Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into something really unique (and use up even more leftovers) by setting up a DIY mashed potato bar.

Got leftover mashed potatoes?

Lucky you!

Leftover mashed potatoes get new, flavorful life when you set up a mashed potato bar.

The topping options are endless!

How To Reheat Mashed Potatoes

• The easy way: Place mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water, stir, and microwave on low power for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Oven: Place mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Cover with tin foil and reheat at 375F for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Double boiler: Set up a double boiler and place mashed potatoes in the top bowl. Keep water at a simmer and stir potatoes occasionally, until hot – about 10 to 15 minutes.

Mashed Potato Bar: Topping Combinations

Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, put them in a bowl, and try these topping combinations:

• Pizza: Shredded cheddar cheese, pepperoni, bacon
• Ring bologna: Pan-fried ring bologna slices, corn, green onion
• Fajita: Mexican blend shredded cheese, roasted fajita veggies (red peppers, green peppers, red onion), chicken or steak, sour cream, salsa
• Vegetarian: Shredded cheese, roasted vegetables, fried tofu
• BBQ: Baked beans, pulled pork, BBQ sauce
• Fried chicken: Chicken tenders, roasted sweet corn, BBQ sauce
• French onion: Caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, sour cream

When you set up a mashed potato bar, every family member (or dinner party guest) can choose their own toppings.

Alternate idea: Get 7+ loaded baked potato topping ideas.

Tips For Setting Up A Mashed Potato Bar

• Avoid potentially soggy toppings like tomatoes and watery sauces 
• Butter and sour cream make great toppings no matter what ingredients you choose
• This idea works equally well with baked potatoes

More Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers and make one of these flavorful recipes:

• Turkey-cranberry wontons
• Turkey lettuce wraps with peanut sauce
• Thanksgiving croquettes
• Turkey chili
• Turkey mole bowls
• Leftover turkey nachos with cranberry salsa
• Turkey empanadas
• Other Thanksgiving leftover ideas

Continue to Content

Mashed Potato Bar

Yield: Adaptable

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Money-saving tip: Scour your fridge and freezer for topping ideas for your mashed potato bar.

Print

Ingredients

• Leftover mashed potatoes

Topping ideas

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, Parmesan, etc.)
• Chopped bacon
• Sausage
• Sour cream
• Fried or roasted vegetables
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce

Instructions

1. Heat mashed potatoes in the microwave.
2. Prepare toppings. Place in individual bowls and set up bar-style.

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