8 Things to Make With Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Potato cakes, soup, shepherd’s pie, gnocchi-style dumplings, loaded potato skillet and more, plus how to store and reheat mashed potatoes.
Cold mashed potatoes are a gift. Once chilled they firm up, so they can be shaped, fried, baked or stirred into soup, and most of the work (peeling, boiling, mashing) is already done.
Store them safely
Refrigerate mashed potatoes within 2 hours of cooking (within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F) in a shallow, covered container. Use them within 3 to 4 days, and reheat anything you plan to eat hot to 165°F. Check it with a leftovers timing guide if you are unsure how long something has been in the fridge.
Tips for using them up
- Chilled is better for shaping. Cold potatoes hold together for cakes and dumplings; warm ones turn sticky.
- Loosen for soup, firm up for frying. Add milk or broth for soups. For frying, add a spoonful or two of flour or breadcrumbs.
- Season again. Cold potatoes taste blander than hot ones, so taste and add salt before cooking.
Not sure what else is in the fridge? Try the What Can I Make tool, or see what to make with leftover rice and how to freeze and reheat dinners.
Crispy mashed potato cakes
8 cakes
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter for frying
Mix everything except the oil, shape into 8 patties and pan-fry over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and hot through.
Creamy potato soup
4 servings
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- Salt and pepper
- Bacon bits and chives, to top
Whisk the potatoes into the warm broth, simmer 10 minutes, stir in the milk and cheese and heat gently until steaming. Season to taste.
Shepherd’s pie
6 servings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 cups mashed potatoes
Brown the beef and onion until the beef reaches 160°F, stir in the flour, broth and vegetables and simmer 5 minutes. Top with the potatoes and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden at the edges.
Potato dumplings
4 servings
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
- Marinara or browned butter, to serve
Mix into a soft dough, roll into ropes, cut into 1-inch pieces and boil until they float, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss with sauce.
Loaded potato skillet
4 servings
- 3 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 4 eggs
- Sour cream and green onions
Press the potatoes into an oiled skillet and cook 6 to 8 minutes until the bottom crisps. Top with bacon and cheese, make four wells, crack in the eggs, cover and cook until the whites are set.
Cheesy potato bites
20 bites
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix, roll into balls and bake at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once, or air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
Potato-topped chicken pot pie bowls
4 servings
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups chicken gravy or cream sauce
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Stir the chicken, vegetables and gravy together, spoon into oven-safe bowls, top with potatoes and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until bubbling and hot through (165°F).
Fluffy potato rolls or pancakes
10 pancakes
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Whisk the potatoes, milk and egg until mostly smooth, stir in the dry ingredients and cook 1/4-cup scoops on a lightly oiled griddle for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with butter or a fried egg.
Questions, answered
How long are leftover mashed potatoes good for?
Refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within 3 to 4 days. They can also be frozen in a flat bag for longer storage.
How do you reheat mashed potatoes so they are not dry?
Warm them in a covered pot or microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk or a pat of butter, stirring often, until steaming hot (165°F).
Can you freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes. Freeze them in a flat, airtight bag or container, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little milk or butter. Potatoes made with plenty of butter or cream freeze best.
