Mashed potatoes, a staple in many cuisines, often yield an abundance that can be daunting when it comes to utilizing the leftovers. The question then becomes: what to do with those starchy remains? Fortunately, there are countless creative solutions to this common conundrum. For instance, I’ve discovered 27 innovative recipes that transform leftover mashed potatoes into mouthwatering masterpieces.
Spinach Quiche with Leftover Mashed Potato Crust
If you’re faced with a surplus of mashed potatoes, consider whipping up a spinach quiche that incorporates 24 oz. of these leftovers alongside any other stray vegetables languishing in your fridge. This recipe not only provides a creative outlet for excess spuds but also yields a satisfying meal when paired with savory sausage. Simply substitute half a pound of sausage for the traditional bacon, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting dish that’s ready to devour within an hour.
Leftover Mashed Potato Patties with Swiss Chard
Indulge in the creamy fusion of mashed potatoes and your preferred cooked leafy greens – Swiss chard or spinach work beautifully well. This hearty dish is an innovative way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, and can be effortlessly transformed into a satisfying meal. Simply thaw and drain frozen spinach if using, and get creative with the recipe to create a delightful culinary experience.
Leftover Mashed Potato Fritters
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of smoked salmon and chives. Ditch the traditional bagel and cream cheese combo for a more exciting brunch option that’s sure to wow your guests.
Quesadilla With Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Elevate a classic Mexican dish by incorporating leftover mashed potatoes, transforming a straightforward three-ingredient meal into an exceptional grab-and-go lunch. By introducing bold flavors like crispy bacon and creamy avocado, you can take this humble meal to the next level.
Leftover Mashed Potato Shepherd’s Pie
The versatility of shepherd’s pie lies in its ability to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a satisfying meal. This classic dish offers a blank canvas, allowing you to choose your preferred protein – be it pork or something else – and create a hearty, crowd-pleasing experience. I can’t help but ponder whether this clever use of leftovers was the original inspiration behind shepherd’s pie.
What I love most about this recipe is its potential for leftovers from leftovers, making it a true masterclass in reducing food waste.
Leftover Mashed Potato Balls
Transform the comforting creaminess of leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, cheesy delight by combining it with shredded cheese and rolling it in breadcrumbs before deep-frying. The resulting mozzarella balls are not only surprisingly easy to prepare but also incredibly addictive, making them an ideal game-day snack or appetizer that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And the best part?
You can whip them up using leftover potatoes, reducing food waste and adding a tasty twist to your usual snacking routine.
Leftover Mashed Potato Biscuits
Elevate your morning biscuits and gravy game by infusing them with extra protein and fiber courtesy of mashed potato biscuits. This innovative twist on a classic recipe is sure to impress, especially when paired with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. As the aroma wafts through the air, expect rave reviews and curious queries about your secret ingredient.
Polish Dumplings with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Transforming leftover roasted vegetable juices into a creamy potato mash is an effortless way to elevate this classic comfort food. Simply combine cooked, baked potatoes with the savory liquid, adding some extra flavor enhancers as you go. Bring everything together by boiling, then serve and enjoy the delightful result.
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Imagine indulging in the ultimate comfort food experience: a crispy, golden-brown delight that’s essentially a reinvented classic. By frying leftover ingredients typically used in a loaded baked potato, this innovative twist not only satisfies your cravings but also reduces food waste, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
Pierogi With Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Imagine a culinary alchemy where the comforting familiarity of mashed potatoes meets the delicate charm of ravioli. This innovative fusion, a harmonious blend of dumpling and ravioli, has a way of captivating taste buds and vanishing from plates with astonishing speed, as if by magic.
Potato Rings
By combining French fries and onion rings, a delightful hybrid emerges. The outcome is a scrumptious potato ring boasting a satisfying crunch on the exterior and a velvety softness within. This fusion is ideal for individuals who appreciate the textural appeal of an onion ring but are not fans of its pungent flavor.
Loaded Mashed Potato Bake
Transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece is easier than you think. A simple yet effective approach is to combine them with savory ham, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of chives, then pop the mixture into the oven until it’s lightly toasted on top. This clever hack yields a delicious casserole that will surely become a new favorite.
Potato Fritters
Transforming humble ingredients into a satisfying treat, these mashed potato fritters are a clever way to repurpose leftovers. The addition of egg and cheese provides a rich, comforting flavor profile that’s elevated by a tangy tomato garlic salsa – although feel free to omit it if you prefer. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick snack or meal solution when pantry staples are all you’ve got.
Potato Bread
Transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a delectable potato bread is a game-changer for breakfast or a comforting accompaniment to stew. The best part? You likely have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Simply gather some leftover mashed potatoes, eggs, butter, bread flour, and sugar, then get ready to put in just a bit of elbow grease. Kneading this dough by hand is effortless, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together.
This recipe is perfect for first-time bakers or those looking for a simple, homemade solution.
Bubble and Squeak
English comfort food at its finest, hash browns bring together yesterday’s scraps into a crispy, golden delight. The process of shaping and frying leftover potatoes into patties is an engaging one, evoking memories of a bygone era when cooking was a joyous, interactive experience. Whether served with ketchup or gravy, this humble dish has the power to transport you back to a simpler time.
Leftover Mashed Potato Egg Rolls
Imagine a harmonious fusion of crispy egg roll, gooey mozzarella stick, and creamy mashed potatoes, all deep-fried to perfection. It’s a match made in heaven! This indulgent treat would be an absolute hit on Black Friday, but its potential goes beyond just one day. I envision making it with leftover mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving, and enjoying the comforting goodness every day afterwards. Is this truly the ultimate leftover comfort food? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes!
Baked Potato Soup
Transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a game-changing thickener for baked potato soup is a stroke of culinary genius! The combination of rich chicken broth, tangy buttermilk, and velvety mashed potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying base. Add in the savory flavors of seasonings, pungent garlic, and caramelized onion, and you’ve got a soup that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
But it’s the finishing touches that truly elevate this dish: a sprinkle of fresh green onions, crispy cooked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese add a pop of color, texture, and flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. This clever hack will have you seeking out leftover mashed potatoes like never before.
Turkey and Potato Dumplings
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a savory and comforting dish – turkey and dumplings. Start by combining mashed potatoes with flour and egg, then slowly add the mixture to a simmering pot of chicken or turkey stock. As you stir, watch as the potato mixture transforms into fluffy, tender dumplings that will soak up all the flavorful goodness of the broth.
Pierogi Lasagna
For those who adore the rich flavor of pierogis but struggle to find time for preparation, a clever alternative lies in sandwiching creamy leftover mashed potatoes between layers of pasta. This innovative recipe involves layering cooked lasagna noodles with tender morsels of mashed potatoes and sprinkling shredded cheese on top. To add an extra layer of depth and crunch, the dish is finished off with additional shreds of cheese and crumbled bacon.
Leftover Mashed Potato Muffins
Transform last night’s mashed potatoes into a convenient and satisfying breakfast or snack option by repurposing them as cheesy muffins. Simply bake the leftover mash in the oven until set, then mix it with shredded cheese and any additional desired ingredients to create a filling treat that’s perfect for busy days.
Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting
Transform your ordinary meatloaf experience by reinventing leftover mashed potatoes as the perfect frosting for savory cupcakes. This innovative recipe not only elevates the presentation of your dish, but also ensures an ideal portion every time. At first glance, these unusual treats may appear to be traditional cupcakes, but a closer look reveals their unexpected savory twist.
Potato Scones
Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery goodness and savory surprise as these scrumptious scones melt in your mouth. With a clever twist on traditional recipes, you can impress friends and family by revealing that they’re actually made with leftover mashed potatoes – a game-changing secret ingredient! To achieve this heavenly treat, simply combine flour, baking powder, softened butter, milk, egg, and those unexpected mashed potatoes.
Leftover Mashed Potato Doughnuts
Indulge in the sweetness of life with a unique treat that combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with the delight of fried dough. The unexpected union of leftover spuds and sugary indulgence yields a surprisingly tasty experience. Frying donuts at home in a cast-iron skillet is an exercise in nostalgia, evoking memories of warm, comforting treats straight from the oven. Once fried to perfection, drizzle with rich chocolate glaze and savor every bite, guilt-free.
Leftover Mashed Potato Cinnamon Rolls
One common challenge when making cinnamon rolls is achieving the perfect texture – not too airy, not too dense. To overcome this issue, consider incorporating leftover mashed potatoes into your dough. This unique addition will result in a delightful treat with no discernible potato flavor, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls without any compromise on taste or quality.
Chocolate Mashed Potato Brownies
Elevate the flavor profile of your brownies by incorporating an unexpected yet surprisingly effective ingredient that will leave even the most discerning palates guessing. This innovative recipe not only showcases the versatility of mashed potatoes but also inspires a world of possibilities for creative experimentation.
Peppermint Patties
Indulge in the unique flavor combination of homemade peppermint patties infused with the warmth of mashed potatoes, fresh from the freezer. To achieve this delightful twist, it’s essential to utilize real leftover mashed potatoes rather than instant varieties, ensuring a rich and authentic taste experience.
Potato Candy
Beyond their versatility in savory dishes, potatoes also have a sweet side. A classic family recipe has been passed down through generations, resulting in a delectable potato candy that’s sure to delight. To take it to the next level, fill these bite-sized treats with either creamy peanut butter or warm cinnamon for a match made in heaven.
The bottom line
Mashed potatoes, once considered a humble side dish, reveal their true potential when repurposed as leftovers. Unparalleled in their versatility, they can be transformed into an astonishing array of dishes, both savory and sweet. From comforting classics to innovative creations, the possibilities are endless. Here’s hoping you’ll discover a recipe that elevates your leftover mashed potatoes into a culinary masterpiece.
