Yes, you can definitely use leftover baked potatoes to make mashed potatoes. In fact, using leftover baked potatoes can be a convenient way to repurpose them into a delicious side dish. Here's a simple method to turn your leftover baked potatoes into mashed potatoes:
Gather your ingredients: You'll need the leftover baked potatoes, butter, milk or cream, salt, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as black pepper or garlic powder.
Prep the potatoes: Peel the skins off the baked potatoes. The skins should come off easily after they have been baked. If any parts of the potatoes are overly browned or dried out, you can remove those portions.
Mash the potatoes: Place the peeled baked potatoes into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Use a potato masher, fork, or the paddle attachment of the stand mixer to mash the potatoes until they are mostly broken down.
Add butter and milk/cream: Add a few tablespoons of butter to the mashed potatoes while they are still warm. The residual heat will help the butter melt. Pour in a small amount of milk or cream to add moisture and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
Season to taste: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and any additional seasonings you prefer. You can also add minced garlic, herbs like thyme or parsley, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
Mix and adjust consistency: Mix everything together until the butter, milk/cream, and seasonings are well incorporated. If the mashed potatoes seem too dry, you can add more milk or cream in small increments until you achieve your desired consistency. If they are too wet, you can sprinkle in a little flour or breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
Serve and enjoy: Once the mashed potatoes are well mixed and seasoned to your liking, they are ready to be served. You can enjoy them as a side dish or use them in other recipes that call for mashed potatoes.
By using your leftover baked potatoes to make mashed potatoes, you can minimize food waste and create a tasty and comforting dish with minimal effort.