Don’t get us wrong, we love classic leftover mashed potatoes with gravy. However, why not step up your leftovers game? Check out these 19 recipes that use leftover mashed potatoes in delicious and inventive ways! From doughnuts to casseroles to pancakes to candy, you’ll be shocked at how many different ways you can utilize leftover mashed potatoes.
Post Thanksgiving Potato Pancakes
“I don’t know which I like best… mashed potatoes or the potato pancakes made from the leftovers. I love these things served with sour cream.” – Barbara
Mashed Potato Doughnuts
“This recipe is great if you have leftover mashed potatoes. It seems odd, but it tastes great.” – Heather
Loaded Mashed Potato Bites
“Found a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. These remind me of those bites that they used to serve at Arby’s.” – Adrienne
Chicken and Potato Waffles
“Take off on chicken and waffles… pure country.” – Dave
Shepherdess’ Pie
“I had some leftover chicken and decided to do a spin on Shepherd’s Pie and since it is made with chicken instead of lamb or beef I thought I’d call it Shepherdess’ Pie.” – Patti
Loaded Potato Casserole
“This creamy and savory loaded potato casserole is jammed-packed with bacon and cheese. It is comfort food and perfect for serving a crowd.” – Debbie
The Old-Fashioned Potato Candy
“My mother used to make this for us in the middle 1900s. To us, it was the best candy we had. The main ingredients for this old-fashioned candy are mashed potato and confectioners’ sugar. You can use any flavoring you want or add peanuts, coconut, or chocolate.” – Leila
Turkey Shepherd Pie
“A turkey big enough for 20. Dinner was canceled because of snow. Turkey, turkey everywhere. That is what inspired this dish.” – joeyjoan
Mashed Potato Bites and Cheesy Dip
“A recipe I found and tweaked a bit to my family’s taste. I also added an easy cheesetastic dipping sauce to the side. These are so sinful and delicious!” – Christine
Potato Cake
“Another strange old recipe from my grandmother. I used to love this cake.” – Kathleen
Irish Boxty Pancakes for Halloween
“Though they eat these today in Ireland all the time, Boxty Potato Pancakes have been one of the most traditional Halloween recipes made for centuries. These pancakes are creamy, rich, and just wonderful. I think they’re best when cooked with onion and served savory, but you can also serve them plain with sugar or powdered sugar.” – Jenn
Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake
“I did this instead of making individual potato cakes and frying them. Trying to get away from frying. You can add any combination of cheeses you like.” – Ellen
Potato Cakes
“I made up this recipe back in 1985 when I got my first apartment and was beginning to experiment in the kitchen. I was trying to use leftovers, but I didn’t know how to cook. After many years of adjusting the recipe, this is how we make it now. Turns out we love to eat this with breakfast, eggs, bacon, and potato cakes!” – Helene
Lori’s Quick and Easy Shepherd’s Pie
“This is a quick go-to meal when we are in a hurry. It is a warm, down-home, comfort food and one of my family’s favorite dinners.” – Lori
Potato Scones
“Potatoes and scones just went together for my husband, so I put it in a recipe.” – Rose
Cheesy Parmesan Potato Pancakes
“I created this recipe from about 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes from a pork roast dinner. I thought the Parmesan cheese shreds would add lots of flavors. It was a great way to complete our dinner of leftover grilled pork chops. Serve with apple sauce or sour cream, they’re great.” – Rose Mary
Irish Gems
“These are a good use for leftover mashed potatoes. I’ve seen other recipes that say to use unseasoned mashed potatoes, but I use leftovers. Been making these for 40 years, and they’re a big hit with coconut lovers.” – Judy
Leftover Mashed Potato Cornbread
“I made this last night out of leftover mashed potatoes, it turned out to be very tasty.” – Gina
Mini Pot Roast Shepherd’s Pie Tarts
“I had leftover pot roast, potatoes, and veggies that I needed to transform into a round 2 meal and I remembered enjoying some little Shepherd’s Pie appetizers from Bj’s wholesale club at a party. These are quick and simple to make.” – Jennifer