If you’re looking for a comforting side dish, there's no doubt that mashed potatoes are a classic! Whether you make them for Thanksgiving or just a weeknight steak dinner, the fluffy spuds are always a hit. But even potato lovers like Ree Drummond will admit that there’s not always time for perfect mashed potatoes. "That peeling, boiling, draining, and mashing thing can really get in the way of your holiday joy," she says. That’s why she has a time-saving recipe for make-ahead mashed potatoes!
But how far in advance can you make the popular Thanksgiving side dish? And better yet, can you freeze mashed potatoes? The answer to this question will really help you get ahead of the holiday game! "It's amazing how much trouble this saves on Thanksgiving Day," Ree declares. Just like with freezing stuffing or freezing pumpkin pie, knowing how to 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!
Knowing how to freeze mashed potatoes will come in handy when you 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! Plus, a few tips for reheating mashed potatoes using your oven, stovetop, slow cooker, or even just your microwave.
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Before you decide to freeze mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving dinner menu, there's a catch: you need to freeze those spuds the right way to ensure they stay nice and creamy! The trick? Butter and cream! We're 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:
- 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 don't 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.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Lastin the Freezer?
You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to one month. There's a good amount of liquid in the potatoes that could form ice crystals and cause freezer burn if they're frozen for longer periods of time.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last in the Refrigerator?
No room in the freezer? You can also make mashed potatoes ahead and store them in the fridge. According to the USDA, cooked potatoes will last for about three to four days. This will also come in handy when you thaw your mashed potatoes before trying the oven method below.
How to Thaw and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
You can reheat frozen mashed potatoes in several different ways. Here are your options:
Slow Cooker Method
Pop your frozen potatoes into a slow cooker and set it on low heat for about two hours, or until the potatoes are fully warmed through. Stir to smooth out any lumps.
Stovetop Method
Empty the frozen mashed potatoes into a medium saucepan or Dutch oven and stir occasionally over low heat until they begin to thaw. Then cover the potatoes and stir them occasionally until they are completely warmed through and smooth.
Oven Method
If you froze your mashed potatoes in a casserole dish, make sure you thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before you pop them straight into the oven. If your potatoes were in a plastic freezer bag or storage container, be sure to transfer them to an oven-safe dish before baking. When you're ready, bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot throughout.
Microwave Method
The timing for this method will vary depending on your microwave and the amount of mashed potatoes you're heating up. Put your potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for two to three minutes, then stir. Continue microwaving in one-minute increments until the potatoes are totally warmed through.
By the way, these four different methods all share the same final step: Sit down and savor your delicious mashed potatoes!
How to Use Thawed Mashed Potatoes
No matter which re-heating method you choose, you may want to stir a little butter and/or cream into your mash once it's heated to make it extra smooth and creamy. Or try giving your mash a boost of flavor with roasted garlic or ranch seasoning. You can also transform your mashed potatoes into something entirely different, like crispy mashed potato pancakes, twice baked potato casserole, or Shepherd’s pie.
