Creative Ways to Use Canned Potatoes

It seems like canned potatoes get overlooked and pushed aside in favor of fresh ones.

However, after experiencing a bountiful potato harvest last year, I had to find new ways to enjoy them in their preserved forms. After a little experimenting, we discovered several ways to use canned potatoes that are both simple and flavorful.

Today, we’re passing them along to you!

Traditional Uses for Canned Potatoes

Before diving into the more unconventional recipes, let’s not forget about the classic dishes where canned potatoes shine:

1. Potato Soup: Using canned potatoes in potato soup is a no-brainer. They make preparation faster and easier without compromising on taste. (This can be made with dehydrated potatoes, too.)
2. Potato Salad: Save time by using pre-peeled and chopped canned potatoes in your favorite potato salad recipe. Just remember to pat them dry thoroughly before mixing in the other ingredients.
3. Stews & Chowders: Tossing some canned potatoes into soups or stews adds bulk and stretches the meal further while satisfying appetites.

Use Canned Potatoes to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Let’s start with a classic comfort food—mashed potatoes! Here’s how you can transform your canned spuds into creamy goodness:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart-size jar of canned herbed potatoes
• 1 cup of milk (adjust as needed)
• Instant potato flakes (to thicken)

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the canned potatoes.
2. In a pot over medium heat, slightly brown the drained potatoes.
3. Add one cup of milk and allow it to simmer until thickened by the starch naturally in potatoes.
4. For thicker, creamier mashed potatoes, add instant potato flakes gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
5. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or immersion blender.
6. Season with additional herbs or spices if desired.

Use Canned Potatoes to Make Crispy Potato Patties

Next up, we have delicious fried potato patties that make a fantastic side dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart-size jar of canned potatoes
• 1 egg
• Flour (adjust as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste (and any other seasonings you like)

Instructions:

1. Drain the canned potatoes, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, mash the dried potatoes using a fork or potato masher.
3. Add one beaten egg and mix well.
4. Sprinkle in flour gradually until you achieve a thick mixture that holds its shape when formed into patties.
5. Season however you like. (You can even add cheese!)
6. Heat oil or fat in a skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Form small balls from the potato mixture and flatten them into patties, and gently place into a hot skillet.
8. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

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Use Canned Potatoes to Make Roasted Potatoes

Roasting canned potatoes can yield surprisingly tasty results.

Ingredients:

• Canned potatoes
• Olive oil
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g., paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder)

Instructions:

1. Drain and pat dry the canned potatoes with paper towels.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Toss the dried potatoes in olive oil to coat evenly, then season with your preferred spices or herbs along with salt and pepper.
4. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
5. Roast at 400°F for approximately 30 minutes until they start browning slightly around the edges.
6. Remove from oven, stir/flip the potatoes, and increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C).
7. Return them to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until they develop a crispy exterior.

There you have it—three creative ways to use canned potatoes!

Whether you’re making creamy mashed potatoes, crispy potato patties, or roasted spuds, these recipes will help you make delicious meals using this pantry staple.

Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.