Leftover Potato Recipe Ideas for Easy Meals

Leftover Potato Recipe Ideas – Leftover potatoes can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals that prevent waste and add variety to your menu. One popular idea is making crispy mashed potato pancakes by mixing leftover mashed potatoes with herbs, cheese, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then frying them until golden; these are great for breakfast or as a side dish. Another option is a savory mashed potato bake, combining leftover potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and bacon, baked until bubbly and golden. Twice-baked potatoes are also a favorite, where the potato flesh is scooped out, mixed with cheese, sour cream, and seasonings, then baked again in the skins. Leftover boiled potatoes can be smashed and roasted to create crispy smashed potatoes with a buttery, tender center. For something more creative, potatoes can be used as a filling for potato tacos, potato rolls, or even potato-stuffed breads.

Additionally, leftover mashed potatoes can be incorporated into soups, shepherd’s pie, or potato croquettes for hearty meals. These recipes maximize flavor and texture while breathing new life into leftover spuds, making them ideal for quick, comforting, and budget-friendly meals.

Leftover Potato Recipe Ideas

Crispy Potato Hash with Vegetables and Eggs

Credit @mediterranean.diet.plan

Description:
Transform leftover potatoes into a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch dish. This crispy potato hash combines sautéed onions, bell peppers, and leftover potatoes, finished with perfectly cooked eggs on top.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover cooked potatoes, cubed

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 2-4 eggs

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Dice the leftover potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion, dice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic.

2. Heat the Pan:
   Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot but not smoking.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   Add the onions to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and turn translucent.

4. Add Bell Pepper and Garlic:
   Toss in the bell pepper and garlic, stirring for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

5. Cook the Potatoes:
   Add the cubed leftover potatoes. Spread them out evenly in the pan and let them cook without stirring for about 5 minutes, allowing a crispy crust to form on the bottom.

6. Season and Stir:
   Sprinkle paprika, black pepper, and salt over the mixture. Stir to combine and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

7. Cook the Eggs:
   Push the hash mixture to the sides of the pan and crack the eggs in the center. Cover the pan and let the eggs cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are at your preferred consistency.

8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Potato Croquettes

Credit @sicilianfoodtour

Description:
Potato croquettes are golden, crispy outside, and creamy inside, perfect as a snack or appetizer. They’re a fantastic way to use leftover mashed or chunked potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, egg, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped chives. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

2. Shape the Croquettes:
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small oval or cylindrical croquettes.

3. Coat the Croquettes:
   Roll each croquette in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.

4. Heat the Oil:
   In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to cover the croquettes halfway.

5. Fry Until Golden:
   Carefully place croquettes into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.

6. Drain and Serve:
   Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Potato and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Credit @tasteofhome.com

Description:
A creative and satisfying dish where leftover potatoes are combined with cheese, herbs, and spices, then stuffed into bell peppers and baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers

• 2 cups leftover cooked potatoes, mashed or cubed

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Bell Peppers:
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

3. Cook Aromatics:
   In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic, leftover potatoes, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

5. Stuff the Peppers:
   Fill each bell pepper generously with the potato mixture.

6. Bake:
   Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the tops.

7. Serve:
   Serve hot as a main course or side dish.

Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Credit @recipesofholly

Description:
Crispy potato pancakes are a classic comfort food, ideal for using leftover potatoes. They are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and pair well with applesauce or sour cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed or grated potatoes

• 1 small onion, grated

• 1 egg

• ½ cup flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Prepare Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine leftover potatoes, grated onion, egg, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined.

2. Heat Oil:
   Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom.

3. Form Pancakes:
   Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of mixture and flatten into small pancakes.

4. Fry:
   Fry each pancake for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain:
   Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.

Potato Soup

Credit @reciperunner

Description:
A creamy potato soup made from leftover potatoes offers a warm, comforting bowl of goodness, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover potatoes, cubed

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup milk or cream

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• Chopped green onions for garnish

Steps:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.

2. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   Add leftover potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Blend (Optional):
   Use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup to desired consistency for a creamier texture.

4. Add Dairy:
   Stir in milk or cream and shredded cheese. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely.

5. Season:
   Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Potato and Sausage Casserole

Description:
A filling casserole where leftover potatoes are layered with cooked sausage, cheese, and a creamy sauce, then baked until bubbling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover potatoes, cubed

• 2 cups cooked sausage, sliced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Onion:
   Sauté onion in a skillet until soft.

3. Mix Creamy Sauce:
   In a bowl, combine sour cream, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble Casserole:
   In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, sausage, onions, and cheese. Pour the creamy mixture over the top.

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes to brown the top.

6. Serve:
   Let cool slightly before serving.

Potato Frittata

Credit @thewanderlustkitchen.com

Description:
A frittata is a perfect way to repurpose leftover potatoes into a quick and easy meal. It’s fluffy, loaded with veggies, and great for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover potatoes, cubed

• 6 eggs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers)

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Vegetables:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and mixed vegetables until tender.

3. Add Potatoes:
   Add the leftover potatoes and stir until warmed through.

4. Whisk Eggs:
   In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine:
   Pour egg mixture over the potatoes and vegetables. Stir briefly to combine.

6. Cook on Stove:
   Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the edges start to set.

7. Bake:
   Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully set and lightly golden on top.

8. Serve:
   Slice and serve warm.

Potato Tacos

Credit @tarladalal

Description:
Spicy, crispy potatoes nestled in soft taco shells with toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese for a tasty twist on tacos.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover potatoes, cubed

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

• Avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese for toppings

Steps:

1. Season Potatoes:
   Toss leftover potatoes in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook Potatoes:
   Heat olive oil in a pan. Add seasoned potatoes and sauté until crisp and heated through.

3. Warm Tortillas:
   Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.

4. Assemble Tacos:
   Place a generous portion of potatoes on each tortilla. Top with avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, and cheese.

5. Serve:
   Serve immediately.

Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Credit @rosiedunnsnyc

Description:
A comforting dish where leftover potatoes top a savory meat and vegetable base, baked to a golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Meat and Veggies:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender.

3. Assemble Pie:
   Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes.

4. Bake:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly browned.

5. Serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Potato Gnocchi

Credit @andiamoeatery

Description:
Leftover potatoes can be turned into fluffy gnocchi, perfect when served with a simple butter and sage sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

• 1 egg

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (more as needed)

• Pinch of salt

• Butter and fresh sage leaves for serving

Steps:

1. Prepare Dough:
   In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, salt, and gradually add flour until dough is soft but not sticky.

2. Shape Gnocchi:
   Roll small portions of dough into long ropes, about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, press lightly with a fork for texture.

3. Cook Gnocchi:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi into boiling water. They’re done when they float (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Sauté in Butter:
   In a large pan, melt butter with sage leaves. Add cooked gnocchi and sauté until lightly golden.

5. Serve:
   Serve immediately with grated cheese.