12 Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes That Will Make You Glad You've Got Extras

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.

One of the most satisfying ways to transform leftover mashed potatoes is to make them into crispy potato croquettes. Wrapped in panko breadcrumbs and deep fried, these little bites of goodness are served with cranberry sauce and turkey graving for dipping.

Who wouldn't love a recipe for potato soup that uses leftover mashed potatoes as a base? Add to that some smoky poblano peppers and sweet corn and you have a way to use your mashed potatoes in a dish that has a totally new and different flavor profile.

This pizza recipe brilliantly marries the savory richness of bacon with the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes, offering an innovative and delectable way to repurpose those Thanksgiving leftovers. By using the classic canvas of a pizza crust, it transforms a familiar side dish into a mouthwatering main course, that’s topped with mozzarella, leeks, basil and chopped bacon.

A classic holiday side can easily become a delightful and filling breakfast or brunch dish. By pairing the earthy taste of sage-infused potato cakes with a savory turkey hash and a perfectly fried egg, it provides a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, ensuring that every bite is a nostalgic nod to the festive feasts, while offering a refreshing twist for morning palates.

This recipe elevates the humble mashed potato by transforming it into crispy, golden fritters laced with the spicy kick of cayenne and the umami depth of Parmesan. The combination of simple, everyday ingredients results in a delightful snack that's both familiar in flavor and unexpected in presentation.

Mashed potatoes can make a great filling for comforting potato dumplings. This recipe uses store-bought wonton wrappers to simplify the recipe, which pairs the dumplings with a easy and flavorful butter and herb sauce.

Creamy mashed potatoes make a great filling for quiche, especially when combined with sausage and crispy bacon and poured into flaky pie crust. Serve the quiche alongside a tart, mustardy frisee salad.

Shepard’s pie is a heartwarming classic comfort dish full of creamy potatoes and tasty ground beef. Transformed into bite-sized delights, this recipe uses your leftover mashed potatoes and combines it with flaky biscuits and melted cheddar for a fun twist on an old favorite.

Cupcake god Duff Goldman offers a surprisingly delicious savory alternative to his classic sugary creations. Using leftover mashed potatoes as the frosting and leftover stuffing as the cake, these cupcakes are as addicting to eat as they are charming to look at.

Encased in a soft, tender dough and served with a fresh garnish, these pierogies not only make inventive use of leftover mashed potatoes but also provide a satisfying, homemade treat that can be both boiled and pan-fried. This recipe takes the comforting essence of mashed potatoes and combines it with the creaminess of the farmer's cheese and an aromatic hint of chives.