We’ve all been there; a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes stares back at us from the fridge, and we have no clue what to do with it. But before you resort to a bland reheat or, even worse, throw them away, check out our leftover mashed potato recipes.
With a few very creative ideas and simple preparation methods, you can turn these “unwanted leftovers” into a true feast.
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Why save leftover mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are among the most versatile side dishes you can transform into various savory and sweet meals with just a few extra steps and ingredients. Their neutral taste makes it effortless to infuse them with other ingredients and produce completely new meals with very little effort.
Leftover mashed potatoes also have a prolonged refrigerated life. They store well in the refrigerator for three to five days, making them a great ingredient to have on hand for any time inspiration strikes.
Of course, if you are a sustainable practice enthusiast (which we hope you are), minimizing food waste is a large step in the right direction. By turning leftovers like mashed potatoes into new meals, you can get new meals that will satisfy your taste buds while making a positive impact on the environment.
Leftover mashed potato recipes
Not sure how to exploit the goldmine that mashed potatoes are? Put on your apron and get ready to craft the most amazing dishes with our leftover mashed potato recipes.
Mashed potato pancakes
Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? If so, perfect, because with these “crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside” pancakes, you’ll turn yesterday’s side dish into today’s breakfast delight. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes;
- 1 egg;
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour;
- salt and pepper to taste;
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Start things off by grabbing a bowl where you’ll mix your ingredients. Add the mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix them thoroughly until they are well combined. Now, put a skillet over medium heat and coat it with two tablespoons of olive oil.
Scoop spoonfuls of your mixture and add them to the skillet. Proceed by flattening them into pancakes. Cook them on both sides – when they turn golden brown, remove them from heat. Finally, combine them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.
Mashed potatoes casserole
A casserole with creamy mashed potatoes, oozing melted cheese, and a golden crust topping sounds like one of the most irresistible leftover mashed potato recipes imaginable? Making it is simpler than you might think. Ingredients:
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes;
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese;
- 1/2 cup sour cream;
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions;
- Salt and pepper.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a bowl where you’ll mix the mashed potatoes, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper. Now, place that mixture onto a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Put it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know that it’s ready when the cheese gets melted and bubbly. As a final touch, garnish it with green onions before serving.
Place the mixture onto a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake it for around 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with extra green onions before serving.
Loaded mashed potato balls
The loaded mashed potato balls can be the perfect one-bite appetizer that is bound to impress your guest. Of course, if you’re more fond of keeping them for yourself, you’re in for a truly delicious snack. You’ll need these ingredients to make them:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes;
- 1/2 cup shredded bacon;
- 1/4 cup chopped chives;
- 1 cup breadcrumbs;
- 2 eggs, beaten;
- Cooking oil for frying.
Mix the mashed potatoes alongside shredded bacon and chopped chives. Grab handfuls of the mixtures and form small balls. Then, dip each ball into beaten eggs and roll them in breadcrumbs to get them fully coated.
Next, heat some oil in a pan and fry the potato balls until they reach a golden brown color. There will be some excess oil once you finish them – use paper towels to remove it. Finally, enjoy them with your dipping sauce of choice.
Adding herbs and spices to your leftover mashed potato recipes
As mashed potatoes don’t taste like much on their own, you can use that as an advantage to elevate them with herbs and spices. They are an excellent base for mixing with other ingredients, and, like a sponge, they can absorb a variety of healthy flavors and bring out the best in them.
For example, you can add fresh chopped rosemary to get a very fragrant and savory meal. Rosemary has that recognizable pine-like aroma that will add a very unique flavor to the dish. Its herbal notes complement the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a delightful taste experience.
Roasted garlic is another fantastic addition to mashed potatoes by adding a very rich flavor. By roasting it, you remove the harsh garlic flavor and transform it into a sweet and mellow spice.
Finally, you can experiment with thyme to add a slightly floral taste to the meal. With its earthiness and versatility, it will combine perfectly with a variety of dishes, with leftover mashed potatoes being one of them. Just like that, with one simple ingredient, you can turn a simple side into a sophisticated culinary creation.
Final thoughts
Having a batch of leftovers is something we all deal with on a daily basis. However, that doesn’t mean you should simply throw them away. Instead, get a little creative, and you’ll soon discover that, with these leftover mashed potato recipes, you can turn yesterday’s lunch into a culinary delight.
So, the next time you find yourself with surplus mashed potatoes, try out one of these combinations and create something delicious from what was once considered leftovers. Happy cooking!
