Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are very popular and a must-have side dish when it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food. They go well with just about any other dish. And another reason to adore this dish would be the making recipe- simpler than you can imagine. Mashed potatoes are perfect for holiday outings as well!
However, all the preparations for mashed potatoes might call for leftovers. Or sometimes you might just want to make extra for later use. Knowing which meals can be prepared in advance and frozen is part of a stress-free meal planning strategy. So, you might as well be wondering: can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes! You can freeze mashed potatoes. The recipe is simple to cook and can be prepared ahead of time and frozen until needed. In fact, mashed potatoes are one of the most freezer-friendly potato preparations.
Mashed potatoes made with lots of butter and cream freeze well, because of their dairy combination. On the other hand, mashed potatoes made with just broth are probably not going to last very long. And so, will not freeze well. So the ingredients highly determine the freezing of mashed potatoes.
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
The very straightforward technique to freeze mashed potatoes is simply to prepare your preferred batch of mashed potatoes. Let it cool completely and cleanly transfer them into freezer-safe containers or casserole dishes with tight-fitting lids.
How to freeze mashed potatoes? Check this out, we have compiled a list of a few ways that you might use to optimize the freezing of mashed potatoes. Have a look at them!
Method 1 for Freezing Mashed Potatoes
Take a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set one cup of mounds of mashed potatoes over it. Keep it refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight, or until the potatoes are solid. Carefully pack the individual servings in a big freezer bag or container. Make sure there is no air contact, and the containers are sealed. Your mashed potatoes are then ready to freeze until the next time you decide to have them.
Method 2 for Freezing Mashed Potatoes
Instead of freezing your mashed potatoes in portions, you can transfer all of the cooled mash to a sizable freezer bag or food container. The only thing you have to look for here is that store it in a way that will make it simple to reheat it from frozen. Or let it thaw in the refrigerator ahead of time before having it.
Techniques To Make Sure Your Frozen Mashed Potatoes Retain Their Flavor And Texture
Freezing mashed potatoes is a very good option. But that does not ensure that the frozen mashed potatoes will not lose their texture. There is nothing to worry though. Follow the mentioned techniques while freezing to retain the texture and flavor of frozen mashed potatoes.
- Adding any kind of fat, butter, or cream will freeze your mashed potatoes better. This is certainly because without fat to cover, potatoes often become mushy and gritty. Adding liquid will also cause crystals to develop when the potatoes are frozen. So, fat acts as a protective layer and thus freezes well.
- There are different types of potatoes available on the market. While adding fat is highly recommended, another factor to remember is to freeze portions. This works for all types of mashed potato recipes. Freezing in portions will eliminate spoilage, and you can always use the desired quantity.
- Using clean containers, freezer bags, and clean spoons for transferring the mashed potatoes is advisable. this will ensure there is no contamination and bacterial build-up in the mash. Also, check if the air is effectively removed from the freezer bags for appropriate freezing.
How Long Do Frozen Mashed Potatoes Last In The Freezer?
Given that you follow the proper freezing steps, mashed potatoes will be good for up to two months in the freezer. If your mash has a good protective layer of fat, this will also not alter the texture and flavor of your mashed potatoes.
Unfortunately, you cannot freeze your mashed potatoes more than that. This is because the potatoes contain a sizable amount of liquid. And if frozen over an extended length of time, their liquid and solid parts separate. This could further condense into ice crystals and result in freezer burn.
How Do You Defrost And Reheat Mashed Potatoes?
Defrosting mashed potatoes in the fridge for at least a day is ideal before reheating them. All you have to do is take out the mashed potatoes from the freezer and set them for thawing for quite a time. There are ways to reheat mashed potatoes. Alternatively, you can also directly reheat the mashed potatoes from the freezer.
What if the frozen mash ends up being too watery? To restore the creamy texture, you can heat one potato scoop at a time, mash it, and add it to the recipe. If your potatoes are a little dry, add a tiny bit of cream at a time until they are the right consistency.
Ways To Reheat Mashed Potatoes!
There are various ways to reheat frozen mashed potatoes. Take a look at a few of them.
- The Stovetop Method: Fill a medium skillet with the frozen mashed potatoes and place it on the stovetop. Stir them occasionally over low to medium heat until they start to thaw. The potatoes should then be covered and sometimes stirred until smooth and thoroughly heated. Add your favorite spices and enjoy.
- The Microwave Method: The time in the microwave will depend on the volume of mashed potatoes. Place the potatoes in a covered dish and put it in the microwave. Heat it for three to five minutes, stirring halfway through for best results.
- The Oven Method: Make certain to let your mashed potatoes thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours if you freeze them in a casserole dish rather than baking them right away. Transfer them to an oven-safe dish before baking. Bake the mashed potatoes at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
- The Slow-Cooker Method: Reheating thawed mashed potatoes is most effective in a slow cooker. Place the mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, cover it, and simmer them on low heat for about two hours, or until they are well heated. Keep stirring occasionally to remove any lumps.
Summing it up, mashed potatoes can be frozen effectively. And the texture and taste also do not show any changes if proper freezing methods are followed. You also know the best reheating techniques. Keep them in mind for the next time!