Leftover mashed potatoes can become skillet potato cakes, a topping for a leftover pie, or a thickener for soup. You do not need a dozen recipes; these three use the same bowl of leftovers. Use mashed potatoes that were refrigerated within 2 hours and are still within 3 to 4 days, and reheat them to 165°F. See the Thanksgiving guide, Thanksgiving mains, diets and leftovers, and how long Thanksgiving leftovers last. If you need a dairy-free batch next year, see dairy-free mashed potatoes.
Make skillet potato cakes
Cold mashed potatoes hold together better than warm ones. Stir in a beaten egg and 2 to 3 tablespoons of flour or breadcrumbs for every 2 cups of leftovers, plus a little salt, pepper, and chopped chives or cheese if you have them. Shape into small cakes and fry in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until both sides are deep gold and the centers are hot. Press them gently with a spatula so they brown evenly. This is the fastest use if you want something crisp for breakfast or a side the next night.
Use them as a pie topping or a soup thickener
Spread leftover mashed potatoes over leftover turkey, gravy, and vegetables in a small baking dish, the way you would top a shepherd’s pie. Bake at 375°F until the filling is bubbling and the potato peaks brown, and confirm the center reaches 165°F. You can also whisk a few spoonfuls of leftover mash into a simmering soup or turkey noodle soup to thicken it. Related: what to do with leftover stuffing and turkey pot pie with leftovers.
How to reheat a plain bowl of mash
If you simply want mashed potatoes again, put them in a saucepan with a splash of milk or stock and stir over low heat until they are steaming and reach 165°F. A microwave works if you stir once or twice so there are no cold spots. Leftover mash often tightens in the refrigerator; the extra liquid brings it back. Do not leave a bowl of mashed potatoes out on the table for a second day of grazing. Cool any remaining leftovers and return them to the refrigerator within 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long do leftover mashed potatoes last?
USDA guidance for leftovers is 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if they were cooled and stored within 2 hours. Reheat them to 165°F.
Why won’t my potato cakes hold together?
The mash may be too loose, or it may still be warm. Chill it, then add an egg and a little flour. Avoid flipping the cakes until a crust has formed.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes. Cool them, pack them tightly, and freeze them for best quality within a couple of months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat to 165°F.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A good dish for a leftover pie topped with mashed potatoes, and the lid helps with storage.
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — A ceramic dish browns the potato topping well and goes from oven to table.
- OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula — Useful for shaping potato cakes and for spreading mash over a leftover pie.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A whisk helps you loosen leftover mash with a little milk when you reheat a plain bowl.
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