For newer readers, on Tuesdays I used to do a “Garbage Day” post. I’d post new and creative ways to use food items so that they don’t get wasted. Wasted food=wasted money. This was originally posted in May of 2011, but I getting it out and dusting it off, in case anyone else this week has a ton of leftover mashed potatoes.
- Leftover mashed potatoes
- milk
- shredded cheddar
- bacon bits
- chives
- sour cream
- small, individual serving sized crocks
- I spray the crocks with non-stick spray and preheat over to 350.
- In a bowl, I remash the potatoes, adding sour cream, butter, cheese and whatever else I want.
- Top with cheddar and bacon bits.
- Bake at 350 for 20-40 minutes, depending on size of crocks. Everything is already cooked, so you’re just reheating.
First, here’s a crazy idea that I don’t think is so crazy-mashed potato candy (recipe below). Seriously, my Nan used to make this all the time and I loved it. The one catch-the mashed potatoes need to be made with peeled mashed potatoes, and only butter & milk. If you leave the skins on, or add garlic or anything else, then the leftovers can’t be used for this. But it is good, I swear.
I could eat this once or twice a week, I swear!
Second, there are lots of other dishes of the shepherd’s pie nature that you can make. In fact, in the winter months when I’m in “comfort food cooking” mode, I often make extra mashed potatoes with the intent of having a shepherd’s pie dish later in the week. And remember, you can use any meat, or no meat at all, for shepherd’s pie.
Another idea-mashed potato omelettes. Yep. Had them for the first time at a Cheesecake Factory, many years ago. Add a bit of green onion, and yum! You can also add some mustard powder, horseradish, whatever suits you.
- Leftover mashed potatoes–only if made with butter, salt and pepper with skins off. Won’t work with leftover garlic mashed potatoes and so on.
- Powdered sugar
- peanut butter
- I’m going to try Nutella!
- In a bowl, warm up the mashed potatoes so that they are easier to work with. Don’t have to be hot, just not right out of refrigerator.
- Mix in powdered sugar until it makes a dough you can work with.
- It takes a LOT of powdered sugar.
- Once you have a good consistency, chill it so you can work with it.
- Roll it out.
- Spread peanut butter (or Nutella!) on top.
- Roll up and slice.
- You may have to go back and refrigerate more, if you can’t work with it. If it’s warm or room temperature, it will be sticky.
There’s also mashed potato pancakes. You can do an internet search for various recipes–I tend to wing it by adding some egg, Bisquick, milk–and onion or garlic powder if these are going to be a side dish for dinner.
Remember, throwing out food is just throwing out money in a different form. Eliminate your waste to save money!
To recap, here are the ideas:
- Mashed Potato Candy
- Twice Baked Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Potato Omelette
- Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Shepherd’s Pie (maybe make it with turkey!)
The outdoor birds love mashed potatoes, too. Just don’t give them any with onion mixed in.
Love the ideas, Lisa! My kids love mashed potatoes with gravy which means I never have leftovers to use up. Shocking, I know!
I’ve had the mashed potato candy before. It’s good. I think I was at the Kutztown or Goshenhoppen (ignore the spelling!) folk festival where it was sold by some Mennonite folks.
I love potato pancakes! My aunt used to make these for me when we had left over potatoes. My house is like Barb’s – the potatoes don’t last quite as long as everything else. I like the concept that throwing out food is wasting money another way. I never looked at it that way.
Mashed potato omelettes sound amazing. When can I come over?!?
I am so excited to try the candy! That sounds awesome. Great post. Thanks!