25 Best Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes

Got a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t let them go to waste! Check out these delicious recipes with leftover mashed potatoes that’ll turn last night’s side dish into today’s showstopper. Here are 25 of the best leftover mashed potato recipes you need to try.
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25 Best Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes
Mashed Potato Fritters
Ever wanted your mashed potatoes with a side of crunch? Say hello to these golden fritters! Fry ’em up and dip them in your fave sauce. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Oh my cheese! These puffs are the stuff of dreams. Gooey on the inside, crispy on the outside. Best served hot and shared with people you really, really like.
Mashed Potato Balls (Crispy and Cheesy)
Let’s ball out with these crispy and cheesy delights! Bite into a crispy shell and get ready for a melted cheese surprise. Great for impressing guests… or yourself.
Corn & Cheddar Mashed Potato Fritters
Give those fritters a sweet and cheesy twist with corn and cheddar. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite. Ideal for brunch or late-night munchies.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes Gnocchi
Turn those spuds into fancy Italian cuisine! These gnocchis are soft, pillowy, and just waiting to be drenched in your favorite sauce. Molto bene!
Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy, dreamy soup. A comforting dish that’s perfect for rainy days, snowy days, or… pretty much any day.
Twice Baked Potato Cups
Double the baking, double the yum! These little cups pack a flavor punch and make for a delicious and cute side dish. Kids love ’em!
Potato Patties | Fried Potato Cakes
Flat but packed with flavor! These potato cakes have a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Serve ’em up with some sour cream and chives.
Leftover Mashed Potato Casserole
Who says casseroles are boring? Not this one! Layer up those mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and whatever your heart desires. Bake to perfection!
Baked Potato Croquettes
Get a taste of Europe with these fancy croquettes! Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Dip them in some aioli and you’re in for a treat.
Potato Waffles
Move over, regular waffles! These savory potato waffles are the real breakfast MVP. Top ’em with some smoked salmon and cream cheese for a fancy twist.
Mashed Potato Flatbread
Bread just got an upgrade! This soft, chewy flatbread uses your leftover mashed potatoes and pairs well with… literally everything.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser. Meaty, veggie goodness topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
Potato Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! These rolls are perfect for sandwiches or just on their own with a slather of butter. Baking just got a lot more fun.
Meaty Stuffed Mashed Potato Balls
For those days when you need something extra satisfying. Stuffed with meat and fried to perfection, these balls are a whole meal in one bite.
Chocolate Mashed Potato Cake
You read that right – chocolate and potatoes! This delightful cake uses the creaminess of mashed potatoes to give it a moist and tender crumb. And guess what? You won’t even taste the spuds. This cake is a game changer.
Creamy Mashed Potato Salad
Forget the regular ol’ potato salad. This creamy masterpiece takes your leftover mashed potatoes and elevates them to picnic-perfection. Creamy, zesty and oh-so-yummy!
Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins
Think muffins, but with mashed potatoes. These savory puffins are a garlic lover’s dream. Plus, the chives give them that extra chef’s kiss touch. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles
These chocolate truffles are the perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes and rich chocolate. And they’re so fancy, no one will guess they’re made from leftovers. You can also add cinnamon for a cinnamon roll mashed potato truffles.
Leftover Mashed Potato Doughnuts
Morning munchies or midnight snack, these doughnuts are the real deal. Soft, fluffy, and with a hint of spud-goodness, they’re a treat to your taste buds.
Potato Egg Cups
Breakfast just got a whole lot better! These potato egg cups are a brilliant combo of your favorite breakfast ingredients. Super easy to make and perfect for on-the-go!
Potato Pancakes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. These potato pancakes are the bomb dot com! Serve ’em up with some sour cream or applesauce. Brunch goals, anyone?
Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
The future is here, folks. Take those mashed potatoes, roll ’em into balls, pop ’em in the air fryer and boom! Golden, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth potato goodness.
Mashed Potato Tots
Move over regular tots. These little bites of heaven are a fun twist on the classic. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Bet you can’t eat just one!
Mashed Potato Fries
Who needs regular fries when you’ve got these bad boys? Crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect with your favorite dip or just on their own.
These leftover mashed potato recipes can be a life-saver, especially when you’ve got tons from your Thanksgiving feast.
Which one of these top leftover mashed potatoes recipes is your favorite? And did we miss any you think should be included in this guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!

25 Best Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes
Ingredients
- Mashed Potato Fritters
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Mashed Potato Balls (Crispy and Cheesy)
- Corn & Cheddar Mashed Potato Fritters
- Leftover Mashed Potatoes Gnocchi
- Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
- Twice Baked Potato Cups
- Potato Patties | Fried Potato Cakes
- Leftover Mashed Potato Casserole
- Baked Potato Croquettes
- Potato Waffles
- Mashed Potato Flatbread
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Potato Rolls
- Meaty Stuffed Mashed Potato Balls
- Chocolate Mashed Potato Cake
- Creamy Mashed Potato Salad
- Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins
- Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles
- Leftover Mashed Potato Doughnuts
- Potato Egg Cups
- Potato Pancakes
- Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Mashed Potato Tots
- Mashed Potato Fries
Instructions
- Click the leftover mashed potatoes recipe you’d like to make for its full list of ingredients and directions.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can mashed potatoes last in the fridge?
Leftover mashed potatoes stored in an airtight container are good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you’re thinking Thanksgiving leftovers, this is good to know, right?
How do you make leftover mashed potatoes good again?
Reheating those mashed taters is a game changer. Toss them in a pan over low heat. Yes, a pan is your friend here. Stir in a little bit of milk or cream to get them creamy again.
Want to get fancy? Toss in some green onions or cheddar cheese for a loaded mashed potato.
Should I freeze leftover mashed potatoes
Absolutely! If you’ve got more mashed potatoes than you can eat in a few days, pop them into the freezer.
Just make sure to put them in an airtight container before freezing, where they will last for up to a year. Technically, you could be enjoying this year’s Thanksgiving leftovers next year too!
How do you make frozen mashed potatoes fluffy again?
First, defrost the leftover mashed potato. Then, take a pan and reheat them on low heat. Add a little butter or milk to bring back the fluff. Stir it up, and that’s it!
What to add into mashed potatoes
Ooh, the possibilities! You can toss in onions, green onions, or chives too..
If you’re into cheese, cheddar cheese makes it rich and gooey. And let’s not forget good ol’ salt and black pepper for that basic seasoning.
How do you fix mashed potatoes that aren’t soft enough?
If your potato mixture isn’t soft enough, put it back in the pan. Add a bit of milk or cream and cook on low heat. Keep stirring until you get that dreamy texture. Don’t rush it; let the pan work its magic.
How do you save ruined mashed potatoes?
Ugh, ruined mashed potatoes are a bummer, but all is not lost. If they’re too runny, you can thicken them up with a little flour or even some mashed potato flakes. Too salty? Add more potatoes or even some gravy to balance things out.
Why has my mashed potato go gluey?
Gluey mashed potatoes happen when you over-mash them. Overworking the potatoes releases more starch, making them sticky and gluey.
If you have gluey mashed potatoes, you can make mashed potato pancakes, leftover mashed potato muffins, or just add some panko breadcrumbs on top of a casserole to help doctor the gluey texture!
What are different seasonings for mashed potatoes?
Basic salt and black pepper are a given. Garlic powder, a dash of thyme or rosemary, also tastes great. You can also add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
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