10 Tasty Recipes with Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potato is a blessing in disguise. Instead of tossing them, make them into satisfying, budget-friendly new dishes. Mashed potatoes are soft, creamy & easy to season - they make the base of dozens of recipes. You can turn yesterday's side dish into something entirely different for breakfast and dinner: crispy croquettes, savory pancakes or a full-on shepherd's pie. They also fill casseroles, wraps or stuffed vegetables.

From picky eaters, to meal prepping for the week, to just plain ol' comfort food cravings, there's a leftover mashed potato recipe for the occasion. Below are 10 creative, simple, family-approved ideas to give your mash some new life. You'll waste less food, have tasty meals with little work, and achieve optimum satisfaction.

Why You Should Never Waste Mashed Potatoes

Wasting mashed potatoes is losing food—it's losing the chance to make something delicious, budget-friendly, and comforting. Mashed potatoes have many variations that may be prepared as croquettes (often deep fried or formed into patties as potato pancakes), casseroles, soups, and more. Repurposing them frees up your grocery budget and cuts down on household food waste, both environmentally and financially.

Often, just a little bit of cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs can transform leftovers into substantial, family-pleasing meals. Reusing mashed potatoes also saves time in the kitchen on those quick meal days. Accepting food reuse is smart cooking and a step toward more sustainable living.

Easy & Must-Try Ideas For You 

Here are 10 creative must-try recipes for you. Let's explore together: 

1. Cheesy Potato Croquettes (Best Overall)

Why it's great: Crispy outside, cheesy inside – a restaurant-style snack made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes

• Cheddar cheese

• Breadcrumbs

• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder)

• Cornstarch or egg for binding

Quick Tip:

Cheddar cheese powder or instant mashed potato powder enhances flavor and texture.

Full Recipe: Cheesy Potato Croquette Recipe

2. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

How to Make:

• Combine leftover mash with flour, eggs, and green onions.

• Pan-fry until golden.

• Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

3. Mashed Potato Shepherd's Pie

A hearty, comforting dinner option.

Ingredients:

• Ground meat (beef or lentils)

• Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• Gravy or tomato paste

• Top with mashed potatoes and bake

4. Potato Quesadillas

Fast, cheesy, and kid-friendly.

How to Make:

• Spread mashed potatoes on a tortilla

• Add cheese, spices, and fold

• Grill or pan-fry until crispy

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers

A healthier twist with extra flavor.

Method:

• Mix mashed potatoes with cheese, black beans, or veggies

• Stuff into halved bell peppers

• Bake for 20 minutes

6. Mashed Potato Soup

Creamy, warm, and perfect for chilly days.

Add-ins:

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Cheese, bacon bits, green onions

• Blend for a smooth finish or leave chunky

7. Mashed Potato Patties (Vegan Option)

Budget-friendly and freezer-ready.

• Mix mash with oats, flour, or breadcrumbs

• Add herbs and spices

• Pan-fry or bake

8. Mashed Potato Pizza Crust

Low-carb and gluten-free alternative.

How to Make:

• Mix mash with egg and cheese

• Spread on a baking sheet, bake for 15 minutes

• Add toppings and rebake

9. Mashed Potato Donuts (Yes, really!)

Sweet, fluffy, and unique.

• Combine with flour, sugar, and yeast

• Deep fry and coat with cinnamon sugar

10. Mashed Potato Casserole

Great for feeding a crowd.

• Layer mashed potatoes with meats or veggies

• Add cheese and breadcrumbs on top

• Bake until bubbly

Ready to turn your leftovers into something unforgettable? Try one of these easy mashed potato recipes from Z Natural Foods today and give your meals a second life!

Quick Reference Table

Bonus Tips

Proper storage and handling of your leftover mashed potatoes will help you get the best results. Use them within 3 or 4 days; refrigerate in an airtight container. When reusing them, season with rosemary, chives, or thyme; these are not hard to add and give it plenty of flavor.

Reheat slowly and stir in some milk or a pat of butter to get them to their original creamy state. Not only does this flavor them up, but it revives your mashed potatoes with little effort.

Conclusion

Don't waste mashed potato leftovers! A little creativity and this side dish can be changed into several tasty meals that don't involve reheating. We have explained recipes for all things - from crispy golden potato pancakes to frothy loaded mashed potato casserole to tasty shepherd's pie to sweet and creamy mashed potato doughnuts you name it.

These are ideas for busy weeknights, family gatherings or meal prepping for the week. A favorite is Cheesy Potato Croquettes, crispy cheesy snacks that kids and adults love. But don’t stop there! With so many variations that can be filled with any ingredient and seasoned with any spice you like, you can experiment with new comfort food favorites.