Our Best Ideas for Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a quintessential part of the Thanksgiving feast. Just the thought of the holiday conjures up images of a bountiful table with a golden roasted turkey and Thanksgiving sides like corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing and, of course, a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes. From the first Thanksgiving to our modern-day celebrations, food has always been a way of bringing people together, and mashed potatoes have undoubtedly played an integral role in this tradition. The beauty of mashed potatoes lies in their simplicity. At their core, they are just potatoes, butter and milk or cream mashed together. Yet, when done right, they transform into a dish that's creamy, fluffy and comforting. Whether you like them with roasted garlic, chives, cheese or just plain with a dollop of butter, there's no denying their universal appeal.
However, as with many Thanksgiving dishes, it's easy to overestimate how much you'll need, leading to a mountain of leftovers. And while there's nothing wrong with enjoying mashed potatoes in their original form for days on end, it can get monotonous. But, fear not! Mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile, and there are numerous creative ways to give them a second life. For example, just a few cups of mashed potatoes can be easily transformed into crispy potato pancakes. These ones are stuffed with Cheddar cheese and sliced scallions and finished with a tangy dollop of sour cream, making them the ultimate addition to any day-after brunch.
