13 Easy Recipes With Mashed Potatoes That Are Easy & Quick
Mashed potatoes are my kitchen superhero—always there to save the day when I need something quick, comforting, and delicious.
I’ve honestly lost count of how many times these humble spuds have rescued dinner in my house. Whether I’m working with leftovers or whipping up a fresh, fluffy batch, mashed potatoes are endlessly versatile and surprisingly transformative.
They’re more than just a side dish—they’re the foundation for a variety of satisfying meals that come together in no time. From savory pancakes to loaded casserole bakes, these easy, creative recipes turn plain mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to see your spuds in a whole new light!
1. Loaded Mashed Potato Soup
Yesterday’s leftover mashed potatoes became today’s lunch miracle! Simply thin your cold mashed potatoes with chicken broth until you reach a silky soup consistency. The trick is warming it slowly – rushed heating creates lumps (learned that one the hard way).
Toss in some crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions. For extra pizzazz, a dollop of sour cream makes this soup restaurant-worthy. My kids call this ‘inside-out baked potato soup’ and request it even when we don’t have leftovers!
Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for chilly afternoons when you need comfort food without the fuss.
2. Cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – these potato pancakes make breakfast magical! I discovered this recipe during a camping trip when our breakfast options were limited. Now it’s a family favorite.
Mix cold mashed potatoes with an egg, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of flour. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden brown. The cheese creates these incredible crispy edges that are absolutely addictive.
Serve with a fried egg on top or applesauce on the side. Pro tip: add finely chopped herbs like chives or dill to the mixture for an extra flavor boost without any additional cooking time.
3. Shepherd’s Pie Cups
Miniature magic happens when you transform the classic shepherd’s pie into individual portions! Butter muffin tins and press mashed potatoes to form little cups. The spuds create the perfect vessel for this handheld delight.
Fill with a quick mixture of ground beef or lamb, frozen mixed veggies, and gravy. Top with more mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of paprika. Pop in the oven until the tops get those beautiful golden peaks.
These adorable cups were born when my picky nephew refused traditional shepherd’s pie. The individual portions worked like a charm – he ate three! They freeze beautifully too, making them perfect for meal prep.
4. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Potatoes squared! This dish combines the best of mashed potatoes and twice-baked potatoes in one glorious casserole. It started as a happy accident when I was trying to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Mix your mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and your favorite shredded cheese. Fold in some cooked bacon pieces and chopped green onions. Spread in a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, then bake until bubbly and golden.
The beauty lies in its versatility – add broccoli for a complete meal or jalapeños for spice lovers. From fridge to table in 25 minutes, it’s my go-to potluck contribution that never returns with leftovers!
5. Mashed Potato Dumplings
Grandma’s secret weapon was turning yesterday’s spuds into today’s pillowy dumplings! Mix cold mashed potatoes with flour and an egg until you get a soft, pliable dough. The consistency should be just firm enough to roll into balls – too sticky means add more flour.
Drop these little clouds into simmering soup or stew for the last 10 minutes of cooking. They puff up beautifully while soaking up all the savory flavors around them. My chicken soup went from ordinary to extraordinary with this simple addition.
For a twist, try adding herbs like parsley or dill to the dough. These dumplings freeze well too – make a big batch and store them for soup emergencies!
6. Potato Croquettes with Surprise Centers
Croquettes sound fancy but they’re ridiculously simple! I learned this trick during my college years when I needed impressive appetizers on a ramen noodle budget. The secret is cold mashed potatoes – they’re easier to shape than warm ones.
Form your mashed potatoes around small cubes of cheese, cooked bacon, or leftover meat. Roll in breadcrumbs and either pan-fry or air-fry until golden. The outside gets wonderfully crispy while the inside stays creamy with that melty surprise center.
My favorite combination is cheddar-filled croquettes with a pinch of cayenne in the potato mixture. Serve with a simple dipping sauce like sriracha mayo for maximum wow factor at minimal effort!
7. Mashed Potato Pizza Crust
Pizza night got a major upgrade when I discovered this gluten-free marvel! Mix cold mashed potatoes with an egg and enough grated parmesan to form a moldable dough. Press into a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and prebake until the edges start to crisp.
The magic happens when you add toppings – the potato crust holds up surprisingly well while adding a rich, earthy flavor that complements both traditional and unconventional pizza toppings. My daughter’s braces-friendly pizza solution became the whole family’s favorite Friday night meal.
Try topping with caramelized onions, gruyere, and thyme for a sophisticated twist. From start to finish, you’re looking at 30 minutes max!
8. Stuffed Potato Bombs
BOOM! These flavor explosions started as my solution to boring lunchboxes. Cold mashed potatoes make the perfect edible clay – just mix with a bit of flour to firm them up. Form a ball, make an indentation, and stuff with your favorite fillings.
My kids go wild for ham and cheese centers, while my husband prefers a spicy buffalo chicken filling. Close the potato around the filling, roll in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. The outside gets delightfully crisp while protecting that gooey center.
These portable potato packages are lunchbox heroes and after-school snack champions. Make a big batch on Sunday, refrigerate, and reheat as needed throughout the week. Talk about meal prep magic!
9. Mashed Potato Waffles
Waffle irons aren’t just for breakfast anymore! My waffle epiphany happened during a kitchen cleanup when I spotted leftover mashed potatoes next to my rarely-used waffle maker. The experiment was a delicious success!
Mix cold mashed potatoes with an egg and a splash of milk. Add a handful of shredded cheese and pour into a well-greased waffle iron. Cook until golden and crispy on the outside. The ridges catch all your favorite toppings perfectly.
Top with a fried egg and hot sauce for breakfast, or use as a base for pulled pork for dinner. These versatile waffles cook in just 5 minutes and create those perfect crispy edges that everyone fights over at the dinner table.
10. 15-Minute Potato Gnocchi
Store-bought gnocchi can’t hold a candle to these fluffy potato pillows! The first time I made these, I expected hours of work – instead, I discovered the quickest path to homemade pasta. Mashed potatoes are the secret to skipping several steps in traditional gnocchi recipes.
Mix mashed potatoes with flour and a beaten egg until you form a soft dough. Roll into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and press with a fork for those classic ridges. Boil for just 2-3 minutes until they float to the top.
Toss with brown butter and sage for a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. My mother-in-law thought I’d spent all day in the kitchen – I’ll never tell her it took just 15 minutes!
11. Mashed Potato Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers transformed into edible bowls of comfort food? Yes, please! This colorful creation came about during a fridge-clearing mission before vacation. Halve bell peppers and remove seeds – no pre-cooking needed for this shortcut version.
Mix mashed potatoes with cooked ground meat, sautéed onions, and corn. Stuff the mixture into pepper halves, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers soften and the tops turn golden brown. The peppers soften perfectly while the potato mixture gets a beautiful crust.
These rainbow-bright peppers make dinner feel special with zero fancy techniques. My picky 7-year-old devours these, vegetable container and all – a mealtime miracle worth celebrating!
12. No-Roll Potato Bread
Bread-making intimidated me until I found this fool-proof method using mashed potatoes! The spuds create an incredibly soft, moist texture that stays fresh longer than regular bread. Plus, no kneading required – it’s practically magic.
Mix mashed potatoes with flour, yeast, a touch of sugar, and warm milk to form a sticky batter. Pour into a greased loaf pan, let rise once, and bake. The potato starch works wonders for the texture, creating the softest sandwich bread you’ll ever taste.
My first loaf disappeared in one family dinner – now I always make two! Perfect for sandwiches or morning toast, this bread will make you look like a baking pro with minimal effort.
13. Savory Mashed Potato Muffins
Portable potatoes? Count me in! These savory muffins were born during a road trip when I needed handheld snacks that wouldn’t make a mess in the car. They’ve become our go-to grab-and-go breakfast option.
Combine mashed potatoes with eggs, baking powder, shredded cheese, and chopped ham or bacon. Scoop into a muffin tin and bake until puffed and golden. They develop the most wonderful crispy exterior while staying soft inside.
Make these your own by adding different mix-ins – my latest obsession is caramelized onions and gruyere. They refrigerate well for quick breakfasts all week and can be eaten warm or at room temperature. Perfect for busy mornings!