You know that moment after a big meal when you open the fridge and see a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes staring back at you?
Maybe it’s from a holiday feast or a night when you got a little carried away with the spuds.
Reheating them is fine, but I’ve got something better in mind. Let’s turn those leftovers into pure mashed potato magic with 12 simple, delicious recipes to make your taste buds happy and your kitchen feel like a playground.
These ideas are all about next-level leftover recipes that are easy to whip up and bursting with flavor.
perfect for sparking some creative ways to use leftover mashed potatoes.
1. Crispy Potato Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Unique Aspects: These pancakes are crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for breakfast or a quick bite.
Process:
Take your mashed potatoes and mix them in a bowl with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper until everything comes together.
It’ll be a bit sticky, but that’s just right. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop out spoonfuls of the mix, flatten them into patties, and fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crunchy.
Drain them on a paper towel and serve hot with sour cream or your favorite topping.
Tips: Add chopped green onions or cheese for a flavor boost. Keep the pan hot for that perfect crisp.
2. Potato Waffles
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Cooking spray
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Unique Aspects: Waffles made from potatoes are crispy, fun, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Process:
- Mix mashed potatoes, egg, flour, and cheese in a bowl until smooth.
- Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray.
- Spoon the mixture into the iron, spread it out, and close the lid.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Pop them out and serve with sour cream or a fried egg.
3. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots)
- 1 cup beef broth
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Unique Aspects: This hearty dish turns leftovers into a cozy, filling meal.
Process:
Start by cooking the beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat’s browned and the onion’s soft, which takes about 10 minutes.
Stir in the mixed veggies and beef broth, then let it simmer for around 5 minutes until it thickens up a bit.
Pour that mixture into a baking dish, then grab your mashed potatoes and spread them evenly over the top.
Pop it into the oven at 375°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the potato layer turns golden. Pull it out, let it cool a little, and dig in!
Tips: Use a fork to make ridges on the potatoes for a cool look.
4. Mashed Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Unique Aspects: A warm, creamy soup that’s super simple and comforting.
Process:
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in mashed potatoes and chicken broth until mixed.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with bread or cheese on top.
Tips: Add more broth if it’s too thick. Blend it for a silky finish.
5. Potato Croquettes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Unique Aspects: Crispy outside, creamy inside, these are little bites of heaven.
Process:
Mix your mashed potatoes with the egg yolk and cheese in a bowl until it’s all combined.
Shape the mixture into small balls or logs with your hands; it’s kind of fun to get in there and mold them.
Next, roll each one in breadcrumbs so they’re fully coated. Heat up some oil in a pan, about an inch deep, to 350°F.
Fry the croquettes for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden all over, then scoop them out and drain on paper towels.
Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
Tips: Chill the mix for 30 minutes to shape them more easily.
6. Mashed Potato Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 4 tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional beans or salsa
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Unique Aspects: Quick, cheesy, and a fun twist on a classic.
Process:
- Spread 1/2 cup mashed potatoes on one tortilla.
- Sprinkle cheese and any extras like beans on top.
- Place another tortilla over it.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side, until crispy.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips: Warm tortillas first so they don’t tear.
7. Potato Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Unique Aspects: Soft, fluffy biscuits that pair with anything.
Process:
Mix the flour and baking powder in a bowl to get started.
Cut in the butter with a fork or your fingers until it’s all crumbly, then stir in the mashed potatoes and milk until you’ve got a dough.
Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick, then use a glass or cutter to make rounds. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re golden on top.
Serve them warm with butter or whatever you love.
Tips: Don’t overmix; keep them tender.
8. Mashed Potato Candy
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: None (chill time: 1 hour)
Unique Aspects: A sweet, quirky dessert that surprises everyone.
Process:
- Mix mashed potatoes with powdered sugar in a bowl, adding sugar slowly until it’s a thick dough.
- Roll it out on a sugared surface into a rectangle.
- Spread peanut butter over the top.
- Roll it up like a log.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour, then slice into pieces.
Tips: Use plain potatoes, no savory stuff.
9. Potato Knishes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Unique Aspects: Flaky, handheld treats with a cozy vibe.
Process:
Sauté the chopped onion in a pan until it’s soft, then mix it with your mashed potatoes.
In another bowl, combine the flour, egg, and water to make a dough, kneading it until it’s smooth.
Roll the dough out thin, cut it into squares, and spoon some potato filling into each one.
Fold them up into little pockets, making sure to seal the edges tight. Bake them at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until they’re golden and flaky, then enjoy them warm.
Tips: Seal edges tight so they stay closed.
10. Mashed Potato Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Unique Aspects: Cute, fancy bites perfect for guests.
Process:
- Remove mushroom stems and rinse the caps.
- Mix mashed potatoes with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff each cap with about 1 tablespoon of potatoes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until tender.
Tips: Pick big mushrooms that won’t tip over.
11. Mashed Potato Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 8 tortillas
- 1 cup cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Unique Aspects: A bold, tasty dinner with a Mexican flair.
Process:
Spoon some mashed potatoes and a bit of cheese into each tortilla, then roll them up nicely and tight.
Place them in a baking dish with the seam side down so they don’t unroll. Pour the enchilada sauce all over the top, then sprinkle on more cheese.
Bake it at 350°F for 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Let it sit for a minute, then serve it up hot and delicious.
Tips: Warm tortillas so they roll easily.
12. Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sausage (cooked)
- 1 cup cheese
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Unique Aspects: A big, easy dish that’s breakfast perfection.
Process:
- Spread mashed potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Scramble eggs and pour them over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage and cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until set.
- Let it cool a bit, then slice and serve.
Tips: Make it the night before and bake in the morning.
Final Words
And there you have it: 12 Next-Level Leftover Recipes that turn your mashed potatoes into something special. I love these because they’re simple, tasty, and let you play around with whatever you’ve got in the kitchen.
Whether you’re flipping crispy pancakes or rolling up some sweet candy, you’re bringing Mashed Potato Magic to life.
So next time you’ve got leftovers, don’t just heat them; make them awesome. What’s your go-to idea from this list? I’d love to hear what you cook up!