Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes? How?

Here is a great guide on how you can freeze and store some yummy mashed potatoes for later. 

I have found these methods and tips to work like a charm.

Let’s dive right into it. 

How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This quick and hassle-free method is a great option when you are not in the mood for extra prep. 

Print

Materials

• Mashed Potatoes

Tools

• Ziploc Bags

Instructions

1. Cook and Cool: Once you have made your favorite mashed potato recipe, let it cool down to room temperature.
   
   
2. Portion It: Portion the mashed potatoes into quantities that you can easily consume in one sitting.
   
   
3. Pack and Seal: Transfer the portioned mashed potatoes into a Ziploc bag and seal them, after making sure to squeeze out as much of the excess air inside as possible.
   
   
4. Label and Freeze: Add a label on the bag with the best before date. Then flatten and freeze it till you need it next.
   
   Here is a tutorial by “My Fussy Eater (Ciara Attwell)” on YouTube to help you out -

Freezing Mashed Potato Scoops 

If you want to have small and easy-to-grab portions of frozen mashed potatoes at the ready, this method is your best bet. 

Cook and Cool

Make your preferred recipe of mashed potatoes and then let it cool down to room temperature.

Scoop and Lay Out

Scoop mashed potatoes, with an ice-cream scoop if you like, and line them up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray of mashed potatoes in the freezer for a couple of hours or overnight and let it set solid.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen scoops of mashed potatoes into a Ziploc bag and seal them in. Try and squeeze out all the excess air before you seal them. You could use a straw to make this step easier.

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the date, and you are all set to freeze the mashed potatoes.

For a clearer picture, check out this tutorial by “America’s Test Kitchen” on YouTube –

How Long Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes? 

You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 6 months. But they taste best when used within the first couple of months it is frozen.

This is because the mashed potatoes can easily get freezer burns and change in texture or quality.

The creamier and richer in fat the mashed potatoes are, the better and longer they will last in the freezer.

So, go ahead and add a hearty amount of butter and cream, if you like, and they will freeze just fine.

How to Store Frozen Mashed Potatoes? 

You can store frozen mashed potatoes in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags. The key is to make sure that they are well protected from being exposed to air or freezer burns. 

The choice between Ziploc bags and containers depends on how much freezer space you have to spare. If you are pressed for freezer space, the Ziploc bags are your best option.

You can store big batches of mashed potatoes and stack them flat on top of each other, storing them compactly. 

How to Defrost Mashed Potatoes? 

You can defrost the mashed potatoes by leaving them in the microwave for a couple of minutes with medium heat intensity. You could also thaw it in a slow cooker or bake it in the oven, right out of the freezer.

Another way to defrost the mashed potatoes would be to put them in a saucepan on the stovetop and let them soften gradually. 

Whichever option you chose to defrost the mashed potatoes, it is best to add some milk, butter, or cream to smoothen it out.

You could also add spices when you reheat if you prefer.

Can You Refreeze Mashed Potatoes? 

No, it is best recommended not to refreeze mashed potatoes. Repeated freezing can make the mashed potatoes go grainy and change their flavor.

Also, if it had been left out for a long while before you chose to refreeze, there are high chances of bacterial buildup. 

To avoid having to waste the mashed potatoes once it thaws, you can freeze them in small and easy-to-manage portions.

Freezing them in scoops is a great option since you can pick out just the right amount and not have to thaw a big batch. 

Do Mashed Potatoes Freeze Well? 

Yes, mashed potatoes freeze well, and if done right, they can last for quite a while in the freezer. But it is always best to have freshly made mashed potatoes.

The frozen mashed potatoes can be grainy once they thaw, especially if they had been left in the freezer for long. 

To get the best results with frozen mashed potatoes, make sure that you freeze it as soon as it is made. The fresher it is before freezing; the fresher it will be once it thaws. 

FAQs

Bottom Line

I hope this article helped you freeze and store mashed potatoes for later. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing hacks and tips of your own, it would be great to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with all your friends and family who love mashed potatoes.