From the kitchen counter to a culinary masterpiece, leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. One idea is to repurpose them as gnocchi or a topping for your favorite pizza, while another option is to shape them into fritters, bread, balls, cakes, and scones. This guide will explore several creative ways to revitalize leftover mashed potatoes in the kitchen.
Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Joining mashed potatoes with other ingredients is a great way to create new dishes, and one of the most popular recipes for leftover mashed potatoes is gnocchi. This classic Italian dish forms a key ingredient in many culinary creations. To make it, you’ll need to combine mashed potatoes with an egg, salt, and enough flour to create a pliable dough. Once you have your dough, divide it into five sections and roll each one into a long rope just under an inch thick.
Next, chop the rope into inch-sized pieces and boil them in water in batches until they float to the top.
Mashed Potato Waffles
Whether you’re a master of creative repurposing or simply a fan of reducing food waste, these leftover mashed potato waffles are sure to become a new favorite. If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes and know how to make waffles, then you’re just a few steps away from enjoying this delicious treat. To start, whisk together oil, eggs, and buttermilk in one bowl, followed by stirring in your mashed potatoes, cheese, and scallions.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder before gently folding the dry ingredients into the potato mixture. Once you’ve combined everything, warm up your waffle maker and grease it with cooking spray before cooking the batter in an even layer. Finally, serve the crispy waffles hot with a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and indulgence.
Mashed Potato Cakes
Zest for flavor is added by incorporating mashed potatoes into these potato cakes, which provides a rich consistency. Combine eggs, mashed potatoes, grated Cheddar cheese, and flour in a bowl, stirring well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Depending on the mixture’s moisture content, you may need to add more flour to guarantee that the potato cakes can maintain their shape. If this is the case, fry them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until both sides turn golden brown.
Aloo Tikki Potato Cakes
Adding a delicious twist to your Curry Night menu, spicy potato cakes are an absolute winner. The process begins by combining milk and white bread in a mixture that’s then mashed with potatoes, before incorporating chiles, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt for added flavor. Next, shape the mixture into approximately six patties, which can be shallow fried for around four minutes until golden brown. Finally, drain away any excess oil on paper towels and serve warm.
Mashed Potato Muffins
Navigating the world of leftover mashed potatoes, one delightful option emerges: Mashed Potato Muffins. By combining mashed potatoes with an egg, grated Cheddar cheese, and chopped chives, you’ll be well on your way to creating a tasty treat. Add any desired seasonings to the mixture, then portion it out into scoops and bake for 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
As they emerge from the oven, you can anticipate a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior; to take them to the next level, simply sprinkle additional cheese on top, allowing it to melt and create a golden-brown layer that’s sure to impress. Go To Recipe
Tattie Scones
Needless to say, Tattie Scones are a fantastic way of repurposing leftover mashed potatoes in a traditional Scottish manner. To create the dough, combine the mashed potatoes with butter, salt, flour, an egg, and baking powder, mixing until well incorporated. Next, roll out the mixture to about half an inch in thickness, then cut it into rounds before dividing each round into wedges.
Finally, arrange the scones on a buttered baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (205°C), or until they have risen and turned golden brown.
Potato Soup
Jumpstarting a new potato soup recipe is a breeze when you have leftover mashed potatoes on hand. Simply combine flour in a large pot with milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Next, add the mashed potatoes, grated Cheddar cheese, and your desired seasonings. Once the cheese has melted and reached a creamy consistency, stir in some sour cream and chopped green onions for added depth of flavor.
Feel free to get creative by incorporating your favorite herbs, such as thyme or dill, or even adding some diced ham for extra protein.
Potato Gâteau
Potato Croquettes
Elevating your dinner game is easy with fluffy potato croquettes, a delightful side dish that’s sure to impress. To prepare these tasty treats, simply combine a couple of eggs with the mashed potatoes then add Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, and flour, mixing until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Next, roll the mixture into balls and chill them in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Once chilled, dip each ball into a beaten egg, followed by a coating of breadcrumbs. Finally, fry the croquettes in batches in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy all over. By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouth-watering side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Irish Soda Bread
Taking inspiration from traditional Irish cuisine, the potato has been transformed into a variety of dishes beyond the usual mashed or roasted forms. To create this unique bread, start by mixing together mashed potatoes with nutmeg, honey, olive oil, and buttermilk until well combined. Next, incorporate wholewheat flour, grated and soaked potato, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and seasoning into the mixture.
For an added touch of flavor, consider adding a topping such as mozzarella and sundried tomatoes or seeds and herbs to the dough. Roll out the dough onto a baking mat covered with rolled oats, then fold by hand until a loose round shape forms. Top with the remaining oat flakes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. After this initial baking time, reduce the oven temperature to 355°F (180°C) and continue baking for an additional ten minutes.
Allow the bread to partly cool before serving it warm.
Potato Bread
Zeroing in on creative ways to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can turn them into delicious homemade bread. First, activate your yeast by mixing it with warm water and milk, then add granulated sugar, an egg, salt, mashed potatoes, bread flour, and melted salted butter to the mixture. Allow the ingredients to combine using the paddle attachment in your stand mixer, then switch to the dough hook and beat until the mixture becomes sticky.
Next, knead the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it double in size within around 30 minutes. Divide the mix into two equal portions and shape each one into a loaf to fit into greased loaf pans. Let the loaves rise again to fill the pans, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they turn golden brown. Finally, remove them from the oven and let them cool before slicing and serving.
Mashed Potato Rolls
By incorporating mashed potatoes into your roll-making process, you can create a delightful twist on traditional recipes. Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C), then turning it off so that it remains warm and draft-free. Next, microwave a mixture of butter, milk, and water until the butter has melted completely.
Pierogi
Transforming leftover mashed potatoes into a European-inspired dish is easier than you think, especially when you create Pierogi, a traditional Polish comfort food. To start, blend together flour, salt, egg, and oil in a mixing bowl to form the dough, gradually adding water as needed until a cohesive ball forms. Take a break from kneading by wrapping the dough in plastic wrap and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Meanwhile, combine your leftover mashed potatoes with grated cheese, butter, sour cream, and seasoning to create the filling. Once the dough has rested, roll out nine-inch round circles and place a teaspoon of the filling in each one, sealing them carefully by crimping with a fork. To cook, lightly boil until they float to the top of the pan, then finish off by frying until golden brown.
Turkey And Potato Soup
Food waste is a common problem during holidays like Thanksgiving, but it doesn’t have to be that way. One solution is to repurpose leftover ingredients into new dishes, such as Turkey and Potato Soup. This recipe starts by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then sautéing a mixture of onion, mushrooms, carrot, and thyme until the vegetables are tender. Next, add chicken stock along with the mashed potatoes and stir until the soup reaches a smooth consistency.
Once this base is achieved, you can add chopped, cooked turkey to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until the turkey has heated through. Finally, season the soup to taste and serve.
Mashed Potato Focaccia
Preparing a delicious homemade bread using leftover mashed potatoes is an excellent way to repurpose this staple ingredient. The process begins by activating some yeast in warm water, then combining 00 flour, bread flour, and the mashed potatoes along with salt in a stand mixer. Next, mix in olive oil into the foamy water and gradually add it in until you achieve a sticky, slightly wet dough.
After some kneading, drop the dough into an oil-greased bowl to form a smooth ball and allow it to rise for about an hour. To shape the bread, line a pan with parchment paper, spread some oil across it, then smother the dough evenly within the boundaries of the pan. Covering it with additional plastic wrap, let the mixture rest for another hour to enable further rising.
Once ready, create some indents on the surface using your fingers, drizzle over some olive oil, and sprinkle salt flakes generously. Lastly, bake in the bottom third of the oven at 425°F (220°C) for around 20-25 minutes until golden brown, followed by a cooling period of about ten minutes before serving. Additionally, feel free to get creative with toppings such as sundried tomatoes, rosemary, or Parmesan cheese.
Fried Mashed Potatoes
Taking advantage of leftover mashed potatoes is easier than you think. Simply coat them with olive oil in a hot skillet with butter and garlic powder to give them a new lease on life. As a large patty, let the mashed potatoes fry until golden brown underneath, then break it up to create crispy bits throughout. This method adds a delightful textural element to an otherwise plain dish.
Thanksgiving Potato Fritters
Zeroing in on creative solutions for leftover mashed potatoes, we’ve got just the thing to make the most of your Thanksgiving feast. One innovative idea is to transform them into crispy potato fritters by combining the spuds with egg and breadcrumbs, along with a pinch of seasoning to bring out the flavor.
Simply stir everything together, shape the mixture into patties, coat them in Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture, and then fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown. Feel free to get creative by adding other leftovers like cooked turkey or steamed Brussels sprouts to the mix, elevating the humble fritter into a satisfying meal.
Thanksgiving Pizza
Piling high the toppings is what makes pizza so versatile – it’s not just limited to traditional favorites like pepperoni or mushrooms. Putting leftover mash on a pizza is a great idea, but you can go even further by experimenting with other unusual combinations.
For instance, try pairing dollops of cranberry sauce with chopped-up Brussels sprouts, some sliced turkey, and a generous helping of stuffing – the sweetness of the cranberries pairs surprisingly well with the earthy flavors of the Brussels sprouts. Cover your pizza with cheese as you normally would, and bake until golden brown.
Ham And Mashed Potato Casserole
When cooking with leftover ingredients, creativity is key. A simple yet satisfying recipe that makes use of mashed potatoes and cooked ham involves mixing the mashed potatoes with garlic salt in a bowl, then layering them in a baking dish. Add some shredded ham on top, followed by a folded cheese and whipped cream combination to create a golden-brown delight. The finished product is ready after 15 minutes of baking at 450°F (230°C).
Broccoli And Cheese Mashed Potato Casserole
You’ll find that mashed potatoes can be a useful addition to many casseroles, providing bulk and texture. Start by cooking some broccoli florets until they’re tender, then mix them with mashed potatoes, grated cheese, garlic powder, and your desired seasonings. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and smooth out the top before baking at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes.
Once the casserole has had time to bake, prepare some crispy bacon by cooking it in a pan until golden brown. Then crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of the mashed potatoes along with diced green onions and additional grated cheese, allowing everything to melt together under the oven’s heat.
Colcannon
Making the most of leftover ingredients is an essential part of traditional Irish cooking, as seen in Colcannon, a classic recipe that brings together blanched kale, spring onions, and mashed potatoes. The process begins by briefly boiling or steaming some curly kale until it’s tender, then blending it with chopped spring onions to create a vibrant and flavorful mixture.
This is then combined with the leftover mashed potatoes, adding some extra finely chopped spring onions and seasoning to taste. Finally, a pat of butter is added on top for an indulgent touch.
Japanese Potato Salad
Mashed Potato Quesadilla
Filling quesadillas with savory ingredients like mashed potatoes is an excellent way to mix things up in your Mexican cooking repertoire. Adding some sour cream to the tortilla provides a tangy contrast to the comforting warmth of the mashed potatoes. Layer one half of the tortilla with grated cheese, scallions, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes, followed by more cheese for added depth of flavor.
Once assembled, fold over the quesadillas and grease a medium-hot pan with butter before cooking until crispy and golden brown, with the cheese melted to perfection.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is another popular recipe that employs mashed potatoes as its covering layer. Simply start by browning some ground beef in a pan, then add a chopped onion and sauté until softened. Next, introduce garlic for added depth of flavor followed by frozen mixed vegetables, beef stock, flour, and dried dill weed. Once the sauce has thickened up and the vegetables are cooked through, add your preferred seasoning to taste and pour the mixture into a baking dish.
The final layer is comprised of mashed potatoes, which should be spread evenly over the filling before being baked at 425°F (220°C) for around 20 minutes or until the potatoes begin to brown.
Bubble And Squeak
Zest for creativity can be found in reimagining leftovers, as evident in the classic Bubble and Squeak dish. By combining mashed potatoes with finely chopped leftover Brussels sprouts or cabbage, and adding a pinch of seasoning, a tasty mixture is created. The next step is to shape the mixture flat and fry it in a skillet pan until both sides are golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior.
Cutting the Bubble and Squeak into wedges allows it to be served alongside a casserole or as a satisfying standalone dish topped with a fried egg.
Mashed Potato Donuts
Developing a unique donut recipe is easier than you think, especially when using mashed potatoes as the base ingredient. When combined with milk, sugar, butter, and eggs, the resulting dough becomes remarkably dense, making it an ideal substitute for traditional donut recipes. The addition of salt, ginger, cinnamon, and baking powder to this mixture creates a sticky and cohesive texture that can be chilled overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the dough has had time to rest, simply roll it out to a half-inch thickness before cutting into perfectly rounded shapes using a donut cutter. Heat a heavy pot filled with oil over medium heat until it reaches the ideal frying temperature. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown on both sides, ensuring that the inside is fluffy and the outside crispy.
