Got a mountain of leftover mash staring back at you from the fridge? I’ve got 25 ridiculously good ways to turn it into something new and amazing.
From fluffy potato rolls to crispy croquettes, you’ll start making extra on purpose. Come see what I mean.
1. Fried Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is unbelievably simple and so delicious. Take your leftover mashed potatoes and fry them up in a pan for a savory side any time of the day.
Pop them on a breakfast plate or save them for dinner. These fried mashed potatoes are the perfect companion for any entree. Did you like the recipe?Click on a star to rate it!
2. Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins
Not feeling potato pancakes? These savory muffins are a better bet.
I load them up with leftover mashed potatoes, plenty of cheese, and a handful of green onions. Sour cream brings incredible moisture and richness, while eggs and flour bind everything into a tender, grab-and-go bite. Simple and so satisfying.
3. Mashed Potato Ques
Stuff your mashed potatoes between two tortillas for a mild dish that is as satisfying to eat as it is simple to make. Nothing goes better with carbs than carbs, and that couldn’t be truer than in this dish. Serve this up as a quick lunch or a last-minute dinner for two.
4. Tattie Scones (Scottish Potato Scones)
Tattie scones are Scotland’s brilliant answer to hash browns. I press leftover mash into cakes and fry them up quick for a traditional British breakfast. I love them with a fluffy omelet or just hot from the pan, plain and simple.
5. Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles
Imagine waffle fries, but even more fun. These savory mashed potato waffles are an anytime meal that I love to top with melty cheese.
I stuff the batter with chives or finely chopped mushrooms, then let the waffle iron work its magic. Crispy edges and creamy centers make it a side that steals the show.
6. Broccoli Cheese Mashed Potato Casserole
Two Southern favorites come together in this incredible casserole. I stir hearty leftover mashed potatoes into creamy broccoli and cheese, bulking it up into the ultimate comfort side. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest and disappears in minutes.
7. Baked Potato Soup
This soup is basically a fully loaded baked potato in a bowl. I’m talking chives, crispy bacon bits, and shredded cheese all swirled into a silky, creamy broth.
The secret to that velvety texture? Your leftover mashed potatoes. They thicken everything up into pure, cozy perfection.
8. Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Morning after potatoes? It’s gotta be pancakes.
I stir mozzarella and bread crumbs into my leftover mash for a creamy center and a crunchy, golden crust. A quick sizzle in the skillet and last night’s side dish turns into the star of breakfast.
9. Shepherd’s Pie
That generous pile of leftover mash was born to top a mighty shepherd’s pie. I blanket a savory filling of ground beef, corn, sweet green peas, and rich gravy with those creamy potatoes and bake until bubbly.
You’d never guess it started as a leftovers rescue. It’s a heaping, soul-satisfying meal in one dish.
10. Leftover Mashed Potato Rolls
Turn last night’s starch into another when you make these mashed potato rolls. The result is a soft and fluffy dinner roll your family will fight over.
These rolls are so good, you may not even wait for leftovers. Go ahead and whip up some mashed potatoes so you can enjoy them ASAP.
11. Leftover Mashed Potato Croquettes
Think of croquettes as the mashed potato version of hush puppies. I roll the leftover mash into little balls, fry them until crisp, and then top with sour cream, chives, or a drizzle of melted butter. They make a perfect appetizer or a quick dinner any night of the week.
12. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is Britain’s delicious answer to leftover magic. I toss everything into a hot cast-iron skillet, press it down, and fry until a gloriously crispy crust forms. It’s a savory, golden casserole that brings all your favorite bits and bobs together in one easy, no-fuss meal.
13. Mashed Potato Biscuits
Flour, step aside. These biscuits let mashed potatoes do all the heavy lifting.
I bake them up golden and tender, then smother them in gravy or sweet preserves. Add scrambled eggs and a side of bacon, and I’ve got a full farmer’s breakfast that tastes like it came straight from a country kitchen.
14. Mashed Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Mashed potatoes step in for flour again in these sweet, flaky cinnamon rolls. I mix the potatoes with brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll, bake, and drizzle with a simple glaze. Saturday mornings just got a whole lot cozier.
15. Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Fat gnocchi pasta is an incredible way to enjoy homemade pasta. They're hearty and easy to shape, so they're perfect for the first-time pasta chef.
Smother this gnocchi in a homemade pesto or tomato sauce. You can also use a store-bought jar. I won’t tell anyone.
16. Meatloaf Cupcakes
Use your mashed potatoes as a savory frosting for these meatloaf cupcakes! Each little cake is a single serving to put on each family member’s plate.
Cut your cooking time in thirds when you make cupcakes compared to the traditional loaf. The little tins cook so much faster than a large pan!
17. Potato Candy
Potato candy is an old-fashioned treat that’s been making kids smile for generations. I turn leftover mashed potatoes into a pliable sweet dough and roll it around a layer of creamy peanut butter. My grandma also makes them with chocolate or caramel, and honestly, every version is magic.
18. Leftover Mashed Potato Balls
Take your mashed potatoes and roll them into balls for a light and fluffy side people cannot resist! With the same flavor you know and love, these whimsical balls are the perfect addition to any plate.
19. Pierogi
Pierogies are potato dumplings with a subtle onion and garlic flavor. These are typically dipped in applesauce for a savory/sweet pairing that's surprisingly complementary.
Enjoy pierogies as an appetizer or serve as the main course. They're a simple and satisfying food everyone can enjoy.
20. Mashed Potato Doughnuts
Okay, mashed potato doughnuts might not be the first thing that pops into your head, but oh my, are they good. I start my morning with these pillowy fried beauties rolled in cinnamon sugar. They’re so ridiculously delicious, your neighborhood donut shop might start getting nervous.
21. Leftover Mashed Potato Peppermint Patties
Recreate this iconic candy using your leftover mashed potatoes. Sweeten and flavor them to minty perfection, then coat each patty in rich dark chocolate.
Now that you can make them yourself, you'll never buy a pack from a drugstore again. Yours will be creamier and mintier than any packaged candy could ever be.
22. Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole
Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into this casserole for a reinvented dish that will feel brand new! With juicy chunks of ham and plenty of cheese, this casserole feels like a first-time dish, not repurposed leftovers!
23. Turkey and Potato Dumplings
Classic chicken and dumplings gets a mashed potato twist. I swap in lean white turkey and top it with pillowy potato dumplings that float in a really savory gravy broth. It’s the kind of cozy bowl that keeps the leftover secret completely under wraps.
24. Potato Bread
Ready for a little baking adventure? This potato bread swaps out flour for leftover mashed potatoes, giving you a tender, gluten free loaf that everyone can devour. Save this project for a lazy rainy Saturday and feel like an absolute kitchen hero.
25. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Leftover makeovers don’t get much more fun than Thanksgiving pizza. I grab a frozen crust, slather on a thick layer of mashed potatoes, and bake until everything is hot and bubbly. Every single bite delivers those cozy holiday flavors, and clean plates are guaranteed.