Learn how to freeze mashed potatoes like a pro using this simple tutorial. You will learn how long to freeze mash for and tips for reheating to get a perfect consistency! Mash is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion.
We all know that eating frozen mashed potatoes is just not an option. right let's get into it.
If you have ever wondered if you can freeze mashed potatoes, the answer is yes and it is pretty easy to do too. Mashed potatoes are staples for so many dishes, the perfect side dish for any meal. Hello Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday dinner! That said, it does take time to prepare but only takes about 10 minutes to eat.
What I do most times when I have a few hours to spare is to make the mash ahead of time, cool it completely, and then freeze it until needed. I find this works best for me because then I can pull some out when I need it for dinner that night or leave it to thaw in the fridge overnight.
Alternatively, I let my slow cooker do all the hard graft. Before you chuck out that leftover or store-bought mash, think again and freeze them.
Related posts: How long does ground beef last in the fridge and how long does tomato paste last in the fridge.
You can freeze mashed potatoes
- Easy and fuss-free
- It reduces food waste, freezing mash is better than throwing it away in the bin
- Very handy on a busy weeknight, when you need to make dinner fast
- No need to thaw the potatoes, simply heat in the microwave from frozen
- If frozen portions, you can reheat just what you need
How to freeze mashed potatoes (easy and the best way)
Step 1: Make the mashed potatoes as you normally would. Yes, milk, butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and other ingredients may be added to the mash. The fat helps it freezes well!
Step 2: Allow it to cool fully: keeping hot food in the freezer can cause the temperature of your freezer can alter its temperature, which can affect the other food stored in it.
Step 3: transfer it to portioned freezer-safe airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. If using a freezer bag, make sure to remove as much air as you can to avoid ice crystalization and freezer burn
Step 4: Place in the freezer and store for up 6 months or longer at your discretion.
Alternative methods (portioned frozen mashed potatoes)
For this method, you can use large muffins tins, large silicon moulds, or a lined baking sheet portioned. This way it will be convenient to reheat and use when serving for one or you need it as baby's food.
Tips
- If you found the mash too thin after defrosting and reheating, stir in a couple of cream cheese for a creamier and thicker consistency.
- Before you store the content in the freezer, Press parchment paper over the mash until completely covered before it with its lid, to prevent and minimize ice crystallization on top of the mash. It also means less liquid introduced when reheating.
How to reheat mashed potatoes
You can reheat mashed potatoes on the stovetop, in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker. That said, you can't reheat mashed potatoes directly from frozen on the stovetop.
I find the best way to reheat mash in the microwave is to defrost it first and then microwave on high at 3-5 minutes intervals depending on the quantity. It is very important that the mash gets heated evenly to avoid the dreaded cold spots.
What will likely happen if reheated directly from frozen is the likelihood of the mash still frozen in the middle, or worse than that - burnt edges. That is not nice as you want the mash to come out fresh and fluffy as you've just made it.
FAQs
How long can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes can be frozen for a maximum of 6 months. This applies to mashed potatoes that have been prepared without gravy. If you add gravy, the storage limit is reduced to 2-3 months.
How long do mashed potatoes last after being cooked
In the fridge: You can safely keep mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, if you do decide to keep it longer than 3 days, smell and taste the mash before cooking with it.
In the freezer: store mashed potatoes in the freezer for up 6 months, longer at your discretion.
More how-to articles
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How to boil chicken for shredding
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Make the mashed potatoes as you normally would. Yes, milk, butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and other ingredients may be added to the mash. The fat helps it freezes well!
- Allow it to cool fully: keeping hot food in the freezer can cause the temperature of your freezer can alter its temperature, which can affect the other food stored in it.
- transfer it to portioned freezer-safe airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. If using a freezer bag, make sure to remove as much air as you can to avoid ice crystalization and freezer burn
- Place in the freezer and store for up 6 months or longer at your discretion.
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