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You cant go wrong with mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving! The comforting side dish is a holiday classic. But even Ree Drummond admits, “mashed potatoes are a little labor-intensive.” So, its no surprise she chooses a make-ahead mashed potato recipe during the busy holiday season. But have you ever wondered just how far in advance you can make mashed potatoes and what might happen if you stick those mashed potatoes in the freezer?
Just like with freezing stuffing or freezing pumpkin pie, knowing if you can freeze mashed potatoes might just help you out when planning your Thanksgiving cooking schedule. But can you really freeze mashed potatoes?
The answer is simple: yes! You can freeze mashed potatoes with just a little know-how. Whether youre planning ahead for the holidays or you just have leftover mashed potatoes that you want to save for a later date, read on for all the details about freezing mashed potatoes, including the one trick that helps them stay extra-creamy! Weve also included a few tips for reheating mashed potatoes using your oven, stovetop, slow cooker, or even just your microwave.
Mashed potatoes last up to one month in the freezer. After that, their liquid and solid components separate, and they unfortunately won’t regain their creamy, pillowy consistency when reheated.
So, can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes! Freezing mashed potatoes is a time-saving trick for your Thanksgiving dinner menu. But heres the catch: you need to freeze those spuds the right way to ensure they stay nice and creamy. The trick? Butter and cream! Were talking lots of it! Without adding any type of fat, like butter or cream, you run the risk of the potatoes becoming mushy or water logged. Here are a few simple steps for how to freeze mashed potatoes:
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Potato Keeper
- Make your favorite mashed potato recipe using a good helping of butter and cream.
- Let them cool completely.
- Use a scooper to place mounds of mashed potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or container to store in the freezer.
- Alternatively, you dont need to portion out your mashed potatoes. Just store in a large freezer bag, freezer-safe storage container, or a tightly covered freezer-safe casserole dish and pop it in the freezer.
The Best Way to Freeze Mashed Potatoes (add butter & cream before or after?)
FAQ
Do mashed potatoes taste good after freezing?
Can you freeze mashed potatoes made with milk?
Do frozen mashed potatoes get watery?
Can mashed potatoes be frozen?
Scoop one-cup mounds of the mashed potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, transfer to the freezer for at least a few hours up to overnight, until the mashed potatoes are completely frozen. Transfer the individual servings to a large freezer bag or container, and store in the freezer until Thanksgiving.
Is it beneficial to soak potatoes in cold water?
Yes. Soaking potatoes in cold water before frying can have some benefits, such as: Remove the starch from the surface of the potatoes, so that they do not stick and become soft during frying; Hydrate the potatoes, improving moisture retention and leaving them soft inside and crispy outside; Prevent potatoes from browning, as cold water prevents surface oxidation.
How long do mashed potatoes last in the freezer?
Mashed potatoes last up to one month in the freezer. After that, their liquid and solid components separate, and they unfortunately won’t regain their creamy, pillowy consistency when reheated. How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last in the Fridge?
Can You reheat frozen mashed potatoes?
Frozen Mashed potatoes can be reheated by…. thawing the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for 24 hours, by laying the freezer bag in a bowl of cool water and allowing it to float there for an hour or by microwaving on the “thaw” setting. Can I Freeze Mashed Potatoes That Have Already Been Cooked? Yes!