Buzz
Photo: Crystal HughesWell-prepared mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish that everyone agrees on, and it's a guarantee that they'll be passed around for seconds. However, making enough to serve everyone can lead to a dilemma: What to do with the leftovers?
Sure, you can enjoy leftover mashed potatoes directly from the fridge or warm them up as is. But they become much more exciting and less repetitive when transformed into a shepherd's pie topping or thinned out with chicken broth, then simmered with sautéed leeks, thyme, and a dash of white wine for a comforting soup. Keep reading for a collection of our favorite ways to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes.
When dealing with leftovers, correct food storage is essential. Follow these tips to keep your leftover mashed potatoes safe and fresh:
- Store in an airtight container.
- Place leftover mashed potatoes (and other cooked foods) on the top shelf in the fridge to keep them away from raw meats.
- Refrigerated mashed potatoes are safe for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, add a little milk and a bit of butter to maintain their creamy texture.
1. Eggplant Shepherd's Pie
Caitlin BenselThis vegetarian main course features robust eggplant, pearl onions, and carrots in place of meat. You won’t even miss it once you try the fresh, flavorful vegetables. Top it with your leftover mashed potatoes and pair it with a bold red wine for the perfect, easy dinner.
2. Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pancakes
Heami LeeLeftover mashed sweet potatoes can be reimagined too! Sweet potatoes bring a delightful twist to this beloved breakfast classic. If you're daunted by making pancakes from scratch, don’t worry, this recipe is simple and straightforward.
3. Quick and Easy Shepherd's Pie
Marcus NilssonShepherd's pie is a timeless comfort food. Traditionally made with lamb, this version uses the more affordable and readily available ground beef. No matter which meat you choose, this easy recipe is a true delight.
4. Mini Twice Baked Loaded Potatoes
Grace ElkusWe love the crispy bits of bacon and the spicy kick of black pepper in this twice-baked leftover mashed potato twist. Follow the recipe as instructed, then stir in your leftover mashed potatoes to create even more loaded-potato snacks.
5. Cheesy Potato Casserole
Alison MikschRich, cheesy, and satisfying, this potato casserole is made even easier when you swap in leftover mashed potatoes for raw russet potatoes. The leftover mash adds a unique texture, but it’s still the perfect match when served alongside a zesty arugula salad.
6. Cottage Pie
Jonny ValiantMuch like shepherd's pie, a cottage pie is topped with a rich, fluffy layer of mashed potatoes. By using 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes, you can skip the first four ingredients in this recipe and eliminate Steps 2 through 4, saving you time in the kitchen.
7. Big Batch Shepherd's Pie
Greg DuPreeA few cups of leftover mashed potatoes give you a major advantage in preparing this classic British dish. Simply cook up the beef and vegetable filling, layer it with your ready-to-go mashed potatoes, and bake for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
8. Turkey Lasagna Rolls
Melissa Kravitz HoeffnerThis dish takes a mix of Thanksgiving leftovers—turkey, gravy, creamed spinach, and mashed sweet potatoes—and turns them into an Italian-inspired creation. These lasagna rolls bake in marinara sauce for a leftover meal that everyone will love, no eye-rolling here.
9. Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
The Cooking JarGolden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and cheesy interior, these mashed potato balls make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. The panko breadcrumb coating gives them a satisfying crunch. No bacon? Feel free to skip it or substitute with other leftovers like deli meats or Italian sausage.
10. Mashed Potato Fries
Cookie Named DesireThese golden, crispy mashed potato fries are best enjoyed straight from the oven. If you're using leftover mashed potatoes, skip the steps for preparing the mash and jump straight to the baking instructions in Step 4.
11. Mashed Potato Waffles
Do You Even PaleoThese waffles are already a treat on their own, but you can enjoy them in different ways: on their own, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise, or used to create a savory breakfast sandwich. The recipe uses cassava flour, but feel free to substitute with tapioca starch or almond flour for a one-to-one ratio.
12. Loaded Mashed Potato Rolls
Spend with PenniesThis inventive twist on the classic fried egg roll uses a mashed potato filling topped with traditional baked potato garnishes like cheddar, green onions, and bacon bits. However, don't be afraid to explore your creativity – spices and ingredients like curry, spinach, and fennel seeds are excellent additions.
13. Spinach and Garlic Potato Patties
DiethoodThese delicious spinach-filled mashed potato patties are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a poached or fried egg for breakfast, pair them with a turkey burger for lunch, or offer them as a finger-food appetizer at your holiday party.
14. Cheesy Mashed Potato Egg Skillet Casserole
TbspOne-pan breakfast dishes make feeding the family a breeze, whether they gather at the same time or at their own pace. In this recipe, swap in 2 to 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes instead of using the mix to create the base for this layered breakfast casserole.
15. Mashed Potato Doughnuts
Dinner with JulieThis innovative take on a traditionally savory side dish transforms it into a beloved sweet treat. A dusting of icing sugar finishes them off beautifully, but a cinnamon-sugar mix is also a perfect choice!
16. Potato Rolls
Spicy Southern KitchenWhile you do need to give the yeast time to rise, these fluffy, golden-brown bread rolls are totally worth the wait. A round cake pan is recommended for baking, but a trusty cast-iron skillet will do just as well.
17. Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Soup
Noble PigThis comforting soup made from leftover mashed potatoes is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. You can swap the shallots for sautéed leeks or chives, depending on your preference.
18. Mashed Potato and Mushroom Quesadilla
CooktoriaPacked with mushrooms and onions, these veggie-packed bites are perfect for picnics and can be enjoyed at room temperature. They also make a convenient and delicious reheated lunch for work.
19. Parmesan and Herb Potato Pancakes
Natasha’s KitchenPancakes aren't just for breakfast anymore. These savory potato cakes, paired with a dollop of sour cream, offer the ultimate comfort-food experience.
20. Mashed Potato Gnocchi
MacheesmoThese gnocchi made from leftover mashed potatoes are as light and fluffy as we love them! You can enjoy them on their own or add them to our one-pot Italian sausage gnocchi soup recipe for a heartier meal.
21. Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
For the Love of CookingForget the maple syrup! This dish suggests topping the pancakes with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives. We recommend pairing them with a lightly sweetened apple sauce, which beautifully complements the savory taste of these mashed potato pancakes.
22. Potato Croquettes
Goodie GodmotherSimple yet timeless, potato croquettes are a go-to for using up leftover mashed potatoes. The two-step process of coating with egg followed by panko breadcrumbs gives them an irresistibly crispy texture.
23. Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins
Just a TasteTransform leftover mashed potatoes with just three simple ingredients—egg, cheddar, and chives—into a savory, fork-free snack reminiscent of hash browns. For perfect portions, use an ice cream scoop and a muffin pan to shape them evenly.
