Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish, but they often leave behind leftovers. Instead of letting them go to waste, repurpose them into delicious new meals! From crispy potato pancakes to creamy gnocchi, here are some of the best ways to use up your extra leftover mashed potatoes.
Contents
1. Crispy Potato Pancakes
Also known as potato latkes or fritters, these golden-brown pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour (or more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, flour, and seasonings. Add cheese and green onions if using.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Form the mixture into small patties and place them in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.
2. Mashed Potato Croquettes
Croquettes are crispy, deep-fried balls of mashed potato goodness, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, egg yolk, cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or logs.
- Coat each croquette in flour, dip in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry croquettes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
3. Homemade Potato Gnocchi
Turn your mashed potatoes into soft, pillowy gnocchi for a homemade Italian feast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and divide into small portions.
- Roll each portion into a rope and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Press each piece lightly with a fork for texture.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2 minutes).
- Drain and toss with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or butter and sage.
4. Cheesy Mashed Potato Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving as a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or heat oil for frying).
- Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Form into small balls and coat in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20 minutes or fry until golden brown.
- Serve with ranch, marinara, or sour cream for dipping.
5. Mashed Potato Bread
Give your bread a soft and fluffy texture by adding mashed potatoes to the dough.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Add the yeast mixture.
- Knead until smooth, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a greased pan. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Here’s another mashed potato bread recipe idea from Simply Recipes.
Final Thoughts
Leftover mashed potatoes can be the foundation for so many creative and delicious recipes. Whether you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, or comforting, these dishes make the most of every last spoonful. Next time you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, try one of these tasty recipes instead of letting them go to waste!
