Mashed potatoes are a staple at any meal and especially around the holidays. If you’re like us, you load up and make extra so you have enough for a few days!

They’re easy to reheat and come out just like you whipped up a new batch!

mashed potatoes and butter in a dish

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes

Regardless of which method you choose, you’ll want to add a bit of milk or cream (or even broth!) to the top of the potatoes as they reheat and then stir it in before serving. This keeps them from getting dry on top.

You’ll also want to make sure you heat them slowly so they keep their creamy consistency.

Once heated, sprinkle some seasonings or even fresh herbs on top before serving.

1. Microwave

While we love the microwave for reheating many sides, if you have lots of mashed potatoes, it can be less than ideal. That being said, we do turn to the microwave since it’s quick!

To reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, pour a little bit of milk on top and reheat at 70-80% power for about 3 minutes for every 1 1/2 cups of potatoes. Stir them every minute. Depending on the wattage of the microwave and the shape of your dish, this can vary so check them early.

2. Oven

Reheating in the oven makes them just like new but it takes a lot more time. We bake them at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes (with a splash of milk on top). Give them a stir and make sure they’re hot. If you have a really full pan, they might need a little bit more time.

3. Stove Top

A pot on the stove is an easy way to reheat mashed potatoes too. Cook over medium low heat with some milk stirring occasionally. Be sure to use low heat and a non-stick pan.

4. Frying Pan

This is a brunch favorite! Heat some oil in a pan and add the potatoes and press them into a thin layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. Stir and continue letting them cook until heated through.

This method produces a mashed potato with a little bit of a crisp to it and we can’t get enough! Add in your other leftovers to make a bubble and squeak or top them with poached eggs.

Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes

  1. Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
  2. Put them in a waffle iron until crispy
  3. Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
  4. Mashed Potato Salad
  5. Twice Baked Potato Casserole
  6. Baked Potato Soup

Mashed Potato Recipes

We love classic mashed potatoes (of course!) but depending on what we’re serving, we love all kinds of variations! Here are some of our favorites:

mashed potatoes and butter in a dish
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How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes can be reheated in the oven, on the stove or in the microwave.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Equipment

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Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Place leftover mashed potatoes in a medium pot or saucepan with about ¼ cup milk per 2 cups potatoes.
  • Cook over medium low heat while stirring, approximately 5-7 minutes depending on how many potatoes you have.
  • Season with salt and pepper and top with butter if desired.

Notes

1. Microwave
While we love the microwave for reheating many sides, if you have lots of mashed potatoes, it can be less than ideal. That being said, we do turn to the microwave since it's quick!
To reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, pour a little bit of milk on top and reheat at 70-80% power for about 3 minutes for every 1 1/2 cups of potatoes. Stir them every minute. Depending on the wattage of the microwave and the shape of your dish, this can vary so check them early.
2. Oven
Reheating in the oven makes them just like new but it takes a lot more time. We bake them at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes (with a splash of milk on top). Give them a stir and make sure they're hot. If you have a really full pan, they might need a little bit more time.
3. Frying Pan
This is a brunch favorite! Heat some oil in a pan and add the potatoes and press them into a thin layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. Stir and continue letting them cook until heated through. 
This method produces a mashed potato with a little bit of a crisp to it and we can't get enough! Add in your other leftovers to make a bubble and squeak or top them with poached eggs.
5 from 2 votes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

Categories:

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

    1. I would suggest medium low and stirring frequently so they don’t brown. You may need to add a little milk.