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The 13 Best Delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes You Must Try
Every time I make Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes, I feel like I am turning something simple into something cozy and satisfying because the creamy potatoes can be dressed up with cheese, herbs, or a little butter.
I like serving Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes with sides that add flavor and texture, like crispy roasted vegetables or baked salmon. Sometimes, I include garlic flatbread or a few sweet banana bread bites for fun. Each pairing makes the mashed potatoes feel complete, hearty, and perfect for sharing at the table.
13. Mashed Potato Pancakes
If you have leftover mashed potatoes and want something quick and yummy, mashed potato pancakes are perfect. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, while using leftover mashed potato means no waste. Simple ingredients can turn into a breakfast or snack easily, and you can add cheese or herbs to make them extra flavorful. The best part is they cook in just minutes, making leftover mashed potato a delicious treat that everyone will love without needing complicated cooking skills.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions
- Mix leftover mashed potato with egg, flour, onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and flatten into pancakes.
- Fry until golden brown on each side for 3–4 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your leftover mashed potato pancakes.
12. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Leftover mashed potato can turn into a comforting cheesy casserole that melts in your mouth and is perfect for family dinners. Using leftover mashed potato in this way means no food goes to waste. You can layer it with cheese, sour cream, and even bacon bits, making it rich and flavorful. When baked, the top becomes golden brown and crispy, adding wonderful texture. Your family will love how simple ingredients and leftover mashed potato can become a delicious dish that feels like a treat every time you make it.
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix leftover mashed potato, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm for a delicious leftover mashed potato casserole.
11. Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Using leftover mashed potato to make gnocchi is a fun and simple idea. The dough comes together quickly, and you can shape it into little dumplings easily. Boil them until they float, which makes cooking fast. Toss them with your favorite sauce, and leftover mashed potato transforms into a fancy yet easy dinner. The soft texture melts in your mouth, making it a perfect way to use leftover mashed potato while impressing everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Mix leftover mashed potato, flour, egg, and salt into a soft dough.
- Roll dough into long ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Boil water and cook gnocchi until they float.
- Drain and toss with sauce of choice.
- Serve hot and enjoy your leftover mashed potato gnocchi.
10. Mashed Potato Soup
Leftover mashed potato can become a creamy soup in minutes, perfect for cold days. You can add broth, milk, and vegetables to make it hearty and flavorful. The leftover mashed potato adds a smooth texture, making the soup rich without needing extra cream. Seasoned with herbs or spices, leftover mashed potato soup becomes a comforting meal that warms your soul. Everyone will love how simple leftover mashed potato can be transformed into a cozy dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a pot, sauté vegetables until soft.
- Add leftover mashed potato and broth.
- Stir until smooth and add milk gradually.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot as a creamy leftover mashed potato soup.
9. Mashed Potato Tacos
Leftover mashed potato can be used as a tasty taco filling, making dinner quick and creative. Add beans, cheese, and salsa for flavor, making the dish satisfying and fun. The leftover mashed potato adds a creamy texture to each bite while saving you time and money. Assemble everything in tortillas for a delicious way to enjoy leftover mashed potato that your whole family will love. It is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something simple and yummy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 6 small tortillas
- ½ cup black beans
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Salsa and toppings of choice
Directions
- Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Fill with leftover mashed potato, beans, and cheese.
- Top with salsa or preferred toppings.
- Fold and serve immediately.
- Enjoy your leftover mashed potato tacos.
8. Mashed Potato Croquettes
Leftover mashed potato can be shaped into crispy golden croquettes, making a fun appetizer or snack. Using leftover mashed potato is smart because it reduces waste while making something delicious. The outside becomes crunchy while the inside stays soft and creamy. You can add cheese or herbs for extra flavor, making leftover mashed potato irresistible. When served hot, everyone will love how simple ingredients turn into a bite-sized treat. This dish is perfect for parties or family gatherings without complicated cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- ½ cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix leftover mashed potato with cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into small cylinders or balls.
- Roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat oil and fry croquettes until golden brown.
- Serve warm as a delicious leftover mashed potato snack.
7. Mashed Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Leftover mashed potato makes the perfect topping for shepherd’s pie. It adds a creamy layer that browns beautifully in the oven. Using leftover mashed potato saves time while making a hearty meal. Beneath the golden top, meat, vegetables, and gravy create every bite comforting and flavorful. You can even add cheese to make leftover mashed potato extra indulgent. This dish is great for family dinners because it transforms simple ingredients into a classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- ½ cup gravy
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook meat and vegetables until browned and mixed with gravy.
- Spread mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with leftover mashed potato and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and serve hot.
6. Mashed Potato Waffles
Using leftover mashed potato in a waffle maker makes an unusual but amazing breakfast or brunch. It crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying soft inside. Leftover mashed potato acts as a base for cheese, herbs, or bacon bits, making the dish flavorful and fun. Serve with eggs or sour cream, making leftover mashed potato exciting and unexpected. This recipe shows how creative you can be while transforming simple leftover mashed potato into a dish that looks fancy but is extremely easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat waffle maker and lightly grease.
- Mix leftover mashed potato with egg, flour, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon mixture into waffle maker and cook until golden.
- Serve immediately with toppings of choice.
- Enjoy your leftover mashed potato waffles.
5. Mashed Potato Stuffed Peppers
Leftover mashed potato can fill bell peppers for a colorful and healthy meal. It provides creaminess and flavor. Using leftover mashed potato reduces waste while creating something visually impressive. Mix vegetables or meat with leftover mashed potato before stuffing, making every bite tasty and filling. When baked, the peppers soften while the top becomes golden, making leftover mashed potato exciting and unique. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or a nutritious weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- ½ cup cooked vegetables or meat
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
- Mix leftover mashed potato with vegetables or meat, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff peppers with mixture and top with cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until peppers are tender and serve hot.
4. Mashed Potato Quesadillas
Leftover mashed potato makes a creamy filling for quesadillas, making lunch or dinner quick and delicious. It blends beautifully with cheese, beans, or salsa. Using leftover mashed potato allows you to make a hearty meal without extra effort. When grilled, the quesadilla becomes golden and crispy, making leftover mashed potato irresistible. It is a fun way to enjoy flavors with a twist while keeping things simple, and your whole family will love this easy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup cooked beans
- Salsa for serving
Directions
- Spread leftover mashed potato on one half of a tortilla.
- Add cheese and beans on top and fold over.
- Cook in a non-stick pan until golden on both sides.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.
- Enjoy your leftover mashed potato quesadilla.
3. Mashed Potato Pizza
Leftover mashed potato can become a unique pizza base that is creamy and soft while still holding toppings. Using leftover mashed potato in this way is fun because you can add cheese, bacon, or herbs for extra flavor, making it a creative twist on traditional pizza. When baked, the edges crisp slightly while the top remains rich and creamy. Leftover mashed potato adds a layer of comfort and indulgence, making this pizza perfect for game nights or casual dinners. Everyone will be amazed at how leftover mashed potato transforms into a delicious pizza crust alternative.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Pizza toppings of choice (bacon, herbs, vegetables)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread leftover mashed potato evenly on a baking sheet.
- Top with cheese and desired toppings.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are lightly golden.
- Slice and serve your leftover mashed potato pizza.
2. Mashed Potato Croissant Bake
Leftover mashed potato can be layered in a croissant bake, making breakfast or brunch extra indulgent and creamy. Using leftover mashed potato saves time while creating a rich texture and flavor. You can add ham, cheese, or veggies for more taste, making leftover mashed potato feel luxurious. When baked, the croissants puff beautifully and the top browns perfectly. Your family will love how leftover mashed potato transforms simple pastries into a hearty dish that looks fancy and tastes amazing without much effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4–6 croissants, sliced in half
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup cooked ham or vegetables
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer croissant halves in a baking dish.
- Spread leftover mashed potato on top and sprinkle with cheese and ham or veggies.
- Bake 20 minutes until cheese melts and croissants are golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy your leftover mashed potato croissant bake.
1. Mashed Potato Muffins
Leftover mashed potato can be baked into savory muffins, making a convenient snack or side dish. Using leftover mashed potato reduces waste while adding moisture and flavor to the muffins. You can add cheese, herbs, or cooked vegetables to make them extra tasty. When baked, the muffins develop a golden top while staying soft inside, making leftover mashed potato perfect for easy, portable bites. Everyone will enjoy how versatile leftover mashed potato can be, turning into a fun and delicious treat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup cooked vegetables or bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix leftover mashed potato with flour, egg, cheese, vegetables or bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon mixture into greased muffin tins.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and firm.
- Cool slightly and enjoy your leftover mashed potato muffins.
Conclusion
Leftover mashed potato can be transformed into many delicious and creative dishes, from pancakes to muffins and everything in between. It is a versatile ingredient that reduces waste and delights your taste buds. If you loved these 13 best leftover mashed potato recipes, make sure to subscribe to our blog for more yummy and easy recipe ideas using everyday ingredients so you never run out of ways to enjoy leftover mashed potato.