Can You Freeze Baked Potatoes?
Baked potatoes are delicious, aren’t they? And they make great with bacon, veggies, and many other fillings and toppings.
Whether you are mashing potatoes as a topping to a delicious cottage pie, adding them to a mouthwatering winter soup, or simply eating them whole, they are a mainstay. And baked potatoes are no less. Potatoes are fat-free, sodium-free, and high in fiber, and therefore having a potato dish in any meal is quite popular.
While baked potatoes are simple to make, they take an eternity to bake. So, you would not want to spend the whole time cooking them, right? What comes to the rescue is- can you freeze baked potatoes?
Yes, you can. This means you can prepare them in advance. And making more of them in a single batch and freezing them would be a workaround assuming that you wish to have them often. Doing this will also save much of your time.
How To Freeze Baked Potatoes?
Baked potatoes can be made in so many ways- with fillings, seasonings, veggies, bacon, and many more. So, the freezing depends on these factors. But, how to freeze them?
While it is advised to only freeze the potatoes without any additional taste enhancers. This will save your potatoes from being soggy in the freezer. And you can always add your favorite toppings, fillings, or seasonings when you decide to eat them.
Steps To Freeze Potatoes Effectively
You can put baked potato in the freezer with or without their skin. There are a few procedures involved in freezing cooked potatoes. Take a look here.
- The potatoes should be evenly soft on all sides. Most people bake potatoes with butter or fats. But as long as you intend to freeze them, avoid using any butter or fats. You can add these after reheating.
- Place the baked potatoes on a work surface and let them cool completely. Let them cool to average room temperature. Wrap each cooled potato in aluminum foil or a double layer of plastic wrap. This will stop any air contamination.
- Transfer the individually wrapped potatoes into freezer bags carefully. Try to set them flat to avoid losing their shape from being squeezed against other things in the freezer. An airtight plastic container will also be effective for freezing.
- Make sure the potatoes are properly sealed before putting them in the freezer. Label and date your potatoes, so that you know when to use them. Put them in the freezer. And your baked potatoes are ready to freeze.
Tip To Freeze Baked Potato In Aluminum Foil
Ensure to wrap the baked potatoes in aluminum foil tightly. And check if it is free of any tears because rips might spoil them. The rip-free packaging will eliminate air exposure and hence preserve the texture of your potatoes.
Is It Possible To Freeze Baked Potatoes With Fillings?
Baked potatoes are majorly preferred with fillings, butter, and spices. The fillings are one of the most excellent parts of a baked potato. There are so many toppings you can put on your potatoes- tuna, mayo, bacon, chili, cheddar, sour cream, and so many others. But is it possible to freeze baked potatoes with fillings?
No, it is not suggested to freeze baked potatoes with fillings and toppings on. This is owing to the fact that the potato will get soggy when defrosted and also because the fillings can require special freezing procedures. And you would not want to eat the soggy ones.
Therefore, freeze only the baked potatoes. You can add the fillings and toppings later on while having them. If you plan to freeze the fillings as well, do it separately, not with the potatoes. Package them in individual portions before freezing.
How Long Will Baked Potatoes Last In the Freezer?
Baked potatoes will last in the freezer for about 6-8 months. But freezing for such a long period will alter the texture and taste of your potatoes. And it might not be the same as delicious as it would be when freshly baked. So, what can be done?
To keep the taste and flavor intact, consume your baked potatoes within 3 months of freezing. Keeping it more than that is therefore not advisable. However, if you plan to use them for several meals in a row, there is no need to freeze your potatoes. They can be stored in the refrigerator for around 3-4 days after preparation. Only make sure they are kept covered, otherwise, the cooked potatoes will show alterations.
How Well Do Frozen Baked Potatoes Last?
Baked potatoes freeze well when treated with appropriate freezing techniques. And are frozen without any fillings or toppings. Therefore, you must follow the freezing instructions while doing so. This will save your baked potatoes from getting spoiled.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to remove air. Push out as much air as you can from the bags before freezing. If you are using containers, make sure that the lids are tightly sealed. Sealing your bags and containers effectively is crucial.
Can You Refreeze Baked Potatoes?
Refreezing baked potatoes is not ideal when they have already been thawed. Food experts say that refreezing will only ruin the texture and taste, and might spoil the potatoes if they are exposed to air. Even if you are individually wrapping them before freezing, refreezing is not suggested.
What can you do? While refreezing is not an option, you can freeze your baked potatoes in separate batches. This way, you can defrost the required quantity without touching the other potato bags in the freezer.
How Can You Thaw Baked Potatoes?
Baked potatoes need adequate thawing before you reheat them to eat. The best way to thaw them is to keep them in the fridge overnight. Once they are completely thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave or foil for consumption.
Steps To Thaw And Reheat Freezing Baked Potatoes
It is quite easy to thaw the baked dish. Follow the mentioned steps to keep the flavor intact while thawing.
- Take out the desired amount of potatoes from the freezer.
- Carefully remove the foil wrapping.
- Put them in an airtight container and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat your potatoes in the microwave or oven until they evenly turn soft.
- Top with your favorite fillings and your potatoes are ready to eat.
If you do not have much time to let the baked potatoes thaw overnight, you can thaw baked potatoes in a microwave. And then reheat them at 350°F so that they are ready to eat. This will only increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Summing it up, freezing baked potatoes is a very suitable way to preserve the delectable dish- be it store-bought or homemade, be it leftover potatoes or potatoes prepared for freezing. You also know how to freeze them. This way you can freeze potatoes for several months, and you always have them ready to defrost and reheat anytime you wish.