Yes, you can definitely use leftover baked potatoes in place of mashed potatoes in a recipe. While the texture and consistency of mashed potatoes may differ slightly from baked potatoes, they can still work well in various dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Shepherd's Pie: Instead of using mashed potatoes as a topping, you can slice the baked potatoes and arrange them on top of the meat and vegetable filling. Bake until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Potato Pancakes: Grate the baked potatoes and mix them with some flour, eggs, and seasoning to create potato pancakes. Fry them until they're crispy and golden on both sides.
Potato Casseroles: Layer slices of baked potatoes in a casserole dish along with cheese, vegetables, or other desired ingredients. Bake until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Potato Salad: Chop the baked potatoes into small cubes and use them as a base for a potato salad. Mix in mayonnaise, mustard, diced vegetables, and herbs for a tasty side dish.
Potato Soup: Blend the baked potatoes with some broth, seasonings, and other desired ingredients to make a creamy potato soup. Heat the mixture on the stove until warmed through.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and cooking times based on the recipe and the flavors you want to achieve. With a little creativity, you can repurpose your leftover baked potatoes into delicious and satisfying dishes.