Trying to figure out if you can freeze mashed potatoes and if so, how to do it properly?
This short guide will look at the process of freezing mashed potatoes, showcasing step-by-step instructions to ensure that it is done properly, as well as highlighting one very important tip that is need to do it right.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes and they hold up pretty well in the freezer, compared to potatoes in general.
It should be noted that if you do not have enough fat in the mashed potatoes before freezing them, there is an extremely high chance that you could end up with a dish that is dried out, has a weird taste or texture after freezing.
Having enough fat in the mashed potatoes is the key to them being freezer ready. Using fat in the form of cream, full fat milk, butter half and half or sour cream is necessary for the dish to freeze well and is also important when it comes time to reheat mashed potatoes.
Related: Can You Freeze Mac & Cheese?
Best Way to Freeze Mashed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Freezing mashed potatoes is an easy process and you just need the finished product and a couple of freezer safe containers to get started.
Below are some steps to follow, to ensure that your dish is frozen properly:
Step 1: Cook The Mashed Potatoes
Before preparing for the freezer, cook your mashed potatoes and remember to add a lot of cream and butter. The cream and butter are necessary for it to freeze properly, so make sure it is super creamy while cooking.
Step 2: Allow to Cool
Before placing the mashed potatoes in the freezer, you should let it cool properly. Hot food in the freezer is a no-no.
Step 3: Place in a Freezer Safe Container
Once fully cooled, you can take your mashed potatoes and place in a freezer bag or container. It is a good idea to write the date on the bag/container, so that you have an idea as to how long it has been sitting in the freezer.
Tip: Individual Servings
It is a good idea to freeze individual servings separately if you plan on eating the frozen mashed potatoes multiple times.
If this is the case, you can separate and place the servings in individual freezer/bags containers. If you are short on containers/bags, you could freeze the individual servings on a baking sheet, then when fully frozen, remove and place in the container/bag.
This will ensure that they are not frozen together and can be quickly removed when needed.
How to Defrost & Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes?
If you are planning on defrosting your frozen mashed potatoes in an attempt to reheat them, it is best to leave them in the refrigerator overnight before use.
When it comes to warming up this frozen dish, I have an in-depth guide that looks at the how to reheat properly mashed potatoes properly.
