20+ Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Made too much food this holiday season? Got a ton of leftovers? Well, you'll be thankful for these 20+ Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes!

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Made a big pot of mashed potatoes? Got a ton of leftovers? Well, you’ll be thankful for these 23 Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes! Mashed potatoes can be repurposed into so many recipes, from casseroles to bread rolls, I’ve rounded up my favorites.

Recipe round up for what to do with leftover mashed potatoes
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Give your leftover mashed potatoes a makeover with 23 simple recipes. From breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner you can do a ton with even just a dollop of mashed potatoes spread on top of pies, fried into fritters or even used in soup!

Why Make Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

  • Helps reduce food waste. No one likes watching the food you’ve spent time and money on go to waste. Give them a makeover by repurposing mashed potatoes into other delicious dishes.
  • Saves time during meal prep. With the base component of a recipe already cooked, you save time and can quickly whip up a delicious meal during busy days. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or last-minute lunch, using leftover mashed potatoes helps you be more efficient with meal prep.
  • Lets you enjoy deliciously comforting food. Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food and turning them into new dishes gives that familiar, cozy experience all over again.
  • Mashed potatoes can be easily customized. This traditional family-friendly dish can be transformed into crowd-pleasing meals, from potato pancakes to comforting casseroles to potato rolls – there’s something for everyone.

Tips for Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes

  1. Remember proper storage is key for your potatoes. Use an airtight container and keep them on the highest shelf in your fridge. You can store them for up to four days. 
  2. Freeze mashed potatoes if you have too much. Potatoes don’t typically freeze well, but mashed potatoes are the exception. Scoop into a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
  3. Defrost by placing the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator and thawing overnight. If you want to speed things up, you can gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, slow cooker, or microwave.
  4. Add some fat. Stir in some sour cream or cream cheese to give them a thicker, more creamy, consistency after reheating. This helps for however you might be using the potatoes.

Different Types of Mashed Potato Recipes

Gone are the days when you were limited to your grandma’s mashed potatoes recipe. There are so many different versions of this classic comfort food, and lucky for you – I have you covered. The great thing is that any of these options will work into your healthy recipes with leftover mashed potatoes.

  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – Save time with this hands-off recipe made with 4 simple ingredients and in your pressure cooker; this option is great when you’re short on time or have to run out the door.
  • Vegan Mashed Potatoes – Looking for a dairy-free option? You can’t go wrong with this deeply flavorful and oh-so-dreamy mashed potato recipe made with olive oil.
  • Healthy Mashed Potatoes – Lighter in calories but loaded with flavor, these are a must-make. Whipped with low-fat sour cream and vegetable stock to get that creamy consistency but still so tasty you won’t miss anything.
  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Garlic lovers unite! With two whole heads of garlic, these will make a tasty addition to any holiday table and will make any subsequent dishes so garlicky and irresistible.
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Switch things up with this option. It’s slightly sweet but still so delicious and pairs well with your choice of protein and all the holiday sides. And it will work well in most of these simple recipes with leftover mashed potatoes.
  • Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – Are you looking for a low-carb alternative? You’ll love this super fluffy and tasty low-carb option to the traditional recipe.
  • Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes – If you’re looking for potatoes that are so creamy and tangy, try making them with Greek yogurt. Trust me, you won’t make it any other way after trying this out. Plus, this option is great to use in all the healthy recipes for leftover mashed potatoes.
Large serving dish of garlic mashed potatoes topped with butter and herbs.

Best Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Whatever mashed potatoes you served for the holidays (or your weeknight dinner), it would be a shame to let that creamy goodness go to waste. Learn how to use leftover mashed potatoes to create mouthwatering breakfast favorites, hearty casseroles, and small bites that are fit for a party! Plus, you’ll love the healthy recipes for leftover mashed potatoes that are rich in flavor but feel lighter with better-for-you ingredients.

Breakfast and Brunch Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Whether you’re scooping mashed potatoes into omelettes or incorporating them in waffles and pancakes, one thing is certain – potatoes are a total breakfast food. Nothing brings more comfort to that first meal of the day than starchy, creamy, delicious taters. If you haven’t noticed – mashed potatoes are stepping into the spotlight as the new hash browns. Their creamy texture and rich flavor transform an ordinary breakfast into extraordinary deliciousness.

Ejjeh Lebanese omelette recipe.
Breakfast, Entree

Ejjeh/Lebanese Omelette

Ejjeh is a Lebanese-style omelette with aromatic herbs and vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful dish – perfect for any time of day!
 
40 minutes
5 from 18 votes
Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe.
Side Dish

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Quick and easy to make, these mashed potatoes pancakes are great for using up leftovers; they're shallow fried for perfectly crispy edges.
 
15 minutes
5 from 38 votes
Hash brown eggs nests topped with parsley
Breakfast

Hash Brown Egg Nests

Try this 3 Ingredient Hash Brown Egg Nests that is great for breakfast or brunch with an easy homemade hash brown tutorial – they're easy, delicious & cute!
 
45 minutes
5 from 62 votes
Side view of 6 sweet potato pancakes stacked on a white plate with maple syrup poured on top.
Breakfast

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Fluffy sweet potato pancake recipe using leftover mashed sweet potatoes (or freshly baked) with cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast!
 
25 minutes
5 from 386 votes
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles

Make the most of spare spuds with a quick and easy recipe that transforms them into cheesy leftover mashed potato waffles!
 

Casserole Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

We’ve all been there. We’ve all had that awkward amount of leftover mashed potatoes where it wasn’t enough for a full meal yet too much to include in breakfast. Well, I’m here to show you how to use leftover mashed potatoes to give them new life and make a delicious new meal that everyone will enjoy. These simple recipes with leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights or a fancy dinner party. And no one will ever know you’re repurposing what was once a side dish.

Lentil shepherd's pie.
Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Main Dish

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil Shepherd's Pie is a delicious vegan version of the classic dish. Made hearty with lentils, veggies, spices, and mashed potatoes.
 
1 hour 20 minutes
5 from 8 votes
A serving of potato souffle on a small plate to show a top and bottom layer and spiced beef layer in the middle. Baking dish nearby.
Entree

Lebanese Potato Souffle

Lebanese Potato Souffle is the ultimate comfort food with whipped mashed potatoes, spiced beef filling, and crispy breadcrumbs on top!
 
1 hour 35 minutes
5 from 32 votes
Small plate of the vegetarian shepards pie after being served
Main Course

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie is a meatless take on a classic comfort dish. Swap the meat for mushrooms and quinoa & it all gets smothered in a rich gravy sauce
 
1 hour 5 minutes
5 from 489 votes
Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty, creamy and cheesy Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Casserole!
 
Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Baked Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish. Silky, rich, smooth and cheesy, this recipe can be made ahead or right away!
 
Chantilly Potatoes Recipe

Chantilly Potatoes Recipe

Chantilly potatoes are the perfect side for any holiday table. They are light, fluffy and full of cheesy goodness. Everyone will love these potatoes.
 

Healthy Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Incorporating leftover mashed potatoes into healthy recipes gives them that touch that takes comfort food to the next level. The potatoes add a satisfying richness and the other ingredients make a great base for nourishing and nutrient-packed dishes. These healthy recipes with leftover mashed potatoes are an easy way to repurpose what is commonly a carb-heavy side dish into a truly nourishing dish.

Potato tuna cakes on a plate with a small dish of Tzatziki sauce.
Appetizer

Potato Tuna Cakes

Hearty and delicious, these savory potato tuna cakes are easy to put together with pantry staples. Enjoy as an appetizer or on top of a salad
 
25 minutes
5 from 143 votes
Mashed Potato Salad

Mashed Potato Salad

A simple recipe for leftover Mashed Potato Salad is easy to make with sour cream & with vinegar for tang. Everyone loves creamy potato salad!
 
Leftover Mashed Potatoes Gnocchi

Leftover Mashed Potatoes Gnocchi

What to do with leftover Mashed Potatoes? Try these easy homemade gnocchi! Ready in 20 minutes. Cook right away or freeze for later! With how-to video.
 
Spinach and Garlic Potato Patties

Spinach and Garlic Potato Patties

Put a fresh spin on leftover mashed potatoes! Mashed potato pancakes are crispy outside and soft inside, packed with spinach and parmesan.
 
Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes (“Papas Con Chile”)

Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes (“Papas Con Chile”)

These Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes (“Papas Con Chile”) are easy to make, naturally gluten-free, full of the most amazing flavors, and MUY delicioso!
 
Leftover Turkey Stew with Mashed Potato Dumplings Recipe

Leftover Turkey Stew with Mashed Potato Dumplings Recipe

Creamy, cozy turkey stew with big, fluffy dumplings made with mashed potato. The perfect Thanksgiving leftovers meal.
 

Small Bites with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Turning leftover mashed potatoes into small bite-size treats is my favorite way to repurpose this classic side dish. It adds that creaminess that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Besides, they’re just too much fun to resist. Who can pass by crispy potato balls or delicious croquettes without sneaking a bite? The answer is no one. So if you ever wondered how to use leftover mashed potatoes that is both creative and delicious, you will love these fun ideas.

Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs

Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs

Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs are the perfect creamy, fluffy, protein loaded breakfast bite that’s kid-friendly and delicious! The perfect solution for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
 
Mashed Potato Croquettes

Mashed Potato Croquettes

Mashed Potato Croquettes are the stuff from which dreams are made. Soft, warm, and comforting, it is the perfect way to use leftover mashed potatoes.
 
Leftover Mashed Potato Rolls

Leftover Mashed Potato Rolls

Leftover Mashed Potato Rolls are a sweet and delicious way to use up any flavor of leftover mashed potatoes. Our #1 favorite way to use up leftovers!
 
Mini Crab Cakes Recipe

Mini Crab Cakes Recipe

These mini crab cakes are easy to make and perfectly crispy. Coated in panko bread crumbs and shallow fried they are packed full of flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, finger food or main meal.
 
Leftover Mashed Potato Balls

Leftover Mashed Potato Balls

Make the most of spare spuds with this easy recipe for Leftover Mashed Potato Balls perfect for dipping in leftover cranberry sauce or gravy.
 
Crispy Homemade Potato Fish Cakes with Cod

Crispy Homemade Potato Fish Cakes with Cod

A quick and delicious cod and potato fish cake recipe. Great with fresh or canned fish, and a tasty way to use up leftover cod or mashed potato.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes in these recipes?

Absolutely! Most of these recipes with leftover potatoes can be made with mashed sweet potatoes instead, lending a hint of sweetness to your dishes. I recommend that you adjust the seasoning to balance the natural sweetness.

How long do leftover mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?

That would vary on the ingredients in the particular recipe, depending on what the mashed potatoes are whipped with. However, most mashed potatoes are good for up to 4 days, provided they are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How can I soften the mashed potatoes and make them creamy again?

Gradually add a little bit of warm liquid like milk, cream, or broth and gently reheat on the stovetop or the microwave in short intervals. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as that will make the potatoes runny, but just enough to get a creamy texture.

Olive oil mashed potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil on top

These recipes with leftover mashed potatoes offer a tasty solution to food waste, providing practical and versatile options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and healthy ideas that the whole family will love. I hope these simple recipes with leftover mashed potatoes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and give them new life.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Leftover Turkey Recipes, Holiday Appetizers, Christmas Cookie Recipes, and Viral Recipes.

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Comments

  1. John Adams says:

    Food recipes look awesome

    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you!