Hello there, potato lovers! Have you ever found yourself with a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes and not knowing what to do with it? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Instead of reheating them for the umpteenth time, we’ve come up with 10 creative ways to use these mashed potatoes in new and exciting dishes.
Leftover mashed potatoes don’t have to be boring, and with just a few additional ingredients, you can transform them into something new and delicious. From mashed potato croquettes to loaded potato skins, we’ve got some great ideas to help you put those leftover spuds to good use. So grab a fork and let’s dig in!
10 Delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes
Have you ever found yourself with a giant bowl of leftover mashed potatoes that you can’t seem to finish? Instead of throwing them away, why not transform them into delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes? Here are ten tasty leftover mashed potato recipes that will help you put those leftovers to good use.
Easy Breakfast Ideas
Leftover mashed potatoes can be a great addition to your breakfast menu. Here are three quick and simple breakfast dishes using leftover mashed potatoes:
1. Potato Pancakes
To make potato pancakes, mix leftover mashed potatoes with flour and an egg until it forms a dough. Cook the dough in a frying pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve with sour cream and chives.
2. Hash
To make potato hash, fry up some bacon or sausage and crumble it into the leftover mashed potatoes. Heat the mixture in a pan until it’s crispy on the outside. Top with a fried egg and some hot sauce.
3. Breakfast Burritos
Wrap leftover mashed potatoes with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and bacon, sausage or diced ham in a tortilla. Heat them in a hot and buttered skillet until the tortilla is crispy. Top it with some salsa.
Creative Lunch Recipes
Leftover mashed potatoes are extremely versatile and can be used in many lunch recipes. Here are three inventive ways to transform leftover mashed potatoes into lunch:
1. Croquettes
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with cheese and breadcrumbs. Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten them into patties. Coat them in breadcrumbs again and fry them until golden brown. Serve with tomato sauce and a side salad.
2. Patties
Boil some peas and carrots until tender. Mash them with the leftover mashed potatoes, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into patties and fry them in oil until crispy. Serve with some ketchup or tzatziki sauce.
3. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bake sweet potatoes in the oven until soft. Cut them in the middle and scoop out a bit of the flesh. Stuff them with leftover mashed potatoes, cooked quinoa, and sautéed spinach. Top them with feta cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
Hearty Dinner Dishes
Leftover mashed potatoes can make hearty and comforting dinner dishes. Here are three recipes to try:
1. Shepherd’s Pie
Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until tender. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in some frozen peas and corn, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and some beef broth. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with leftover mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden brown and crispy.
2. Gnocchi
Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs, flour, and salt to form a dough. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until they float to the surface. Serve with your favourite pasta sauce.
3. Mashed Potato Soup
Cook some chopped bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and fry onions and garlic in the same pan. Add leftover mashed potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Serve with crispy bacon bits on top.
With these ten leftover mashed potato recipes, you’ll never have to worry about wasting mashed potatoes again. Enjoy!
Tips For Saving Your Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, but what do you do with the leftovers? Throwing them away is a waste, so here are some tips on how to save your mashed potatoes and give them a new life!
Proper Storage
The first step in saving your mashed potatoes is proper storage. Store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and place them in the refrigerator. Mashed potatoes can last up to five days in the fridge. If you can’t eat them in that time frame, freeze them! Place the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, and they can stay frozen for up to six months.
Tip: Be sure to label your mashed potatoes with the date you made them before storing them. This will make it easier to keep track of how long they’ve been in the fridge or freezer.
Reviving Leftover Mashed Potatoes
If your mashed potatoes are a little dry or cold after being stored, don’t worry! There are ways to revive them. Here are some tips:
- Add a splash of milk or butter and mix well. This will add some moisture and give them a creamy texture.
- Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few minutes. Be sure to add a little bit of moisture before reheating (such as adding a splash of milk) to avoid drying them out further.
- To add some extra flavor, mix in some diced ham, bacon, or onion. This will give your mashed potatoes a savory kick!
Tip: If you’re reheating your mashed potatoes, cover them with foil to keep them from drying out.
Spicing It Up
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting by adding different herbs, spices, and toppings. Here are some suggestions:
- Mix in some garlic, thyme, or rosemary to give your mashed potatoes a flavorful twist.
- Top your mashed potatoes with shredded cheese and broil in the oven until melted and bubbly.
- Add some chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Make loaded mashed potatoes by topping them with bacon bits, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Turn your mashed potatoes into potato cakes by adding an egg, shaping them into patties, and frying them in a pan until golden brown.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. The possibilities are endless!
In Conclusion
Don’t let your leftover mashed potatoes go to waste. Follow these tips for proper storage, reviving your mashed potatoes, and adding some new flavors and toppings. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Closing Thoughts
There you have it, 10 creative and delicious ways to use up your leftover mashed potatoes. We hope you feel inspired to try out some of these recipes and let us know how they turn out! Don’t let those leftovers go to waste, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy some tasty meals.
Thank you for reading and we hope you visit our site again for more recipe ideas and inspiration. Until next time, happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze leftover mashed potatoes. Simply put them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for future use.
2. How long can I keep leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.
3. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in soup?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be used in soups. They can help thicken the soup and add a creamy texture.
4. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in casseroles?
Absolutely, you can use leftover mashed potatoes in casseroles. They can help bind the other ingredients together and add a delicious flavor.
5. How can I make leftover mashed potatoes crispy?
One way to make leftover mashed potatoes crispy is to fry them up in a pan with some oil or butter. Add some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
6. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in shepherd’s pie?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for shepherd’s pie. They make a great topping and can be seasoned to your liking.
7. What can I add to leftover mashed potatoes to give them flavor?
You can add herbs, spices, cheese, bacon, vegetables, or even hot sauce to give your leftover mashed potatoes some extra flavor.
8. Can leftover mashed potatoes be used in breakfast dishes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be used in breakfast dishes like hash browns, omelets, and breakfast burritos.
9. Can I use leftover mashed sweet potatoes in these recipes?
Absolutely, leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular mashed potatoes in these recipes for a sweeter twist.
10. What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes besides these recipes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can also be used as a base for potato soup, as a thickener for stews and sauces, or even as a filling for pierogies. Get creative and experiment!
