Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles
There’s something magical about taking leftover mashed potatoes and transforming them into a crispy, golden waffle. Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles are not only a delightful way to repurpose your holiday leftovers, but they also make for a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. Imagine biting into a waffle that has the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, enhanced with seasonings and fresh herbs, all while being delightfully crispy on the outside. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at leftover mashed potatoes the same way again!
Why It’s My Go-To
Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles have become a staple in my kitchen because they are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. They are a fantastic way to minimize food waste while creating something new and exciting. Plus, they can be served in so many ways! Top them with a poached egg for breakfast, serve them with a side salad for lunch, or drizzle them with gravy for dinner. The possibilities are endless! Not to mention, they are a hit with the whole family. Who wouldn’t love a crispy waffle infused with the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes?
Your Shopping Guide
To whip up these delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles, here’s what you need to gather:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes – Make sure they are at room temperature for the best texture.
- 3 tablespoons tapioca flour – This helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the waffles a nice crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth to the taste.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For moisture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons water – Helps with the consistency.
- 2 green onions – Thinly sliced for a fresh crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill – For a delightful herbal note.
- Oil spray – For greasing the waffle iron.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, here’s what you’ll need:
- Waffle iron – Essential for creating those perfect waffles.
- Mixing bowl – For combining all your ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula – For mixing and transferring the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Cooking spray – To prevent the waffles from sticking to the iron.
Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles in Steps
Creating Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature. This will help them mix more easily with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the tapioca flour, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the olive oil and water to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 4: Fold in the Mashed Potatoes
Gently fold in the leftover mashed potatoes, green onions, and chopped dill. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain some texture.
Step 5: Preheat the Waffle Iron
While you’re mixing the batter, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t forget to spray it with oil to prevent sticking!
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Once the waffle iron is ready, scoop the batter onto the hot surface. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve them hot. They are delicious on their own or topped with your favorite accompaniments like sour cream, chives, or even a sunny-side-up egg.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some substitutes you can consider:
- Tapioca flour – Can be substituted with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
- Olive oil – Can be replaced with melted coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Green onions – Can be omitted or replaced with chives or shallots.
- Dill – Can be substituted with parsley or thyme for a different flavor profile.
If You’re Curious
Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles are not just a creative way to use up leftovers; they also offer a delightful taste experience. The combination of crispy edges and creamy centers makes them a unique treat. Plus, they are a great source of carbohydrates, and when paired with proteins or vegetables, can create a balanced meal.
- Can I freeze the waffles? Yes! Cooked waffles can be frozen and reheated in the toaster for a quick meal.
- What can I serve with these waffles? They pair wonderfully with eggs, salads, or even as a base for a savory topping.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use a flax egg instead of the olive oil and ensure your mashed potatoes are dairy-free.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:
- Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, pop them in the toaster or oven until warmed through and crispy.
Reader Q&A
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh mashed potatoes yield the best texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes. Just make sure they are prepared slightly thicker than usual to hold the waffle shape.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
No worries! You can cook the batter in a skillet over medium heat to make pancakes instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make these waffles spicier?
Feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick!
Can I add cheese to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese will give your waffles a deliciously cheesy flavor and a gooey texture. Just be sure to adjust the consistency with a little extra flour if needed.
Wrap-Up
Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles are a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite comfort food in a new and exciting form. They’re easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast solution or an innovative side dish, this recipe has got you covered. So the next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, remember this recipe and treat yourself to these delightful waffles! Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness that will surely become a family favorite.
Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all your ingredients and ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are at room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the tapioca flour, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Add the olive oil and water to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the leftover mashed potatoes, green onions, and chopped dill. Be careful not to overmix.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it with oil.
- Scoop the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to your waffle iron's instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve them hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Cooked waffles can be frozen and reheated in the toaster for a quick meal.
- They pair wonderfully with eggs, salads, or savory toppings.
- For vegan options, use a flax egg and dairy-free mashed potatoes.
