If you always make WAY too much mashed potato, then make sure none of it goes to waste by using what is left to make this super easy Leftover Mashed Potatoes Gnocchi. Just 3 ingredients and less than 10 minutes from start to finish and you have yourself some delicious, light and pillowy comfort food to reduce food waste.
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Whilst leftover mashed potato isn't something we often have (we are huge potato fans), when we do and we want something a little different from mashed potato cakes, we make this leftover mashed potato gnocchi.
If you thought that making your own gnocchi would be difficult, then think again. Just mix the potato with flour and egg, roll out, chop up and then cook in 3 minutes.
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Why You Will Love It
- The best way to use leftover mashed potatoes
- Reduces food waste
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Just 3 ingredients
- Versatile
- Freezes well
- Delicious comfort food
- Vegan option
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Mashed potato - This recipe uses leftover mashed potato, but feel free to make some just for this recipe.
- Flour - Use plain flour (all purpose flour) for making gnocchi.
- Egg - Fresh is always best and try to always go for organic or free range.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How To Make Gnocchi
- Step 1: Put the mashed potato and egg in a bowl and add half the flour. Use a wooden spoon and gently mix together. Add a little more flour at a time until you get the right consistency and then use your hands to mix it together.
- Step 2: Cut the dough into 4 pieces and then put each piece on a lightly floured surface and using your hands, roll it out to about 1 inch thickness.
- Step 3: Cut the roll into 1 inch wide pieces.
- Step 4: Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Step 5: Using a fork or gnocchi board, pattern the individual gnocchi.
How To Cook Gnocchi
Bring a pan of water to the boil and carefully add the gnocchi. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi rises to the top of the water.
Drain or remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and serve with your favorite sauce of choice.
What Potatoes to Use for Gnocchi
The potatoes really are the key ingredient here and whilst traditional gnocchi wouldn't use a buttery and creamy mashed potato, we think leftovers make a delicious gnocchi that reduces food waste from big events like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
When it comes to what mashed potato to use, this gnocchi recipe is pretty forgiving and you can use your favourite mashed potatoes. However, try to use one that is made with russet potatoes, as we find they make the best gnocchi.
Looking for some mashed potato recipes to make and then use the leftovers to make this? We have got you covered!
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- The BEST Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Mustard Mash
To Roll or Not to Roll
See those nice ridges on the gnocchi, that helps the sauce really cling to them? You don't have to do it, and it will save you a few minutes by not bothering, but we think it is worth the effort.
You can buy a special gnocchi board to roll them down, but we just used the back of a fork. Just be really careful as you roll them down the prongs, as you don't wan't to squash them. You can see how we did it in our recipe video.
How To Serve Gnocchi
What we love about gnocchi is how versatile it is. Basically, any way you can serve pasta, you can serve gnocchi. You can turn it into a bake with our Spinach and Tomato Gnocchi Bake or you can serve it with your favourite tomato based or creamy pasta sauce.
It works with a cheese sauce, pesto, a bolognese or simply some melted butter and parmesan. We went with our Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce and some spinach for a green boost.
Dannii's Top Tips
- The amount of flour you use in this recipe will really depend on the consistency of your mashed potato. We have added an amount as a guide, and it's how much we used in our recipe, but you really have to eyeball it and get a feel for the texture. It should feel light and a little stretchy, but not sticky. If it is too sticky as you are rolling it out, then you can add some more flour then.
- Fold everything together as gently as possible. If you overwork everything, then you can end up with dense gnocchi.
- We have given the cooking time as a guideline, however the gnocchi will be cooked when it rises to the top of the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you certainly can. Firstly, make sure that the mashed potatoes you are using are vegan to begin with. We have tips on making vegan versions of our mashed potato recipes in their individual posts. Then, you can just leave out the egg in this recipe. The egg can sometimes make gnocchi a little dense, so it can be left out. You will need less flour if you aren't using egg.
Yes, this gnocchi freezes really well. So, if you have a LOT of leftover mashed potato, then make a big batch of this gnocchi and you can freeze is for quick and easy weeknight meals. Once the gnocchi is made, lay it out on a baking sheet (that will fit in your freezer) in a single layer and then put in the freezer for 3-4 hours. Once it is frozen, you can put it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
When you want to cook the gnocchi from frozen, simply put it into boiling water and cook. They will take a few minutes longer than cooking them from fresh, so just wait for them to rise to the top. Don't defrost them before cooking, as they will all stick together.
More Potato Recipes
If you've tried this homemade gnocchi recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 330 g (1.5 cups) Mashed potato
- 130 g (1 cups) Plain flour
- 1 Egg - whisked
Instructions
- Put the mashed potato and egg in a bowl and add half the flour. Use a wooden spoon and gently mix together. Add a little more flour at a time until you get the right consistency and then use your hands to mix it together.
- Cut the dough in to 4 pieces and then put each piece on a floured board and using your hands, roll it out to about 1 inch thickness.
- Cut the roll in to 1 inch width pieces.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Using a fork or gnocchi board, pattern the individual gnocchi.
Recipe Tips
- The amount of flour you use in this recipe will really depend on the consistency of your mashed potato. We have added an amount as a guide, and it's how much we used in our recipe, but you really have to eyeball it and get a feel for the texture. It should feel light and a little stretchy, but not sticky. If it is too sticky as you are rolling it out, then you can add some more flour then.
- Fold everything together as gently as possible. If you overwork everything, then you can end up with dense gnocchi.
- We have given the cooking time as a guideline, however the gnocchi will be cooked when it rises to the top of the water.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Michelle says
Probably the best EVER use for leftover mashed potatoes. Simple ingredients and so yummy!
Biana says
This is the best idea for using up leftover mashed potatoes! The gnocchi look like the ones from the restaurant, will be making them very soon.
Toni says
I've never made gnocchi before this was both easy and delicious! Everyone in my family absolutely loved it.
Beth Sachs says
I always make way too much mashed potato! This is such a clever idea for leftovers!
Michelle says
Such a great way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes! And it's a great way to get my kids to help out in the kitchen! :)