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Leftover Mashed Potatoes? 15 Quick and Easy Recipes to Waste Nothing!

Don’t let those leftover mashed potatoes go to waste! Discover 15 quick and easy recipes to transform them into delicious new dishes.

1. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Give your mashed potatoes a crispy twist by turning them into pancakes. Just mix in an egg, some flour, and seasonings, then cook them on a griddle or frying pan until golden brown. Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a tasty treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil or butter for frying

2. Potato Croquettes

These deep-fried delights are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Combine the potatoes with breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings, then shape into small logs or balls. Coat with more breadcrumbs and fry until crispy and golden.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

3. Mashed Potato Waffles

If you have a waffle iron, why not try making mashed potato waffles? Mix the potatoes with eggs, flour, and milk, then cook in a greased waffle iron until crispy and golden. Serve with your favorite toppings, like bacon and cheese or sour cream and chives.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Butter or oil for greasing the waffle iron

4. Shepherd’s Pie

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into a comforting shepherd’s pie. Brown some ground beef or lamb with onions, carrots, and peas, then top with the mashed potatoes and bake until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

5. Mashed Potato Soup

Create a creamy potato soup by combining leftover mashed potatoes with chicken or vegetable broth, milk, and seasonings. Simmer until heated through, then serve with your favorite soup toppings, like bacon bits, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

6. Potato Casserole

Mix your leftover mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and chopped green onions, then spread into a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect for a potluck or family dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

7. Mashed Potato Bread

Did you know you can use leftover mashed potatoes to make bread? Combine the potatoes with flour, yeast, and water, then knead and let rise before baking. The result is a soft, tender loaf with a subtle potato flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • Salt to taste

8. Stuffed Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of leftover mashed potatoes, ground beef or turkey, and your favorite seasonings. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds scooped out
  • Salt and pepper to taste

9. Mashed Potato Frittata

Create a delicious frittata by combining leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables. Cook on the stovetop until set, then finish under the broiler for a golden, crispy top.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

10. Mashed Potato Muffins

Whip up a batch of savory muffins using leftover mashed potatoes, flour, and your favorite mix-ins, like cheese, bacon, or green onions. Bake until golden and enjoy as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or chopped green onions)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

11. Mashed Potato Gnocchi

Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into tender gnocchi by mixing with flour and egg. Roll out the dough and cut into small pieces, then boil until they float to the surface. Serve with your favorite sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg

12. Mashed Potato Quesadillas

Create a unique quesadilla filling by combining leftover mashed potatoes with cheese and your favorite seasonings. Spread the mixture onto tortillas, then cook on a griddle or in a skillet until crispy and golden.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

13. Mashed Potato Stuffed Mushrooms

Fill large mushroom caps with a mixture of leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 12 large mushroom caps, stems removed

14. Mashed Potato Grilled Cheese

Add a layer of leftover mashed potatoes to your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for a delicious twist. Cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 4 slices of bread
  • 4 slices of cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Butter for spreading on the bread

15. Mashed Potato Tacos

Create a unique taco filling by combining leftover mashed potatoes with cooked ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, and your favorite taco toppings. Serve in taco shells or soft tortillas.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Taco shells or soft tortillas
  • Your favorite taco toppings (such as shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream)