John Myers
Mashed potatoes are relatively straightforward to make, but they still take time to prep, and they take up stovetop real estate. While most chefs advocate for making them fresh, mashed potatoes can be made ahead and frozen until ready to use.
Do mashed potatoes freeze very well?
While potatoes don’t have a good track record for freezing well, mashed potatoes are the exception. As long as your potatoes are coated with plenty of butter and cream, they’re perfectly freezer-friendly.
What is the best way to freeze mashed potatoes?
Just whip up your favorite mashed potatoes, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag, freezer-safe storage container, or a tightly covered, freezer-safe casserole dish and pop it in the freezer. If you’re using a bag, be sure to remove as much air as possible before freezing.
Does freezing mashed potatoes change the texture?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to two months. Adding extra fat, like cream or butter, before freezing can help mashed potatoes retain their texture. Frozen mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop, or in an oven, microwave, or slow cooker.
How long do mashed potatoes last in the freezer?
According to the USDA, leftover frozen mashed potatoes will be good for up to two months in the freezer.
How long do mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?
It is really easy to make too much mashed potatoes as it is hard to gauge the perfect amount to use. Thankfully, you can store your mashed potato leftovers in the refrigerator for between 3 and 5 days, to make them last even longer. Alternatively, you can store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Can you freeze mashed potatoes in a Ziplock bag?
It’s easy to transfer the frozen portions into a freezer ziploc bag. Date the bag and label it with the portion size. That way you can easily grab however many you need to thaw in the future. These will keep in the freezer for at least 2 months.
Are frozen mashed potatoes healthy?
They’re surprisingly healthy. According to Consumer Reports, store-bought mashed scored “good” in the nutrition category based on calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium, sugars, iron, calcium, and fiber—with most products prepared with 2 percent milk, unsalted butter, and salt.
How do you thicken defrosted mashed potatoes?
To thicken mashed potatoes, you can add a thickening agent like cornstarch, flour, powdered milk, or tapioca. Add one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add heat, more potatoes, or even strain the mashed potatoes in order to reach your desired consistency.
Should you cook potatoes before freezing?
Potatoes don’t freeze well raw, so they will need to be cooked or partially cooked beforehand. The great thing is that you can choose a variety of different ways to prepare and freeze them. Try these methods with white, sweet or even purple potatoes. Always use potatoes that are fresh.
