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.
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 By Step
- 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 in to 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.
Extra 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
We have used creamy and indulgent mashed potatoes to make this gnocchi recipe, so it isn't as healthy as say a more traditional gnocchi recipe that would just use plain boiled potato. But, as long as you are mindful of portions, this can be a balanced and nutritious meal. Use a tomato based sauce and add lots of vegetables to keep it lighter.
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 in to 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
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.
Dolly says
Such a great use of leftover mashed potatoes! The perfect dish to make after the holidays and you have tonnes of potatoes leftover!
Jess says
OMG I do always have too much leftover mashed potatoes. This is such a genius way to use them up!
Cathleen says
This is genius!! I always have leftover mashed potatoes that I want to use up, so I am definitely giving this a go. Pinned for later!!
Marlynn says
This is such a brilliant idea! I always hate the idea of food waste and this is one of my favorite new ways to use leftovers. I would never have thought to do this, and it turns out so delicious.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Mmmmm! That looks good! I'll have to try it.
Jenn says
I had leftover mash in the fridge so I had to try this recipe - delish! It turned out perfectly and they didn't even taste too floury!
Erica says
Anything with mashed potatoes is a win for me!
Jill says
I have tried making gnocchi before but it failed. Maybe I didn't add enough flour? Also, I tried watching your video and it wouldn't load for me. Just wanted you to know. Thanks!
Maria says
This seems like a great way to use up leftover mashed potato! You explained the recipe very well - it seems simple and delicious!
Beth says
Yum! These look so delicious and tasty! Can't wait to make these! My hubby and son are going to love this!
Jen says
Always a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. I live to top mine with a blue cheese butter sauce.
Bintu | Budget Delicious says
This is such a great way to use up any leftover mashed potato! I always make too much (always better to have too much than too little!) so will definitely be giving this gnocchi a go next time!
Kechi says
WOW! This is creative, and I am all in for reducing food waster. Next time I have leftover mash potatoes I know what to do. Thanks for sharing.
Claudia Lamascolo says
this is a great repurpose for leftover potatoes going to try this thank you!
Jo says
What a genius way to use leftover mashed potato! It turns out great and my family loves it!