The age-old problem: what to do with leftover mashed potatoes? You know, those creamy, dreamy spuds that are just begging to be transformed into something amazing. Well, worry no more, friends! I’ve got 10 creative leftover mashed potato recipes that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them. And, trust me, not a single Shepherd’s Pie in sight!
Mashed Potato Pancakes
These babies are a game-changer. Imagine a crispy, golden-brown pancake filled with fluffy mashed potatoes, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or vegan alternative, like nutritional yeast)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat.
3. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the potato mixture into the pan.
4. Flatten the mixture slightly and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
These mashed potato pancakes are ridiculously easy to make and are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, like sour cream or chives.
Potato Waffles
Yes, you read that right – potato waffles! This recipe is a fun twist on traditional waffles, and the result is a crispy, savory treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or non-dairy alternative, like soy cheese)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Cooking spray, for the waffle iron
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, cheese, and egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray and pour about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture onto the center of the iron.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the waffles are crispy and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
These potato waffles are a great way to mix things up at breakfast or brunch. They’re also a fantastic base for toppings like beef , sausage, or even a fried egg.
Fried Potato Cakes
Who doesn’t love a good fried potato cake? These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for a quick snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative, like vegan cheddar)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Breadcrumbs, for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on the desired size.
3. Shape each portion into a patty and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat and fry the potato cakes until golden brown and crispy.
Why You’ll Love It
These fried potato cakes are indulgent, delicious, and ridiculously easy to make. They’re also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
Potato and Leek Gratin
This recipe is a creamy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The leftover mashed potato recipes just keep getting better!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or non-dairy alternative, like soy cheese)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy alternative, like almond milk)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, leeks, cheese, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and leeks.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the gratin is heated through.
Why You’ll Love It
This potato and leek gratin is a rich, satisfying side dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The leeks add a sweet, oniony flavor that pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes.
Stuffed Peppers
This recipe is a fun twist on traditional stuffed peppers, using leftover mashed potatoes as the filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 bell peppers, any color
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or vegan alternative, like nutritional yeast)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, and scallions. Mix until smooth.
4. Stuff each pepper with the potato mixture and top with additional cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Why You’ll Love It
These stuffed peppers are a colorful, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The mashed potatoes add a creamy, comforting element to the dish.
Potato Croquettes
These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. The leftover mashed potato recipes just keep getting more creative!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or non-dairy alternative, like soy cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Breadcrumbs, for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on the desired size.
3. Shape each portion into a ball and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat and fry the potato croquettes until golden brown and crispy.
Why You’ll Love It
These potato croquettes are addictive, crispy, and ridiculously easy to make. They’re also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
Potato and Beef Frittata
This recipe is a breakfast lover’s dream, using leftover mashed potatoes as the base for a creamy, savory frittata.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 6 eggs
- 4 slices of beef (or alternative, like tempeh or tofu), diced
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or non-dairy alternative, like soy cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. In a skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until crispy.
4. Add the mashed potatoes, cheese, and cooked beef to the bowl with the eggs. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook over medium heat until the edges start to set.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the frittata is set and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This potato and beef frittata is a hearty, satisfying breakfast dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The mashed potatoes add a creamy, comforting element to the dish.
Potato Gnocchi
This recipe is a fun twist on traditional gnocchi, using leftover mashed potatoes as the base.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or non-dairy alternative, like soy cheese)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, cheese, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Knead the mixture on a floured surface until it forms a dough.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope.
4. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces and press the tines of a fork into each piece to create the gnocchi texture.
5. Cook the gnocchi in boiling, salted water until they float to the surface.
Why You’ll Love It
These potato gnocchi are a fun, creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. They’re also a great base for your favorite sauces, like tomato sauce or pesto.
Potato and Leek Soup
This recipe is a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The leftover mashed potato recipes just keep getting cozier!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy alternative, like almond milk)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a pot, sauté the leeks in a small amount of oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add the broth, mashed potatoes, and heavy cream to the pot. Mix until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It
This potato and leek soup is a rich, satisfying soup that’s perfect for a special occasion. The leeks add a sweet, oniony flavor that pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes.
Potato and Chive Biscuits
These buttery, flaky biscuits are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. The leftover mashed potato recipes just keep getting more delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, flour, and cold butter. Mix until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
3. Stir in the chopped chives.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.
5. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out the biscuits.
6. Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
These potato and chive biscuits are a delicious, flaky treat that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. The mashed potatoes add a creamy, comforting element to the biscuits.
In conclusion, these 10 leftover mashed potato recipes are a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce food waste and get creative in the kitchen. From mashed potato pancakes to potato gnocchi, there’s something for everyone in this list. Whether you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy bites or creamy, comforting soups, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the delicious world of leftover mashed potato recipes!
