10+ Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes to Make Your Meals Delicious and Easy

Got leftover mashed potatoes hanging around after dinner? Happens to the best of us.

Instead of tossing them, you can whip up all sorts of tasty dishes. Using what you’ve already got saves you a few bucks and keeps food out of the trash, which honestly just feels good.

Maybe you always think of mashed potatoes as a side, but they can do so much more. There are plenty of easy ways to turn them into snacks or even main courses that everyone at home will actually want to eat.

Ingredients

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Other basic pantry ingredients (depends on the recipe)

Cooking Instructions

• Just follow the steps for whichever recipe you pick.

1) Mashed Potato Pancakes with cheese and herbs

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into pancakes—super simple and honestly pretty satisfying. Toss in some cheese and fresh herbs for more flavor.

These pancakes get crispy on the outside and stay soft inside. Mix in shredded cheese and chopped herbs like chives or parsley, or whatever you’ve got.

Add an egg and a little flour to help everything stick together. Cook the pancakes in a hot pan with a bit of oil until they’re golden.

They make a quick snack or meal. I like them with sour cream or yogurt, but do what you like.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work great)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, etc.)
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, flour, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Shape into small patties.
4. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
5. Drain on paper towels. Eat while warm.

For more tips, check out this easy recipe for cheesy leftover mashed potato pancakes.

2) Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes with ham

Leftover mashed potatoes make awesome cheesy cakes, especially with a little ham tossed in. Crispy outside, soft inside—can’t go wrong.

Mix the potatoes with diced ham and shredded cheddar. Shape into patties and fry them in a bit of oil until both sides are golden.

Serve these warm. They’re great for using up leftovers and adding a bit of fun to your meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 3/4 cup diced ham
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix mashed potatoes, ham, and cheese in a bowl.
2. Shape into patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium.
4. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
5. Serve warm.

More details over here: ham and cheese mashed potato cakes recipe.

3) Mashed Potato Bake with sour cream and onion powder

This mashed potato bake is creamy and tangy, thanks to sour cream and onion powder. It’s easy to throw together and works for family dinners or holidays.

Add some butter on top before baking for a golden crust. Bake until it’s bubbly and you’ll get a fresh spin on your leftovers.

This one pairs well with meat or veggies. If you want to make it ahead, it keeps well in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed potatoes, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread in a greased baking dish.
4. Dot butter on top.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes until heated through and golden.

4) Leftover Mashed Potato Tacos with lettuce and salsa

Mashed potato tacos? Trust me, it works. Warm up tortillas, fill them with mashed potatoes, and add shredded lettuce and salsa for crunch and freshness.

If you want, throw on some cheese or sour cream. The toppings give a nice balance to the creamy potatoes.

Spice up your mashed potatoes with garlic or onion powder before stuffing the tacos. It’s a quick lunch or dinner that doesn’t need meat.

Ingredients

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Shredded lettuce
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
2. Reheat mashed potatoes until hot.
3. Spread potatoes on each tortilla.
4. Top with lettuce and salsa.
5. Add cheese and sour cream if you want.
6. Serve right away.

Get more ideas here: Tacos de Papa Recipe.

5) Mashed Potato Casserole topped with crispy bacon

Mashed potato casserole is a classic way to use up leftovers. Mix creamy mashed potatoes with cheese and onion dip for extra flavor.

Top with crispy bacon for crunch and smoky taste. If you want more texture, sprinkle fried onions or crushed chips on top.

Bake it until the cheese melts and the top gets golden. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for a family meal or potluck.

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup onion dip
• 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup fried onions or crushed potato chips (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and onion dip in a bowl.
3. Spread in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle bacon and fried onions (or chips) on top.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes until hot and golden.

6) Potato Croquettes filled with melted cheese

Potato croquettes are a fun way to use up mashed potatoes. Shape the potatoes around a chunk of cheese, and when you cook them, the cheese melts inside.

You can bake or fry them. Baking is a bit healthier, but frying gives you that extra crunch.

Pick a cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar. Coat the croquettes in breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. They’re a great snack or side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or whatever you like)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Scoop and flatten mashed potatoes.
2. Put a piece of cheese in the middle.
3. Wrap potato around cheese to seal.
4. Beat the egg.
5. Dip croquettes in egg, then breadcrumbs.
6. Fry in hot oil (350°F/175°C) until golden or bake at 400°F/200°C for 20 minutes.
7. Let cool a bit before serving.

Find more tips here: baked cheesy potato croquettes.

7) Mashed Potato Puffs as a protein-packed breakfast

Mashed potato puffs are a solid breakfast move. Mix leftover mashed potatoes with eggs and cheese for a protein boost.

They’re creamy inside and crispy outside. Add chives or green onions if you want more flavor.

You can fry or bake them—whatever’s easier. These are kid-friendly and good for meal prep too.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (room temp)
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup finely diced chives
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan (350°F / 175°C), or preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C.
3. Form into balls or puffs.
4. Fry until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side, or bake 15–20 minutes until crispy.
5. Let cool a bit before eating.

More details here: Leftover Mashed Potato Puffs recipe.

8) Shepherd’s Pie using leftover mashed potatoes as topping

Shepherd’s pie is a classic way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Start by cooking ground meat with onions and veggies like peas and carrots.

Spread the mashed potatoes on top for a creamy layer. Bake until the top gets golden and a little crispy, about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Sprinkle cheese on top if you’re feeling it. This is a quick, cozy dinner that uses what’s already in your fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground meat and onions in a skillet.
3. Add veggies and cook 5 minutes. Season to taste.
4. Spread meat and veggies in a baking dish.
5. Top with mashed potatoes.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top if you want.
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.

9) Mashed Potato Stuffed Bell Peppers

Got leftover mashed potatoes? Try stuffing them into bell peppers for a quick, colorful meal.

The sweet crunch of bell peppers just works with creamy potatoes. I like to toss in some chopped onions or fresh herbs—totally up to you.

Start by slicing the tops off the peppers and scooping out the seeds. Pile in your mashed potatoes.

If you’re feeling it, throw in some cheese or maybe a bit of cooked meat. Pop everything in the oven and bake until those peppers soften up and the filling is nice and hot.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cheese, cooked meat, fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and pull out the seeds.
3. Sauté onions in olive oil until they soften.
4. Stir the onions into your mashed potatoes. Add salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mashed potato mixture.
6. Put the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers feel tender.
8. Pull off the foil, sprinkle on cheese if you want, and bake another 5 minutes.

10) Mashed Potato and Vegetable Patties

Got leftover mashed potatoes? You can turn them into these cozy, crispy vegetable patties.

Just mix the potatoes with some chopped cooked veggies—think carrots, peas, or corn. Toss in a bit of salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Shape everything into small patties. Fry them in a splash of butter or oil until they’re golden and have a bit of crunch on both sides.

Honestly, you can use whatever veggies you find in the fridge. This recipe’s pretty forgiving.

They’re great for a snack or a side dish. And hey, they reheat surprisingly well.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup mixed cooked vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the mashed potatoes, vegetables, and egg in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small patties.
4. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
5. Fry patties for 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.