Having leftover mashed potatoes is a common kitchen situation many of us face. That creamy side dish from last night’s dinner doesn’t have to sit forgotten in the refrigerator or get thrown away.
These leftover mashed potatoes can transform into entirely new dishes that your family will love.
From fluffy bread and savory fritters to loaded waffles and even chocolate cake, your cold mash can become something delicious with minimal effort. You’ll be surprised at how versatile this humble leftover can be.
1. Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious crispy pancakes with just a few simple ingredients.
You’ll need about 2 cups of mashed potatoes, an egg, and some flour to bind everything together.
Mix your cold mashed potatoes with the egg, add 1/3 cup of flour, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. For a tasty twist, try adding minced chives or grated cheese to the mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot pan and flatten them slightly. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
2. Cheesy Mashed Potato Waffles
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy waffles for a delicious breakfast or snack. These waffles have a perfect balance of fluffy interior and crunchy exterior.
Simply mix your cold mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, then cook the mixture in a waffle iron until golden brown. The cheese melts beautifully throughout the potato mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
You can top your potato waffles with more cheese, sour cream, or even chicken and gravy for a heartier meal. They’re versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
This transformation is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need to use up leftovers.
3. Loaded Mashed Potato Soup
Transforming leftover mashed potatoes into loaded soup is a great way to create a new meal. You can make this hearty soup in about 30 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Start by sautéing some onion in butter. Then add your mashed potatoes and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
Add milk to reach your desired consistency and bring to a gentle simmer.
For the “loaded” part, top your soup with crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Some recipes suggest adding kielbasa instead of bacon for a different flavor. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the taste if you enjoy a bit of spice.
4. Mashed Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is one of the best ways to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a hearty meal. The creamy potatoes create a perfect golden crust on top of savory meat and vegetables.
To make this dish, spread your leftover mashed potatoes over cooked ground beef or turkey mixed with carrots, peas, and gravy. For extra flavor, add cheese to your mashed potatoes before spreading them on top.
Bake until the potato topping turns slightly crispy and golden. This comfort food works great with leftover holiday turkey or everyday ground beef.
You can customize your shepherd’s pie with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
5. Savory Potato Biscuits
Savory potato biscuits are a perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something new and delicious. These biscuits turn out exceptionally tender thanks to the starches in the potatoes.
You only need a few basic ingredients: flour, butter or margarine, your leftover mashed potatoes, and some salt. For extra flavor, add grated cheese as many recipes suggest.
These versatile biscuits work for any meal of the day. Serve them for breakfast with eggs, at lunch with soup, or alongside dinner as a replacement for regular bread.
Baking them in a cast iron skillet gives them a nice crisp bottom while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
6. Mashed Potato Dumplings
Potato dumplings are a fantastic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Simply mix your cold mashed potatoes with flour and eggs to form a dough.
Shape the mixture into small balls or ovals. You can make them about 1/4 to 1/2 cup each, depending on your preference.
Drop the dumplings into boiling soup or water and cook for about ten minutes until they puff up. Some recipes add fresh sage for extra flavor.
For a twist, try stuffing them with cheese and bacon, then wrapping in wonton wrappers and baking until crispy. Potato dumplings are versatile enough to serve as a side dish or as part of a hearty soup.
7. Fluffy Mashed Potato Puffs
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, cheesy bites that everyone will love. These mashed potato puffs are golden on the outside and soft on the inside.
You only need a few ingredients to make them. Mix your cold mashed potatoes with eggs, shredded cheddar, and a bit of Parmesan cheese.
Scoop the mixture into muffin tins and bake until they’re golden and crispy. They make a perfect side dish, appetizer, or even a protein-packed breakfast option.
These versatile potato puffs can be customized with your favorite add-ins like bacon bits, chives, or different cheese varieties.
8. Creamy Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are a fantastic way to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting and new. These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside treats make a perfect appetizer or side dish.
To make them, mix your cold mashed potatoes with an egg, some cheese (Parmesan or cheddar work well), and optional add-ins like ham or herbs. Shape the mixture into small cylinders or balls.
Dip each croquette in beaten egg whites, then coat with breadcrumbs. You can either fry them until golden or bake them for a healthier option at around 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Serve your croquettes hot with a dipping sauce of your choice for a delicious upgrade to plain leftover mashed potatoes.
9. Mashed Potato Tacos
Mashed potato tacos are a creative and delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes. You can fill corn or flour tortillas with seasoned mashed potatoes for a budget-friendly meal.
To make them, simply mix your leftover mashed potatoes with Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Some recipes call for adding onions or cheese to the potato mixture.
You can serve them soft or crispy. For crispy tacos, fold the filled tortillas and bake or fry until golden brown. Top with fresh cabbage slaw, vegan sour cream, or your favorite salsa.
This comfort food is versatile and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need to use up those leftover spuds.
10. Mashed Potato Quesadillas
Mashed potato quesadillas are a quick and delicious way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a satisfying meal. They take only about 10 minutes to prepare.
To make these tasty quesadillas, simply spread your cold mashed potatoes onto tortillas, staying within 1/2 inch of the edges. You can enhance the flavor by mixing in bacon bits and green onions first.
Add a layer of cheese, fold the tortilla, and cook until golden and crispy on both sides. For extra flavor, serve with a spicy chipotle mayo dipping sauce.
This creative dish makes a perfect lunch or quick dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
11. Garlic and Herb Potato Bake
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a flavorful garlic and herb potato bake. This dish combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with aromatic herbs and savory garlic.
Start by mixing your leftover mashed potatoes with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add a handful of shredded cheese and a splash of milk to keep things creamy.
Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. This side dish pairs well with almost any main course.
You can customize this recipe by adding cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even leftover vegetables to make it more substantial.
12. Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed potato fritters are a crispy, golden solution to leftover mashed potatoes. They’re incredibly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients you likely already have.
Mix your cold mashed potatoes with an egg and a bit of flour to bind everything together. You can add minced onions, cheese, herbs, or spices for extra flavor.
Form the mixture into small patties and pan-fry until golden brown on both sides. The outside gets deliciously crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
These fritters make a perfect side dish or breakfast option. They’re especially good with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top.
13. Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole is a perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a new, exciting dish. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
This casserole combines creamy mashed potatoes with cheese, creating a delicious base. You can add bacon for a smoky taste or keep it simple with just cheese.
For the best results, layer your potatoes in a casserole dish and top with a crispy breadcrumb coating. Some recipes include French fried onions for extra crunch.
You can customize it by adding diced ham or other leftover meats. Bake until golden and bubbling for a comfort food dish everyone will love.
14. Potato and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Simply cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
Mix your mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and some chopped chives or parsley for extra flavor. A dash of nutmeg can add depth to the potato mixture.
Spoon the cheesy potato mix into each pepper half. Top with a bit more cheese if you like.
Bake the stuffed peppers until they’re tender and the cheese is golden brown. You can serve these as a side dish or add some protein to make them a complete meal.
15. Bacon and Cheese Potato Skins
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into crispy potato skins with bacon and cheese. These tasty treats combine the best of both worlds – the crispy exterior of potato skins with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.
Start by mixing your cold mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Form this mixture into small patties and press them into shallow cups.
Bake until the edges turn golden and crispy. The cheese will melt throughout while the bacon adds a smoky flavor.
For extra flavor, try brushing the tops with bacon drippings before baking. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top.
16. Mashed Potato Pizza Crust
Leftover mashed potatoes can transform into a unique pizza crust. This creative alternative gives you a soft yet sturdy base for your favorite toppings.
Simply mix your cold mashed potatoes with a small amount of flour to form a workable dough. Press it onto a baking sheet in your desired pizza shape.
Pre-bake the potato crust for about 15 minutes until it firms up slightly. Then add your sauce, cheese, and toppings before returning it to the oven.
The result is a deliciously different pizza with a creamy, slightly chewy crust that pairs wonderfully with traditional pizza toppings like cheese, ham, and sautéed onions.
17. Spicy Mashed Potato Balls
Spicy mashed potato balls add a kick to your leftover potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a spicy flavor that makes them exciting.
To make them, mix your leftover mashed potatoes with chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and shredded pepper jack cheese.
Roll the mixture into balls, then coat them in breadcrumbs.
Fry the balls until golden brown, or bake them at 400°F for a healthier option. These spicy treats work great as appetizers or snacks.
Serve with a cool ranch or sour cream dip to balance the heat. They’re perfect for game day or when you need to use up those extra mashed potatoes.
18. Mashed Potato Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps make perfect vessels for your leftover mashed potatoes. Simply clean some portobello or baby bella mushrooms and remove the stems.
Mix your mashed potatoes with cheese, herbs, and cooked bacon pieces for extra flavor.
Spoon the potato mixture into the mushroom cavities until they’re filled.
Bake the stuffed mushrooms at 375°F for about 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown. This dish works great as an appetizer or a side dish.
You can customize these with different cheeses or make them vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding caramelized onions instead.
19. Potato Pancake Breakfast Sandwich
Transform leftover mashed potato pancakes into a hearty breakfast sandwich. Start by making potato pancakes using your cold mashed potatoes mixed with an egg, some flour, and seasonings.
Fry the pancakes until golden and crispy on both sides. They’ll serve as the “bread” for your sandwich.
Layer your potato pancakes with breakfast favorites like crispy bacon, a fried egg with a soft yolk, and a slice of cheese.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of hot sauce or ketchup.
This filling breakfast option gives new life to yesterday’s side dish and starts your day with a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
20. Mashed Potato Fried Rice
Mashed potato fried rice is a clever way to transform yesterday’s side dish into today’s main meal. This fusion dish combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the classic flavors of fried rice.
Start by heating oil in a hot pan. Add your cold leftover mashed potatoes, breaking them up as you stir. The key is getting individual “grains” of potato that mimic rice.
Stir-fry the potatoes for about 2 minutes until they begin to crisp. Then add your favorite fried rice ingredients like vegetables, eggs, or meat.
Season with soy sauce and your preferred spices. This dish comes together quickly and offers a unique twist on traditional fried rice.
21. Stuffed Potato Patties
Stuffed potato patties are a perfect way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into something exciting. Mix your cold mashed potatoes with an egg and a few tablespoons of flour to create a firm base.
Form the mixture into small patties. Make an indentation in the center of each patty and fill it with cheese, bacon bits, or other savory fillings.
Fold the edges to seal the filling inside completely. Pan-fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes total.
Serve these crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside treats with a dollop of sour cream for a delicious breakfast or side dish.
Understanding Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can transform into numerous delicious dishes with minimal effort. Knowing how to properly store them ensures they remain safe to eat and maintain their texture for your next culinary creation.
Why Leftover Mashed Potatoes Are Versatile
Mashed potatoes contain starch, fat, and moisture that make them an excellent base for many recipes. Their creamy texture works as a binding agent in dishes like potato cakes, croquettes, and bread dough.
You can use leftover mashed potatoes to create both savory and sweet dishes. They add structure to savory items like potato pancakes and shepherd’s pie, while also contributing moisture to baked goods like rolls and even chocolate cake.
The neutral flavor of mashed potatoes allows them to absorb other ingredients’ tastes. This adaptability means you can incorporate them into breakfast dishes (waffles), lunch options (potato soup), or dinner entrées (loaded potato casseroles).
Key uses for leftover mashed potatoes:
- Binding agent in fritters and cakes
- Moisture addition to breads and rolls
- Base for creamy soups
- Filling for pierogi or potato rollenas
Proper Storage Techniques
Refrigerate leftover mashed potatoes within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Place them in an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.
For best texture, add extra butter or cream to your original mashed potatoes if you plan to have leftovers. The additional fat helps prevent them from drying out during storage.
You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Portion them into meal-sized amounts before freezing to make thawing easier. Use ice cream scoops to create individual servings on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir occasionally to restore creaminess. Microwaving works well, but gentle stovetop heating with added liquid produces the best texture.
Tips for Enhancing Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed with the right additions and techniques. Adding fresh ingredients and balancing flavors and textures will give your day-old spuds new life.
Incorporating Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill add bright flavors and color to bland leftover potatoes. Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped herbs per cup of mashed potatoes.
Roasted garlic provides depth without overpowering the dish. Add 2-3 cloves of mashed roasted garlic to wake up the flavor.
Try adding:
- Grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or gouda)
- Crispy bacon bits
- Finely diced sautéed vegetables (onions, bell peppers)
- Fresh green onions
For a protein boost, mix in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt instead of more butter or milk. This adds tanginess and creaminess while improving texture.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Leftover mashed potatoes often become dense and dry. Add warm broth, milk, or cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Create texture contrast by topping with crunchy elements:
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- Crushed potato chips
- Fried shallots
- Crispy fried herbs
A dash of acidity helps balance rich potatoes. Try adding a splash of white wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Season deliberately with salt and pepper. Taste as you go—cold potatoes often need more seasoning than when they were fresh.
For additional dimension, incorporate spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg. This will give your leftover potatoes a completely new flavor profile.
