13 Creative Ways to Transform Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Don’t let those leftover mashed potatoes sit forgotten in your fridge. These creative recipes turn yesterday’s side dish into today’s exciting meals.
From crispy potato cakes to comforting casseroles, you’ll discover delicious ways to give those spuds a second chance to shine on your dinner table.
01. Savory Beef Potato Sundaes
These playful dinner “sundaes” layer seasoned ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes. Kids love the fun presentation while adults appreciate the hearty comfort food flavors.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 1 pound ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 2 green onions chopped, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
How To Make Savory Beef Potato Sundaes
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes total.
2. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning with ¼ cup water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
3. Add frozen corn to the beef mixture and cook for 2 minutes until heated through and tender.
4. Warm your leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until creamy and heated.
5. Layer the warm mashed potatoes in clear glasses or bowls, top with seasoned beef mixture, then finish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions for the perfect “sundae” presentation.
02. Crispy Loaded Potato Cakes
Golden-brown potato patties packed with bacon and cheese make an irresistible side dish. These crispy cakes work perfectly alongside grilled meats or as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 large eggs beaten, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 green onions minced, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, vegetable oil for frying.
How To Make Crispy Loaded Potato Cakes
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then transfer to paper towels and crumble into small pieces once cooled.
2. Combine mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, cheese, beaten eggs, flour, green onions, and garlic powder in a large bowl, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties using your hands, pressing firmly so they hold together during cooking.
4. Heat ¼ inch of oil in the same skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5. Fry potato cakes in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving hot with additional sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
03. Savory Potato Waffles
Transform your waffle iron into a potato cake maker with this clever recipe. These crispy-outside, fluffy-inside waffles pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for an unexpected dinner twist.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Savory Potato Waffles
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions while you prepare the batter for even cooking.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
3. Add mashed potatoes to the egg mixture and stir until completely incorporated and no lumps remain.
4. Fold in Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, salt, and pepper, mixing gently to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the batter.
5. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray and pour in enough batter to fill about ¾ of the surface area.
6. Cook for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, then carefully remove with a fork and serve immediately topped with sour cream and fresh chives.
04. Traditional Polish Pierogi
These beloved Polish dumplings showcase leftover mashed potatoes in tender pasta pockets. Pan-frying after boiling creates the perfect combination of textures that makes pierogi so irresistible.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, ½ cup warm water, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 large onion diced, 4 tablespoons butter.
How To Make Traditional Polish Pierogi
1. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl, then create a well in the center and add egg, water, and oil.
2. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
3. Roll dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles using a large glass or cookie cutter.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of mashed potatoes in the center of each circle, then fold over and pinch edges tightly to seal completely.
5. Boil pierogi in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they’re cooked through.
6. Sauté diced onion in butter until golden, then add boiled pierogi and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
7. Serve hot with additional sautéed onions and a dollop of sour cream for the authentic Polish experience.
05. Classic Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty one-dish meal layers seasoned ground meat and vegetables beneath a golden mashed potato topping. It’s the perfect way to create a complete dinner using your leftover potatoes.
Ingredients: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 1 pound ground lamb or beef, 1 large onion diced, 2 carrots diced, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
How To Make Classic Shepherd’s Pie
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and brown the ground meat in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until no pink remains.
2. Add diced onion and carrots to the meat, cooking for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onions turn translucent.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
4. Simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes until liquid reduces by half and creates a rich gravy that coats the meat.
5. Add frozen peas and stir to combine, then remove from heat and spread mixture evenly in the skillet.
6. Spread leftover mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, creating peaks with a fork for extra browning surface area.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.
06. Norwegian Potato Lefse
This traditional Norwegian flatbread transforms mashed potatoes into tender, flexible rounds. Serve warm with butter and cinnamon sugar for a delightful treat that celebrates Scandinavian heritage.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (cooled), 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons butter melted, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar, butter for serving, cinnamon sugar for sprinkling.
How To Make Norwegian Potato Lefse
1. Ensure your mashed potatoes are completely cooled, then mix them with melted butter, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2. Gradually add flour to the potato mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that’s not sticky but still pliable.
3. Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each piece on a heavily floured surface into very thin 8-inch circles.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat without any oil or butter for authentic cooking.
5. Cook each lefse for 1-2 minutes per side until light brown spots appear and the surface looks dry but flexible.
6. Transfer cooked lefse to clean kitchen towels and stack them, covering to keep warm and prevent drying out.
7. Serve warm by spreading with soft butter and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, then rolling up like a soft taco for traditional presentation.
07. Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls
Mashed potatoes create incredibly soft and tender dinner rolls with amazing staying power. These rolls stay fresh longer than regular bread and have a subtle potato flavor that complements any meal.
Ingredients: 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes, 3 cups bread flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, ¾ cup warm milk, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon salt.
How To Make Fluffy Potato Dinner Rolls
1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar, letting it foam for 5-8 minutes to ensure it’s active.
2. Mix mashed potatoes, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the foamy yeast mixture to the potato mixture, stirring until incorporated, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball and placing on greased baking sheets.
7. Cover shaped rolls and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy, then bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top.
08. Creamy Potato Soup
Turn thick mashed potatoes into silky smooth soup with just a few additions. This comforting bowl warms you from the inside out and tastes like it simmered all day long.
Ingredients: 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 4 strips bacon, 1 medium onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 green onions chopped.
How To Make Creamy Potato Soup
1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy, then remove and crumble, reserving 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté diced onion in the bacon fat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly golden around the edges.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Whisk in chicken broth gradually, then add mashed potatoes and whisk vigorously until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
5. Bring soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom.
6. Stir in milk and heavy cream, heating through for 3-4 minutes without boiling to prevent curdling.
7. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese until melted, then serve topped with remaining cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
09. Elegant Chantilly Potatoes
These sophisticated twice-baked style potatoes get a luxurious upgrade with whipped cream and Gruyère cheese. Perfect for dinner parties, they transform humble leftovers into an elegant side dish.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Gruyère cheese, 2 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, salt and white pepper to taste.
How To Make Elegant Chantilly Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
2. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks using an electric mixer, being careful not to over-whip into butter.
3. Beat egg yolks with softened butter until light and creamy, then fold into the mashed potatoes along with half the Gruyère cheese.
4. Season the potato mixture with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the potato mixture, maintaining as much volume as possible for the lightest texture.
6. Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is heated through, creating an impressive side dish worthy of any special occasion.
10. Tex-Mex Potato Quesadillas
Crispy flour tortillas filled with seasoned mashed potatoes create a satisfying vegetarian meal. These quesadillas cook up quickly and make a perfect weeknight dinner when time is short.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 8 large flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, 1 can diced green chiles, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, salsa and sour cream for serving.
How To Make Tex-Mex Potato Quesadillas
1. Mix mashed potatoes with diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder until seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat while you assemble the quesadillas for even cooking.
3. Spread seasoned potato mixture on half of each tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent spillage.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the potato mixture, then fold tortillas in half and press gently to seal the edges.
5. Cook quesadillas one at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, pressing down occasionally with a spatula.
6. Let cooked quesadillas rest for 2 minutes before cutting into wedges to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent messy serving.
11. Tender Buttermilk Potato Biscuits
Leftover mashed potatoes create incredibly moist and fluffy biscuits with a delicate crumb. These biscuits stay fresh longer than traditional versions and have a subtle potato flavor that’s absolutely delicious.
Ingredients: 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup cold butter cubed, ¾ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing.
How To Make Tender Buttermilk Potato Biscuits
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and ensure your mashed potatoes are at room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, then cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add mashed potatoes to the flour mixture and toss gently to coat, breaking up any large chunks with your fingers.
4. Pour buttermilk over the mixture and stir just until dough comes together, being careful not to overmix which creates tough biscuits.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a ¾-inch thick rectangle, handling as little as possible.
6. Cut straight down with a floured biscuit cutter or glass, avoiding twisting motions that prevent proper rising.
7. Place biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet with sides touching for soft sides, then bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown and brush tops with melted butter.
12. Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
This hearty casserole combines leftover mashed potatoes with ham and cheese for ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for using up holiday leftovers and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients: 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 2 cups diced cooked ham, 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons butter melted.
How To Make Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Combine mashed potatoes, diced ham, 1 cup cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream in a large bowl, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Fold in frozen mixed vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
5. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining cheese, then sprinkle over the casserole for a golden, crunchy topping.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until heated through and top is golden brown.
13. Adorable Meatloaf Cupcakes
These individual meatloaves baked in muffin tins and topped with piped mashed potatoes look like frosted cupcakes. Kids love the fun presentation while adults appreciate the perfectly portioned comfort food.
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, 1½ pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ½ cup ketchup divided, 1 packet onion soup mix, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, fresh chives for garnish.
How To Make Adorable Meatloaf Cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup ketchup, onion soup mix, and milk in a large bowl, mixing just until combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
3. Divide meat mixture evenly among muffin cups, pressing gently to fill each cup about ¾ full for even cooking.
4. Brush tops of each meatloaf with remaining ketchup for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and tops are nicely browned.
6. Meanwhile, warm mashed potatoes with butter and transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
7. Let meatloaf cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then pipe mashed potato “frosting” on top and garnish with chopped fresh chives for the perfect cupcake appearance.
Final Thoughts
These creative recipes prove that leftover mashed potatoes deserve a starring role in your kitchen. From crispy cakes to comforting casseroles, each dish transforms yesterday’s side into today’s main attraction.
Next time you have extra mashed potatoes, skip the microwave reheat and try one of these exciting transformations instead. Your family will be amazed at your culinary creativity.