13 Clever Uses for Leftover Mashed Potatoes (2024)

FAQs

What dishes can be made from leftover mashed potatoes? ›

For instance, there are mashed potato enchiladas, potato croquettes, and mashed potato egg casserole—it's the perfect post-Thanksgiving breakfast meal. Of course, if you want to keep things classic, you can't go wrong with homemade shepherd's pie or a sandwich made with all your holiday favorites.

How Long You Can Keep Leftover Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes should easily last three to five days in the fridge if stored correctly and within two hours of cooking. This means ensuring there isn't any moisture buildup under the lid that could encourage the growth of bacteria.

Serve them in a variety of tasty pies, soups, tortillas and fish cakes, or a classic hash.

Yes! In fact, mashed potatoes are of the most freezer-friendly potato preparations out there. The key is to coat your potatoes with plenty of butter and cream. The fat from the dairy will protect the potatoes in the freezer and help them retain their flavor.

Add more cream and butter: More moisture and fat are the two secret ingredients to reheating any leftovers. For potatoes, reach for half-and-half or broth and butter. Cover and heat low and slow: Cover the baking dish and set it in a 350°F oven alongside any turkey leftovers you might be reheating too.

While gravy is a classic choice, mashed potatoes can be enjoyed with various toppings and sauces. Consider adding a dollop of butter, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a creamy cheese sauce.

How long can mashed potatoes be safely refrigerated? A: You can typically mash the potatoes and keep them refrigerated for about two to three days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container because if you don't, the pulp will oxidize and turn gray.

Key Points: Yes, dogs can eat plain mashed potatoes in moderation, but avoid seasonings. Mashed potatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron beneficial for dogs.

The three things to look at in determining whether your mashed potatoes are still good is their appearance, smell, and taste. If mashed potatoes don't look right or have any signs of mold, throw them out. The same goes for smell; if your mashed potatoes have any sort of unusual oder, it's time to get rid of them.

What else can be made from potatoes? ›

Yes! You absolutely can freeze potatoes, and you should if you have an excess of spuds. But there's one important thing to remember: You should really only freeze cooked or partially cooked potatoes, as raw potatoes contain a lot of water. This water freezes and, when thawed, makes the potatoes mushy and grainy.

Put the potatoes in a freezer bag or airtight freezer container. Once the mashed potatoes have been cooled, they should be transferred from their serving dish (or the container used to store them in the refrigerator) into a vessel specifically designed for freezer storage.

Milk, yogurt, cream, sour cream, buttermilk, and soft cheeses all become inedible once frozen, since they separate and curdle upon defrosting, changing the texture and consistency entirely. Your milk will separate into a watery mess, for example, and your yogurt will become grainy, curdle, and separate when defrosted.

First things first: potatoes should never be frozen raw. They contain a lot of water, which when thawed will give the potato a mushy or grainy texture.

Another nice thing about leftover mashed potatoes is that you can use them as a blank canvas and add in other ingredients. Stir in some sour cream, grated garlic, and chives, or add a generous amount of grated parmesan and cracked black pepper. With so many different ways to flavor them, you'll never be bored.

Reduce Them Over Heat

You can also thicken your mashed potatoes by continuing to cook them on the stove with the lid off. Heat draws the excess moisture out of runny potatoes, leaving you with a denser finished product.