into little balls, then lightly coat in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.
12. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mix mashed potatoes with cream cheese, butter, garlic, and cheddar for a flavorful side dish.
13. Loaded Potato Skins
Bake potatoes until tender, scoop out the middle, mix with cheese, bacon, and sour cream then fill the skins. Bake until crispy.
14. Mashed Potato Pizza
Use mashed potatoes as a base for your pizza and top with favorite toppings.
15. Potato Pierogi
Small boiled or fried dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes, onion, and cheese.
16. Mashed Potato Frittata
Sauté onions, peppers, and cooked potatoes, then add eggs and seasoning, then place in the oven until cooked through.
17. Mashed Potato Donuts
Yes, you read that right! Mix in some sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your mash, then fry them up for sweet and fluffy donuts. Top with powdered sugar or glaze for a decadent treat.
18. Mashed Potato Tacos
Fill taco shells with warmed mashed potatoes, avocado, and salsa.
19. Colcannon
Mashed potatoes that are mixed with kale or cabbage and sometimes bacon.
20. Mashed Potato Empanadas
Mix your mash with grated potatoes, onions, and peppers for a flavorful and hearty breakfast hash. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
21. Classic Bangers and Mash
Layer sausages over mashed potatoes and top with gravy for a British staple.
22. Corned Beef Hash
Fry diced corned beef, peppers, onions, and mashed potatoes in a skillet for a hearty breakfast.
23. Mashed Potato Cakes
Shape leftover mashed potatoes into cakes, then pan-fry until crispy on the outside. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce.
24. Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with flour and egg to create homemade gnocchi. Boil until they float, then toss in your favorite sauce.
25. Mashed Potato and Leek Soup
Use leftover mashed potatoes as the base for a creamy soup by sautéing leeks, garlic, and chicken or vegetable stock. Blend until smooth and garnish with chives.
26. Mashed Potato Breakfast Burritos
Fill tortillas with leftover mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast ingredients for a hearty morning meal.
27. Potato and Bacon Breakfast Casserole
Layer diced bacon, mashed potatoes, and cheese in a casserole dish, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Bake until set for a tasty breakfast dish.
28. Potato Cakes with Smoked Salmon
Combine leftover mashed potatoes with fresh dill and shape into cakes, then top with smoked salmon and sour cream for a delightful appetizer.
29. Mashed Potato and Sausage Casserole
Mix mashed potatoes with cooked sausage and vegetables, then bake in the oven for a hearty dinner option.
30. Mashed Potato Queso Fundido
Create a cheesy and creamy queso fundido dip by melting cheese into leftover mashed potatoes and adding jalapeños or chiles for a kick.
31. Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls
Roll leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon in spring roll wrappers, then deep-fry for a tasty and unique appetizer.
32. Mashed Potato Tater Tots
Form tater tots using leftover mashed potatoes, then fry until crispy and serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
33. Mashed Potato Goulash
Make a comforting goulash by simmering leftover mashed potatoes with ground beef, onions, and paprika for a hearty stew.
34. Mashed Potato and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with cheese, then stuff mushroom caps and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.
35. Mashed Potato and Corn Pancakes
Combine mashed potatoes with sweet corn, spices, and egg to make savory pancakes. Serve with sour cream or salsa.
36. Mashed Potato Sushi
Use leftover mashed potatoes as the “rice” in sushi rolls, adding your choice of fillings for a unique twist on sushi.
37. Mashed Potato and Ham Croquettes
Shape leftover mashed potatoes around diced ham, then coat in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown for a delicious snack or appetizer.
38. Mashed Potato and Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and herbs. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling.
Final Thoughts,
Mashed potatoes may not be the most exciting side dish, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into mouth-watering recipes.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or something new, use these 38 easy leftover mashed potato recipes to create something entirely new and delicious. Happy cooking!