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. (Think loaded baked potatoes – except the potatoes are mashed.)

The topping options are endless!

You can used leftover mashed potatoes (the real kind) or instant mashed potatoes. It doesn’t matter of they’re mashed russet potatoes, yukon gold potatoes, yellow potatoes… as long as you’re starting out with fluffy mashed potatoes this dish is gonna be a crowd-pleaser!

How To Reheat Mashed Potatoes

There are several ways to reheat leftover mashed potatoes. Choose any of the following:

• 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.

Topping Options

You can set up a buffet line or place the various toppings in dishes in the middle of the table for your guests to dish up any of these toppings:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Seasoned ground beef
• Grilled chicken
• Pulled pork
• Red onion
• Sautéed bell peppers
• Sautéed kale
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Hot peppers
• Sliced olives
• Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• Seasoned sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• Feta cheese
• Turkey gravy (made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey)
• Sausage gravy
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Green onions

There are countless other toppings options. Include a variety of toppings: Scour your fridge, freezer, and pantry for ideas.

Use what you have on hand instead of making a trip to the grocery store. However, if you do go to the grocery store, check out the salad bar for potential topping options.

Mashed Potato Bar: Topping Combinations

Reheat mashed potatoes using one of the options above, dish up a generous scoop of potatoes in an individual-sized vessel or bowl, and try some of 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
• If you’re setting up a buffet line, you can keep the potatoes warm by putting them in a slow cooker on the warm setting. If potatoes get dry, mix in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream.
• 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

Is this the new entertaining craze? Possibly! It’s easy, fun, and makes delicious use of leftover mashed potatoes.