What To Do With Leftover Mashed Potatoes? 5 Surprising And Scrumptious Uses

Leftover mashed potatoes are a culinary treasure, a blank canvas for endless culinary creations. Whether you’re looking to transform them into savory sides, comforting soups, or indulgent treats, the possibilities are endless. Here’s a comprehensive guide to inspire your leftover mashed potato adventures:

Side Dish Delights

• Crispy Potato Cakes: Shape leftover mashed potatoes into patties, coat them in breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden brown for a crispy and savory side.
• Potato Gnocchi: Mix mashed potatoes with flour, eggs, and salt to form a dough. Roll and cut the dough into gnocchi and boil or pan-fry for a tender and flavorful dish.
• Potato Croquettes: Add cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs to mashed potatoes, shape them into croquettes, and deep-fry for a crispy and cheesy treat.

Soup Sensations

• Creamy Potato Soup: Simmer leftover mashed potatoes in milk or broth with onions, celery, and carrots for a comforting and velvety soup.
• Cheesy Potato Chowder: Combine mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and vegetables in a broth-based soup for a rich and satisfying chowder.
• Potato and Leek Soup: Sauté leeks and add them to mashed potatoes in a broth-based soup for a fragrant and flavorful delight.

Comforting Casseroles

• Potato Shepherd’s Pie: Layer mashed potatoes over a ground meat and vegetable filling for a classic and comforting casserole.
• Potato Gratin: Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden brown for a creamy and cheesy delight.
• Potato and Sausage Casserole: Combine mashed potatoes with sausage, vegetables, and herbs in a casserole dish and bake for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Indulgent Treats

• Potato Pancakes: Mix leftover mashed potatoes with flour, eggs, and spices. Form into pancakes and fry until golden brown for a savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
• Potato Donuts: Add sugar and spices to mashed potatoes, form into donuts, and deep-fry for a sweet and indulgent treat.
• Potato Muffins: Combine mashed potatoes with flour, baking powder, and spices. Bake in muffin tins for a fluffy and flavorful snack or side.

Creative Creations

• Potato Pizza Crust: Use leftover mashed potatoes as a pizza crust for a unique and crispy base. Top with your favorite toppings for a delicious twist.
• Potato Bread: Mix mashed potatoes with flour, yeast, and water to create a soft and flavorful bread.
• Potato Dumplings: Add herbs and spices to mashed potatoes and form into dumplings. Cook in soups or stews for a hearty and comforting addition.

The Ultimate Potato Adventure

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to unleash your culinary creativity and transform leftover mashed potatoes into an array of delectable dishes. From savory sides to comforting soups, indulgent treats to creative creations, the possibilities are endless. So, let your imagination soar and embark on the ultimate potato adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 3 months. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.

Q: How can I reheat leftover mashed potatoes?
A: You can reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent dryness.

Q: What spices can I add to mashed potatoes?
A: Common spices to enhance mashed potatoes include garlic powder, onion powder, chives, parsley, rosemary, and nutmeg.

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes to make hash browns?
A: Yes, you can form leftover mashed potatoes into patties and pan-fry them to create crispy hash browns.

Q: What vegetables can I add to mashed potatoes?
A: Roasted garlic, sautéed spinach, mashed carrots, or peas are great additions to mashed potatoes.