Crispy Mash Hash (Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Recipe)

 

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, this cozy little dish is the answer. Crispy Mash Hash is a quick, budget‑friendly side that turns simple mash into something golden, buttery, and irresistibly crunchy — just enough for two, and easy to scale when you need more. With softened onions, garlic, and plenty of those beloved crispy bits , it’s comfort food at its simplest.

Whether you’re using frozen mash for convenience. or repurposing leftovers so nothing goes to waste , this recipe delivers big flavour with minimal effort. Add a spoonful of gravy or toss in leftover meats for a hearty twist, and you’ve got a delicious, no‑fuss dish perfect for busy days or easy suppers.

 

I have never made any secret of the fact that I love potatoes in any way shape or form. I could eat them and enjoy them cooked any which way.  I also hate waste so I try to use up everything that I cook to the best of my ability.  Even mashed potatoes. This Crispy Mash Hash is one of my favorite ways to do just that.

Leftover mashed potatoes (or frozen mash if you are lucky enough to have that available to you) is taken cold from the refrigerator and crumbled into a pan that you have sauteed some onions and garlic in with a bit of light olive oil and a knob of butter. 

They are then lightly fried until they start to form crisp and browned buttery bits. I like to let them sit for a bit until these begin to form before I turn them over to make even more crisp and browned buttery bits. It's simple. It's easy. It's delicious.

So delicious in fact that I often cook extra mash just so that I can make this delicious leftover potato side dish.  Leftovers never tasted so good!  I promise you!

A scattering of chopped parsley (or any other herb you might like) over top and your tasty side dish is ready. Sized for one or two, but easily doubled for more!

 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

TO MAKE CRISPY MASH HASH

There is nothing complicated about this recipe. Everything is pretty much self explanatory.

• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped (cut into a fine mince)
• 1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and minced (use a garlic press)
• 1 TBS chopped parsley (optional garnish)
• Freshly ground black pepper (fresh ground is best. Add salt only if needed.)
• 1 1/2 cups (350g) of frozen or leftover mashed potatoes (cold from the refrigerator for best results)
• 1 TBS olive oil (I use a light olive oil.)
• 1 TBS butter  (I use salted butter.)

 

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY MASH HASH

Nothing could be easier to make! 

1. Heat the oil in a large non stick skillet. Add the onions and garlic. (I like to start on a medium heat.)
2. Cook over low heat until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the butter and turn up the heat a bit. (Medium high)
3. Add the frozen or leftover cooked mash. Cook for 10 minutes, turning it over occasionally, until crisped up around the edges.
4. Season with some black pepper. Scatter over the parsley and serve.

 

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for using up leftovers
  This cozy little dish turns leftover mashed potatoes into something golden, crispy, and completely irresistible — you “need never throw mash away again.”

• Small‑batch and just enough for two
  Ideal for your cooking‑for‑two audience, it’s written to make a perfectly sized portion without waste.

• Crispy, buttery edges in every bite
  The mash fries up into crunchy, buttery bits that are the star of the show — the recipe celebrates them with real enthusiasm.

• Simple ingredients, big comfort
  Onion, garlic, butter, and black pepper create deep, savoury flavour from pantry staples.

• Flexible and endlessly adaptable
  Add corned beef, Spam, ham, beef, roasted meats, or even leftover turkey and stuffing to turn it into a hearty meal.

• A delicious base for gravy lovers
  A ladle of gravy over top makes it even more scrumptious — especially with added leftovers.

 

HANDY HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Start with well‑softened onions and garlic

Let the onions and garlic cook gently over low heat until fully softened before adding the mash — this builds flavour and prevents harsh bites.

2. Don’t be shy about turning up the heat

Once the butter goes in, increase the heat a bit. This is what helps the mash develop those gorgeous crispy, buttery edges you love.

3. Give the mash time to crisp properly

Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Resist the urge to stir too often — letting it sit undisturbed helps those crunchy bits form.

4. Use leftover mash with confidence

Frozen mash is convenient, but leftover mashed potatoes work just as well. The recipe even encourages using leftovers so nothing goes to waste.

5. Add mix‑ins for a heartier dish

Corned beef, Spam, ham, beef, roasted meats, or even leftover turkey and stuffing can turn this simple side into a full meal.

6. Finish with fresh parsley for brightness

A scattering of chopped parsley at the end adds colour and a fresh lift to the rich, crispy potatoes.

7. Season simply but generously

Freshly ground black pepper is the main seasoning — don’t skip it. It balances the buttery richness beautifully.

8. Serve with gravy for extra comfort

A ladle of gravy over top makes this dish even more scrumptious, especially if you’ve added leftover turkey or stuffing.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WHAT EXACTLY IS CRISPY MASH HASH?

It’s a simple, small‑batch side dish made by frying mashed potatoes with onion, garlic, butter, and seasoning until the edges turn golden, crunchy, and irresistibly crispy.

WHAT KIND OF MASH CAN I USE?

You can use leftover mashed potatoes or you can use frozen mashed potatoes. Both work very well. Frozen mashed potatoes are convenient and inexpensive, but any plain mashed potatoes (homemade or leftover) will do. The key is frying them long enough to develop those buttery, crunchy bits.

CAN I ADD MEAT OR OTHER MIX-INS?

Absolutely — this recipe is very flexible. You can add crumbled corned beef, Spam, chopped roasted meats, ham, beef, or even leftover turkey and stuffing for a hearty meal.

HOW CAN I GET THE POTATOES REALLY CRISPY?

After softening the onions and garlic, turn up the heat, add the mash, and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges crisp up. Butter + higher heat = perfect crunch.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED?

This is a small batch recipe for one to two people but can very easily be doubled successfully. Simply multiply the amounts of ingredients by two in order to feed four people as a side.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH CRISPY MASH HASH?

It’s lovely as a side to sausages, roasted meats, or eggs — and if you add leftover turkey and stuffing, it becomes a complete, comforting supper. A ladle of gravy over top is especially scrumptious.

IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET FRIENDLY?

Very. Frozen mash is inexpensive, and the dish uses pantry staples like onion, garlic, butter, and parsley — plus it helps reduce food waste by repurposing leftovers.

 

A FEW MORE POTATO RECIPES TO ENJOY 

I have never met a potato dish that I didn't like. They are quite simply my favorite vegetable and side dish option. Here are a few more potato recipes that you might also enjoy! 

CHEESE & BROCCOLI JACKET POTATOES - A fluffy baked potato becomes pure comfort when scooped, mashed, and folded together with tender‑crisp broccoli and plenty of strong cheddar. Stuffed back into their shells and baked until the tops melt into a golden, bubbling crown, these Cheese & Broccoli Jacket Potatoes are simple, hearty, and irresistibly satisfying—an easy, wholesome dish that always goes down a treat.

CRISPY TWO POTATO TACOS - Crispy on the outside and soft, spicy, and cheesy within, these Two Potato Tacos marry sweet and white potatoes with Tex‑Mex seasonings for a filling that’s irresistibly moreish. Pan‑grilled until golden and served with your favourite taco toppings, they’re simple, satisfying, and so delicious you may never miss the meat again. Everyone love, LOVES these!

  

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Yield: Serves 2

Author: Marie Rayner

Crispy Mash Hash

Cook time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Makes a change from regular mash. You can also use leftover mash if you wish. This is delicious. Can easily be multiplied to serve more people if you wish.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 fat clove of garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 TBS chopped parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (350g) of frozen or leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 TBS butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large non stick skillet. Add the onions and garlic.
2. Cook over low heat until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the butter and turn up the heat a bit.
3. Add the frozen or leftover cooked mash. Cook for 10 minutes, turning it over occasionally, until crisped up around the edges.
4. Season with some black pepper. Scatter over the parsley and serve.

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