As the holiday season rolls around, it’s that time when we whip up a feast and wonder what to do with the copious leftovers. If your family shares my kids’ aversion to leftovers, I’ve got just the solution. This vintage mashed potato “volcano” recipe is a hit, and my children couldn’t get enough of it!
I confess, I don’t often make mashed potatoes; in fact, I typically whip them up just once a year for Thanksgiving—and inevitably, I always make too much. Have you ever tried to scale down a recipe, only to end up with more than you bargained for? I certainly have!
Each year, I try to repurpose the leftover mash, but often come up short. Shepherd’s pie was met with grimaces from my kids, and a batch of Needhams—a Maine treat made with mashed potatoes—was a flop because my family couldn’t get over the potato aspect.
Then I stumbled upon a recipe on Reddit called the Potato Volcano. It looked easy and called for leftover mashed potatoes, cheese, butter, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This was the ideal way to use our leftover turkey from Friday night!
I was thrilled to discover I had a variety of cheeses at home: Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, feta, and American. The recipe didn’t specify which cheese to use, so I opted for Cheddar (the best cheese, in my opinion) and added some mozzarella for that melty effect. I envisioned my family being wowed by the gooey cheese strings!
Once I shaped the cold mashed potatoes into a bowl-like structure, I slathered it with melted butter and topped it with breadcrumbs, then into the oven it went. The aroma wafting through my house was reminiscent of an Italian eatery, thanks to the Italian-style breadcrumbs I used.
When I cut into the volcano, I hoped for a cheesy eruption, but while the cheese melted beautifully, it didn’t flow out as I expected. However, that didn’t matter when my youngest—who is typically the pickiest—devoured it right from the pan! Instead of a main course, it became our appetizer, disappearing before I could even plate it.
I’ll definitely be making this potato volcano again, and it won’t wait until Thanksgiving. This dish is warm, cheesy, and satisfying—everything I crave in a meal. If you’re looking for a creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or just want to try something new, this recipe is a must. It pairs well with steak, pork, chicken, or can stand alone as a delicious treat. Say goodbye to plain potatoes and hello to the potato volcano; even the fussiest eaters will be eager to give it a try!
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In summary, this mashed potato volcano recipe is an easy, delightful way to transform leftovers into a dish that will please even the fussiest of eaters. With its cheesy goodness and hearty texture, it’s a wonderful addition to any meal.

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