Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
If you’ve ever whipped up a massive heap of fluffy mashed potatoes, you’ve probably wondered, “Can you freeze mashed potatoes and enjoy them later?” This timeless favorite food can be a little time-consuming to prepare, so learning how you can freeze mashed potato leftovers or make them ahead of time could be a real advantage in the kitchen.
After all, there’s only so many mashed potatoes you can eat in one sitting, so can you freeze mashed potatoes to enjoy later? Can you freeze homemade mashed potatoes, and can you freeze instant mashed potatoes the same way? In short, yes, mashed potatoes can be frozen! Here’s what you need to know about successfully freezing and reheating mashed potatoes to enjoy with your favorite dishes.
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- Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
- How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
- How Long Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
- How To Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! Freezing mashed potatoes can be a smart solution when you’ve more than you can eat in 1-2 days. You can also freeze mashed potatoes to meal prep for the next few weeks, or even ahead of time for a special occasion or holiday.
Besides saving leftovers and planning ahead, you can use this trick for saving money on groceries. If you find that potatoes are on sale at your grocery store or you need to use a bunch before they go bad, whip them into mashed potatoes and toss them in the freezer.
Can you freeze homemade mashed potatoes with lots of butter or cream? Yes, you can! In fact, mashed potatoes made with plenty of dairy will likely hold up better in the freezer because the fats will keep the potatoes from getting grainy or watery. Freezing mashed potatoes that have no or very few fats is more likely to change their texture, leaving them grainy and mushy.
Dairy mixed into the potatoes will be fine, but can you freeze mashed potatoes with toppings like bacon and chives? Yep, these will hold up in the freezer too.
Can you freeze instant mashed potatoes? In theory, you could, but the texture of instant mashed potatoes probably won’t hold up well to freezing because they’ve been dehydrated, rehydrated and then frozen. If you can’t use your instant mashed potatoes immediately, it’s best to leave them in the package until you’re ready.
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
The real question is not just “Can you freeze mashed potatoes,” but “How can you freeze mashed potatoes?” The first thing you need to do is allow the mashed potatoes to cool on the counter or stovetop. This step is equally related to freezing the mashed potatoes correctly as it is about maintaining the temperature in your freezer. Placing hot food in the freezer can raise the internal temperature, thawing other foods and possibly making them unsafe — and making your freezer work overtime.
Soon after the potatoes have cooled, transfer them into a freezer storage bag or a freezer-safe container, such as glass Pyrex. Storing them in a reheatable container will make it easier to warm and eat them later, but they can be kept in a plastic storage bag if needed. You can also scoop the potatoes into pre-portioned meals alongside other freezable foods, like turkey and cranberry sauce.
How can you freeze mashed potatoes so that they won’t get freezer burn? Whatever container you decide to use, be sure to pack them as tightly as possible and squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
How Long Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Once you’ve discovered that you can freeze mashed potatoes, it’s important to ask how long you can freeze mashed potatoes. FoodSafety.gov recommends freezing mashed potatoes for up to two months. Other sources indicate they can stay good for longer — even up to a year. However, they will start to lose quality significantly after a few months, so it’s best to enjoy them quickly.
How To Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes
Once you know you can freeze mashed potatoes, the next question is, “How can you reheat frozen mashed potatoes?” Reheating mashed potatoes correctly is key to maintaining their texture.
In the Microwave
Can you freeze mashed potatoes and reheat them in the microwave? In general, reheating in the microwave isn’t ideal, but it can be done if you’re short on time or lacking other cooking methods.
Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave power and the amount of potatoes you’re reheating. For the best results, thaw your frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator first, then transfer them to a microwave-safe container. Microwave the potatoes for 2-3 minutes, then remove and stir. If needed, microwave again for another minute, stir and repeat as necessary until heated throughout.
On the Stovetop
How can you freeze mashed potatoes and reheat them on a stovetop? Thawing in the refrigerator first will give you a better texture, but isn’t necessary. Transfer the frozen mashed potatoes to a large saucepan or pot with a fitted lid. Warm the potatoes over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking.
Once the potatoes are softened, cover the pot with a lid and allow them to continue warming for a few minutes. Use a silicone spatula to mix and fold the potatoes until they regain their whipped, fluffy texture.
In a Slow Cooker
Can you freeze mashed potatoes and reheat them with a slow cooker? Similar to the stovetop, a slow cooker is another smart way to reheat mashed potatoes for good texture. Pop the frozen mashed potatoes directly into the slow cooker and set it on a low heat. Allow the potatoes to warm for about two hours, then stir to smooth any remaining lumps and ensure they are hot throughout.
In the Oven
How can you freeze mashed potatoes and reheat them in the oven? Oven heating can be convenient if you opted for an oven-safe dish to freeze your mashed potatoes in. Thaw your potatoes in the fridge first to avoid shattering your dish with the sudden temperature change. Preheat the oven to 350° F, then cover and bake for 30-40 minutes. For better texture, stir and fold the potatoes with more butter and cream before serving.
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Not only can you freeze mashed potatoes, but you absolutely should! Freezing mashed potatoes is a convenient way to preserve leftovers, prepare for big meals and save money on groceries in the long run. Next time someone asks, “Can you freeze mashed potatoes?”, you can share these cool techniques that’ll help them enjoy mashed potatoes for weeks.
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