There are many things a person can do with leftover mashed potatoes. Some methods for using mashed potatoes are more common than others. Depending on the skill level of the cook, some complex recipes could be prepared from the leftovers, but there are many simple options as well.
Leftover mashed potatoes easily can be used as a thickening agent for soups. Some people use as little as a couple of spoonfuls for this purpose, while others may use a greater amount. People may want to experiment with how much mashed potatoes they want to add to a soup to achieve the desired thickness, but the appropriate amount to use also may depend on the type of soup being prepared. Many people find that using mashed potatoes as a soup thickener is a healthier alternative to other types of thickening agents. In addition to soup, leftover mashed potatoes can be used to thicken other popular recipes, such as macaroni and cheese.
Another tip some people enjoy is transforming their leftover mashed potatoes into dumplings. The potatoes can be formed into balls and dropped into soups or stews. Mashed potato dumplings also can be made separately by boiling them in water. The only other ingredient necessary to create potato dumplings is flour, which stiffens the mashed potatoes, but some people enjoy adding herbs and spices to the mixture as well.
Some people also like to add mashed potatoes from the night before to nearly any type of casserole. With some casseroles, people may want to mix the mashed potatoes up with the other ingredients. Sometimes, it may seem more fitting to add mashed potatoes as a layer within the casserole. Leftover mashed potatoes also can be used as a tasty casserole topping, making a top layer that will brown nicely in the oven. Adding a light coating of butter may crisp the top layer of potatoes faster and add some flavor as well.
One popular way in which people use leftover mashed potatoes is to cook them as a breakfast side dish or use them in other breakfast items. Mashed potatoes pancakes, for example, are tasty and have a unique flavor that many people enjoy. The potatoes also can be fried to make a crunchy breakfast side dish that is similar to hash browns. Plain mashed potatoes with butter can be a pleasant side dish for some people, while others like to add cheese, bacon, or other ingredients. Using the potatoes in an omelet or scrambled-egg mixture can be nice as well.