Transform Your Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Delicious and Creative Recipes
Leftover mashed potatoes – we’ve all been there. You made a little too much, or maybe the holidays brought a mountain of creamy goodness to your table. Instead of letting it languish in the fridge, destined for the bin, let’s unlock its potential! Mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of exciting and delicious dishes. This article is your guide to creatively using leftover mashed potatoes, minimizing food waste, and maximizing flavor. We’ll explore several recipes, offering detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary creations are a resounding success.
Why Repurpose Mashed Potatoes?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly discuss why repurposing mashed potatoes is a fantastic idea:
* **Reduces Food Waste:** Food waste is a significant environmental and economic problem. Using leftovers helps minimize your contribution to this issue.
* **Saves Time:** Many of these recipes are quicker to prepare than starting from scratch.
* **Economical:** You’ve already spent money on the ingredients for the mashed potatoes, so using them creatively saves you from buying additional ingredients for other meals.
* **Delicious Results:** The recipes below offer a wide range of flavors and textures, ensuring you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Essential Tips for Working with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
* **Storage:** Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reviving Dry Potatoes:** If your mashed potatoes have dried out slightly, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth while reheating to restore their creamy texture.
* **Seasoning:** Taste the potatoes before using them in a new recipe and adjust the seasoning accordingly. They may need a bit more salt, pepper, or other spices.
* **Temperature:** Depending on the recipe, you may need to use the mashed potatoes cold, at room temperature, or reheated. Pay attention to the specific instructions.
Recipe 1: Mashed Potato Cakes (Potato Pancakes)
Mashed potato cakes, also known as potato pancakes, are a classic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and incredibly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or dill, optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, onion (if using), and herbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Mix Well:** Mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to form patties. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. **Form Patties:** Using your hands, form the mixture into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter.
4. **Heat Oil:** Heat the vegetable oil or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. **Fry Patties:** Carefully place the potato patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. **Drain Excess Oil:** Remove the potato cakes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:** Serve the potato cakes immediately. They are delicious on their own or with a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cheese:** Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere) to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
* **Bacon:** Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the mixture for a savory twist.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these potato cakes gluten-free.
* **Air Fryer:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the potato cakes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the potato cakes with cooking spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Recipe 2: Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish, and using leftover mashed potatoes as the topping is a brilliant time-saver.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef or lamb
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup tomato paste
* 1 cup frozen peas
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2-3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Meat Filling:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
2. **Add Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Stir in Herbs and Tomato Paste:** Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute more.
4. **Add Broth and Peas:** Pour in the beef broth and add the frozen peas. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the meat filling with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Assemble the Pie:** Transfer the meat filling to a 9-inch baking dish.
7. **Top with Mashed Potatoes:** Spread the leftover mashed potatoes evenly over the meat filling.
8. **Add Cheese (Optional):** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes, if desired.
9. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and heated through.
10. **Serve:** Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the ground beef or lamb with lentils or vegetarian crumbles for a vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
* **Other Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the meat filling, such as mushrooms, corn, or green beans.
* **Wine:** Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the meat filling for a richer flavor.
* **Gravy:** Use leftover gravy instead of beef broth for a more flavorful sauce.
* **Sweet Potato Topping:** Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a sweeter topping.
Recipe 3: Potato and Cheese Croquettes
Croquettes are breaded and fried rolls, and they’re a fantastic way to use leftover mashed potatoes. The addition of cheese makes them extra delicious.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Potatoes and Cheese:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
2. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Form Croquettes:** Using your hands, form the mixture into small, cylindrical shapes, about 1 inch in diameter and 2-3 inches long.
4. **Prepare Breading Station:** Place the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
5. **Bread Croquettes:** Dredge each croquette in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly coated.
6. **Heat Oil:** Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
7. **Fry Croquettes:** Carefully place the croquettes in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. **Drain Excess Oil:** Remove the croquettes from the fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. **Serve:** Serve the croquettes immediately. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Other Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, or pepper jack.
* **Herbs:** Add chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or thyme, to the potato mixture.
* **Spices:** Add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to the breadcrumbs.
* **Panko Breadcrumbs:** Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
* **Baked Croquettes:** For a healthier option, you can bake the croquettes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Recipe 4: Mashed Potato Soup
Mashed potato soup is a creamy and comforting soup that’s perfect for a cold day. Using leftover mashed potatoes adds body and flavor to the soup.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
* Bacon bits for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. **Add Broth and Potatoes:** Pour in the chicken broth and add the leftover mashed potatoes. Bring to a simmer.
3. **Blend (Optional):** For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
4. **Add Milk or Cream:** Stir in the milk or cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions and bacon bits, if desired. Serve hot.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Vegetable Broth:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian soup.
* **Other Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or corn.
* **Cheese:** Add shredded cheese to the soup for a cheesy flavor.
* **Spices:** Add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to the soup.
* **Cream Cheese:** Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the soup for extra creaminess.
Recipe 5: Potato Dumplings (Gnocchi)
Transform leftover mashed potatoes into light and pillowy potato dumplings, also known as gnocchi. These are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, cold
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* ¾ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* ½ teaspoon salt
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, egg, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Gently mix with a fork.
2. **Add Flour Gradually:** Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
3. **Knead Lightly:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for a minute or two until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. **Roll into Ropes:** Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about ½ inch thick.
5. **Cut into Gnocchi:** Use a knife or dough scraper to cut the ropes into ½-inch pieces.
6. **Create Ridges (Optional):** For a more traditional look, roll each gnocchi over the tines of a fork to create ridges. This also helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.
7. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. They are done when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
8. **Remove and Drain:** Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and drain well.
9. **Serve:** Serve the gnocchi immediately with your favorite sauce, such as pesto, marinara, or brown butter sage sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Type of Potatoes:** Russet potatoes tend to work best for gnocchi because they are drier and absorb less flour.
* **Chilling the Dough:** If the dough is too sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
* **Freezing Gnocchi:** You can freeze uncooked gnocchi. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
* **Sweet Potato Gnocchi:** Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more colorful gnocchi.
* **Spinach Gnocchi:** Add finely chopped cooked spinach to the dough for a more nutritious and flavorful gnocchi.
* **Sauce Suggestions:** Brown butter sage sauce, pesto, marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or simply butter and Parmesan cheese all pair well with gnocchi.
Recipe 6: Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
These loaded mashed potato bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* ½ cup breadcrumbs
* Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Mix well.
2. **Form Bites:** Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. **Prepare Breading Station:** Place the beaten egg and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
4. **Bread Bites:** Dip each potato ball in the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. **Fry or Bake:**
* **Frying:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the potato bites in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded potato bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Serve the loaded mashed potato bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the bacon or substitute it with crumbled vegetarian bacon or finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
* **Dipping Sauce Ideas:** Sour cream, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo all make great dipping sauces.
Recipe 7: Mashed Potato and Corn Fritters
These fritters are a delightful combination of sweet corn and savory mashed potatoes, creating a crispy and flavorful snack or side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 ½ cups leftover mashed potatoes
* 1 cup canned or frozen corn, thawed
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, corn, flour, egg, and green onions. Mix well.
2. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Heat Oil:** Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. **Drop Fritters:** Drop spoonfuls of the potato and corn mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
5. **Fry:** Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. **Drain:** Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:** Serve the mashed potato and corn fritters immediately. They are delicious on their own or with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Cheese:** Mix in ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to the batter.
* **Corn Variations:** Use creamed corn instead of whole kernel corn for a different texture.
* **Dip Suggestions:** Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or ranch dressing are all delicious dipping options.
Beyond Recipes: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Beyond these specific recipes, here are some other creative ways to incorporate leftover mashed potatoes into your cooking:
* **Thicken Soups and Stews:** Add a spoonful or two of mashed potatoes to soups and stews to thicken them and add richness.
* **Bind Meatloaf or Meatballs:** Use mashed potatoes as a binder in meatloaf or meatballs instead of breadcrumbs.
* **Enrich Bread Dough:** Add mashed potatoes to bread dough for a softer, moister crumb.
* **Top Casseroles:** Use mashed potatoes as a topping for casseroles instead of breadcrumbs or cheese.
* **Make Potato Pizza Crust:** Mix mashed potatoes with flour and egg to create a unique and flavorful pizza crust.
Conclusion
Leftover mashed potatoes are a treasure trove of culinary possibilities! By using these recipes and tips, you can transform them into delicious and satisfying meals and snacks, minimize food waste, and unleash your creativity in the kitchen. So, the next time you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, don’t despair – get cooking and enjoy the delicious transformations!