What to Do With Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Delicious Ideas for Your Next Meal
Leftover mashed potatoes are a great way to enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make meal without having to start from scratch. With a few simple ingredients, you can be sure that your leftover mashed potatoes will be transformed into a meal that's sure to please. Here are some tips and ideas on what to do with your leftover mashed potatoes to create a delicious meal in no time.
Four Easy Ways to Put Leftover Mashed Potatoes to Good Use
Leftover mashed potatoes can be used in a variety of creative and tasty dishes. Whether you want a light lunch or a savory dinner, these four easy ways to put leftover mashed potatoes to good use can be the basis of your meal.
Mashed potato pancakes: Add some beaten egg, shredded cheese, and diced onion to your leftover mashed potatoes and form the mixture into patties. Fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat for two minutes per side or until golden brown.
Mashed potato casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and spread your leftover mashed potatoes in an even layer. Sprinkle with grated cheese and top with some crumbled bacon or sausage. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with a mixed green salad.
Mashed potato pizza: Preheat oven to 400°F. Press the mashed potatoes into a greased 12-inch round pan and spread with pizza sauce. Top with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Mashed potato soup: In a large pot, melt some butter and sauté diced onion and garlic until soft. Add vegetable or chicken stock, diced potatoes, and cooked diced carrots. Simmer for 10 minutes then add the leftover mashed potatoes and simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve topped with shredded cheese and parsley.
Five Delicious Recipes Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Want to put your leftover mashed potatoes to good use but don't know where to start? Check out these five delicious recipes using leftover mashed potatoes as the star ingredient!
Mashed Potato Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Layer cooked lasagna noodles with ricotta, mozzarella cheese, and leftover mashed potatoes. Bake for 45 minutes to one hour, until the cheese is completely melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Mashed Potato Gratin: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch round baking dish and spread a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Top with leftover mashed potatoes, grated cheese, and crumbled bacon bits. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Mashed Potato Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes in a thin layer on the bottom of the dish, followed by cooked diced vegetables (such as carrots, onion, peas, etc.). Top with grated cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Mashed Potato Pancakes with Baked Apples: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch round baking dish and spread a layer of cooked apples on the bottom. In a separate bowl, mix leftover mashed potatoes with beaten eggs and shredded cheese and spoon into mounds on top of the apples. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Mashed Potato Puffs: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Combine 1 cup of leftover mashed potatoes with 1 cup of shredded cheese and mix until combined. Fill greased muffin cups with the mixture and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
For an extra special treat, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives to your mashed potato dishes. This will add a delicious flavor and texture to your recipes, and will make them even more enjoyable!
Tips for Making the Best Use of Your Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Making the most out of your leftover mashed potatoes doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips for making the best use of your mashed potatoes.
Don't waste any – any leftovers should be frozen to use in future dishes.
Add moisture – if your mashed potatoes have become too dry, add some cream or hot water to rehydrate them.
Add flavor – herbs, spices, and vegetables can transform your mashed potatoes into something new.
Transform them – leftovers can become new meals like soups or casseroles.
Experiment – try adding your own twist on traditional recipes like pies and cakes.
How to Reheat Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Reheating leftover mashed potatoes without drying them out can be tricky, but it's far from impossible! Here are a few simple ways to reheat your mashed potatoes without ruining them:
Microwave – place leftover mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until warmed through.
Stovetop – heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add in the mashed potatoes. Stir continuously until warmed through.
Oven – preheat oven to 350°F and spread mashed potatoes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Ideas for Adding Flavor to Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into something new with a few simple ingredients. Try adding some of these ideas to your next dish to add some flavor to your leftover mashed potatoes:
Herbs – parsley, chives, oregano, basil, sage, etc.
Cheeses – cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, etc.
Spices – garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, etc.
Bacon/Sausage – cook bacon/sausage until crispy and crumble over potatoes.
Vegetables – diced onions, peppers, garlic, mushrooms, etc.
The Benefits of Eating Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes are not only delicious, they are also incredibly nutritious! Eating leftover mashed potatoes provides you with lots of essential vitamins and minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. Additionally, they are low in calories and are also a great source of dietary fiber.
Storing and Reusing Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Storing and reusing leftover mashed potatoes is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying delicious meals! Leftover mashed potatoes can last up to five days when stored properly in the refrigerator and longer when frozen. To store them in the refrigerator, place in an airtight container and place in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than five days. To freeze them, place in a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for up to three months.
Substituting Other Ingredients for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes can be used as a substitute for other ingredients in many dishes. Try substituting them in recipes that call for regular potatoes or other ingredients such as canned soup or ricotta cheese. Remember to season your dish accordingly so as not to overpower the flavor of the mashed potatoes.
Alternatives to Making a Meal Out of Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Although leftover mashed potatoes make for a great meal, there are plenty of alternatives! Try using them as a topping for shepherd’s pie or stir-fry dishes. They can also be used in casseroles and soups as added texture or flavor. And don’t forget about desserts – try adding them as a topping on apple or berry pies or mix them into pancake batter for an extra creamy texture.
