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Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes

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If you are in need of Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes, I can help. Oh boy can I help.  Using up leftover mashed potatoes is hands down one of my favorite ways to experiment in the kitchen!

 

Collage of images for leftover mashed potato recipes

 

If you’re like me you’ve made too many mashed potatoes.  Now this may not seem like a problem, but let’s be honest, they are delicious!  

However sometimes you just need to find another way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.  Gravy just isn’t cutting it 3 days later.

So the question begs, what to do with leftover mashed potatoes!  

I have 24 recipes below that will make your mouth water and your brain say – get in my belly!  But first, let’s talk about some of those frequently asked questions you might also wonder about.

 

Photo of Crispy Potato Tacos - Dorados

 

How long are leftover mashed potatoes good for?

The consensus is that potatoes are good in your fridge for 3 – 5 days after making them. 

To help you better know how to tell when mashed potatoes go ‘bad’ you’ll want to look for 2 distinct signs.

  1. The liquids will separate from the solids.  You’ll start to see a clear watery substance at the bottom of your container. Don’t worry, this is ok – as long as the liquid is clear.  If your liquid is cloudy and smells a bit sour, you’ve gone past the good by date and entered a no eat zone.
  2. Fuzz.  Mold will grow on potatoes.  Check your potatoes before eating.  If you can visibly see mold, toss the entire container.  

 

Healthy Potato Samosas

 

Can you freeze leftover mashed potatoes?

The good news is YES you can freeze your mashed potatoes.  Some worry that if you have sour cream, butter or even milk or cream that you can’t freeze them.  This is incorrect. 

In fact those help the mashed potatoes last longer in the freezer! Frozen mashed potatoes can last up to 1 month in the freezer. So make them ahead, freeze them and then thaw, warm and serve at your next gathering!

To freeze your mashed potatoes, simply follow these easy steps.

  1. Make potatoes according to recipe directions. Personally I’m a huge fan of these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and these Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes.
  2. Cool potatoes to room temperature.  Or toss them in the fridge to fully cool.
  3. Store mashed potatoes in a freezer container.  Zipper bags, even the made for freezer kind, tend to not do as good of a job as a container.  The lining is thinner.  However a nice plastic container with a lid will do great.
  4. Write the date on your container – when you made them and best by date.  
  5. Freeze!
  6. Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in fridge for 12 – 24 hours before using.

 

Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi

 

How do I reheat leftover mashed potatoes?

Whether you’ve stored your potatoes in the fridge or the freezer, at some point it’s time to warm them up and enjoy them once again. 

To do this there are 3 options.

  1. How to reheat mashed potatoes on the stove: Place thawed mashed potatoes in a pot on the stove.  Turn heat to a medium low temperature to slowly bring them up to room temperature.  Mix as best you can every few minutes to prevent burning. Once potatoes are room temperature or warm, add extra fat. This can be milk – 1 Tablespoon per cup, butter – 1/2 tablespoon per cup or sour cream – 1 Tablespoon per cup.  This will help them be creamy and delicious.  
  2. How to reheat mashed potatoes in the oven: Place mashed potatoes in a dish and cover with foil.  I like to use a casserole dish.  Cook at 350*F for 20 minutes or until warmed through.  Add extra fat, mix and serve.  This can be milk – 1 Tablespoon per cup, butter – 1/2 tablespoon per cup or sour cream – 1 Tablespoon per cup.
  3. How to reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave: Place mashed potatoes in a microwave safe dish.  Place in the microwave and cook in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each cooking cycle until desired temperature is reached. Add extra fat as needed to reach desired creaminess. This can be milk – 1 Tablespoon per cup, butter – 1/2 tablespoon per cup or sour cream – 1 Tablespoon per cup.

 

Papas Rellenas - Cuban Meat Balls

 

How to make leftover mashed potatoes creamy again?

If you’ve ready above then you’ll already know my secret to make leftover mashed potatoes creamy again!  You’ll need to add a little more fat to the potatoes as they warm up.  My favorite calculations are as follows: Milk – 1 Tablespoon per cup of potatoes, butter – 1/2 tablespoon per cup or sour cream – 1 Tablespoon per cup.

 

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

 

What to do with Leftover Mashed Potatoes?

Now that you know how to get the most out of your leftover mashed potatoes, let’s talk about all the delicious ways you can use them!

Personally I’m a huge fan of leftover mashed potato pancakes, leftover mashed potato casserole, leftover mashed potato soup, leftover mashed potato gnocchi or my absolute favorite – leftover mashed potato rolls!  

Can you tell I love leftover mashed potato recipes!  Don’t worry, scroll below to find out all the ways you can use up your leftovers!

 

Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes

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