Here’s What to do With Leftover Baked Potatoes

Ever found yourself staring at last night’s potatoes and wondering, what to do with leftover baked potatoes? Don’t toss them—transform them. Whether you’ve got whole baked potatoes or mashed leftovers, these creative and comforting recipes will give them a second life. Bonus: some of these ideas might just outshine the original meal.

If it’s rice that’s waiting in your fridge, there’s just as much you can do with it. From crispy patties to quick stir-fries, discover what to do with leftover rice and turn it into something genuinely crave-worthy.

Our 10 best leftover baked potatoes

Let’s dive into the most mouthwatering ways to reinvent your leftover baked potatoes. From crispy bites to creamy bakes, here are our favorite dishes to reduce waste and boost flavor.

TL;DR – The 10 best ideas:

1. Beef & Potato Hash Skillet
2. Crispy Refried Potato Smashed Bites with Herbs
3. Creamy Shepherd’s Pie
4. Potato & Vegetable Hash with Fried Egg
5. Rustic Potato Soup with Shredded Beef
6. Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges with Lemon
7. Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon & Chives
8. Melty Cheese & Cranberry Croquettes
9. Classic French Fries with Sea Salt & Herbs
10. Baked Potatoes with Yogurt, Pesto & Pomegranate

1. Beef & Potato Hash Skillet

Comfort food at its best: hearty, cheesy, and ready in one pan. Ideal for a lazy lunch or cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, cubed
• 250g ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cubed potatoes and stir gently. Let them crisp up for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let melt for 2 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

2. Crispy Refried Potato Smashed Bites with Herbs

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these smashed bites are perfect for dipping. A quick way to turn leftovers into a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup flour (or breadcrumbs)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, flour, egg, salt, and pepper until a dough forms.
2. Shape into thick disks or scoop onto a baking tray.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each side until golden and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side).
4. Garnish with herbs and serve with sour cream or a dipping sauce of your choice.

3. Our Favorite Leftover Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Creamy Shepherd's Pie

This is our favorite Leftover Mashed Potatoes Recipe—savory, rich, and finished with a golden top. A true comfort classic.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 300g ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a pan, sauté onions and carrots until soft. Add ground meat and brown well.
3. Stir in tomato paste, peas, broth, and seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Transfer the filling to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Broil for a few minutes for extra crisp.

4. Potato & Vegetable Hash with Fried Egg

Colorful, nourishing, and quick to make. This veggie hash is great for breakfast or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• Handful of cherry tomatoes
• 1 egg
• Salt, pepper, and chili flakes
• Olive oil

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
2. Add potatoes and zucchini, cook until golden and crisp.
3. Toss in cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
4. In a separate pan, fry the egg.
5. Serve the hash with the fried egg on top.

5. Rustic Potato Soup with Shredded Beef

Hearty and satisfying, this soup transforms leftovers into a warm, slow-cooked-style meal. Perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cooked beef
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt, pepper, and thyme

Preparation

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add beef and potatoes.
4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until everything is tender.
5. Season to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.

Got leftover pork instead of beef? These no waste carnitas are a perfect way to turn slow-roasted meat into something bold, crispy, and seriously satisfying.

6. Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges with Lemon

Crispy, cheesy, and zesty, these wedges are a crowd-pleasing side. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and paprika
• Lemon wedges to serve

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
2. Toss wedges with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and spices.
3. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping once.
4. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.

7. Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon & Chives

These cheesy, bacon-filled potato skins are dangerously addictive. Serve them up as a starter or party bite.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, halved and scooped
• 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Sour cream and chopped chives

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Mix mashed potatoes with half the cheese and bacon. Fill the potato shells.
3. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Garnish with chives and a dollop of sour cream.

8. Our Guilty Leftover Potatoes: Melty Cheese & Cranberry Croquettes

Our guilty way to use Leftover Potatoes—crispy on the outside, melty and sweet-savory inside. Impossible to stop at one.

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce or jam
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Form mashed potatoes into balls, placing a bit of cheese and cranberry in the center.
2. Roll each ball in egg, then breadcrumbs.
3. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve warm as a snack or festive starter.

9. Classic French Fries with Sea Salt & Herbs

Crispy, golden fries that are better than takeout. Just a few ingredients and your leftovers are reborn.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, cut into strips
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Sea salt
• Chopped parsley or rosemary

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry potato strips until golden and crispy.
2. Drain on paper towels.
3. Season with salt and herbs. Serve hot with ketchup or aioli.

10. Baked Potatoes with Yogurt, Pesto & Pomegranate

A fresh, vibrant twist on baked potatoes. Creamy yogurt, herby pesto, and a burst of sweet pomegranate on top.

Ingredients

• 2 leftover baked potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp green pesto
• Handful of pomegranate seeds
• Olive oil and herbs for garnish

Preparation

1. Reheat the potatoes in the oven or microwave.
2. Top each half with yogurt and a drizzle of pesto.
3. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and herbs.
4. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve warm or at room temp.

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