I’ve got another post to share today from my Love your Leftovers series of posts and this week, it’s all about how to use up mashed potatoes!
I don’t know what it is about mash but I seem to have an inability to guesstimate and actually make the right amount of mashed potato whenever I make it. In the past, I’ve under-estimated how much we would eat and made too little so now I tend to go too far the other way but I’m not entirely mad about it because I’ve found so many ways to make the post of any that we have leftover.
Mashed potato is so versatile, so budget friendly and so easy to turn into something completely different the next day.
A spoonful can bulk out a meal, a bowlful can become a whole new dinner and the best bit is that most mash recipes taste even better the second time around.
Here’s are some of my favourite ways to make the most of it… 😊
1. Cheesy potato fritters
Mix leftover mash with grated cheese, a little flour and seasoning. Shape into patties and fry until golden on both sides. They’re crispy outside, fluffy inside and go perfectly with a fried egg.
I have a recipe that includes leftover gammon which is one of my favourite lunches on a Monday after the Sunday roast.
2. Homemade fishcakes
A brilliant way to stretch small amounts of leftover fish. Mix mash with cooked white fish or salmon, add herbs and seasoning, shape into patties and fry. Cheap, filling and so tasty with a bit of tartar sauce.
Homemade Fishcakes are something that I rarely make to be honest as there’s only me who enjoys them so it never feels like it’s worth it but if your family enjoys them as much as I do then it’s worth giving this one a go.
3. Potato scones (tattie scones)
Just mash, flour and a pinch of salt. Mix, roll out, cut into triangles and cook in a dry pan. They’re amazing with bacon and eggs for a quick breakfast or brunch.
4. Cottage pie topping shortcut
If you’re making cottage pie, leftover mash makes life so much easier. Just spoon it over the mince, rough up the top with a fork and bake until golden. It freezes brilliantly too.
5. Mash-filled Yorkshire pudding wraps
Leftover mash makes the perfect base for a Yorkshire pudding wrap. Warm the mash and spread a layer over the bottom of a giant Yorkshire pudding, then add whatever roast dinner bits you’ve got left — sliced beef or chicken, stuffing, carrots, peas, even a little bit of leftover gravy.
Roll it up carefully and pop it in the oven or airfryer for a few minutes to heat through. It’s cosy, filling and tastes like the best parts of Sunday dinner all wrapped up together. Such a good way to use up lots of leftovers in one go. 😊
6. Mashed potato waffles
Mix mash with an egg, a little flour and cheese, then cook in a waffle maker. They come out crispy, comforting and perfect for topping with beans, bacon or even chilli.
I do leave the waffles in the waffle maker for a few minutes when they’re done as I find them easier to remove when they’re a bit cooler.
7. Gnocchi (the easy version)
Mix mash with flour to make a simple dough, roll into ropes and cut into small pieces. Boil for a couple of minutes then fry in butter. So good with pesto or a quick tomato sauce.
8. Mash-topped mini pies
Use leftover mash to top individual pies made with whatever leftovers you have — chicken, gammon, beef or veggies. Spoon the filling into ramekins, add a layer of mash and bake until golden. They look cute, freeze well and are brilliant for using up tiny odds and ends.
Leftover mash is one of those brilliant ingredients that can be transformed into so many different meals with barely any effort. Whether you’ve got a tiny bit or a full bowl, there’s always something tasty you can do with it. Hopefully these ideas give you a bit of inspiration the next time you’re wondering how to use it up.
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