Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes

Can you freeze mashed potatoes? The answer is YES, and you’re going to find out how! 

Whether you have too many leftovers or you’re mashing boiled potatoes as a make-ahead meal, freezing is one of the best ways to enjoy the dish for later. 

Though most cooks recommend making them fresh, it’s also good to know how to freeze mashed potatoes, especially when you need to save time in the kitchen during a busy day.

Our tips work for mashed sweet potatoes, too!

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

As mentioned, you can freeze mashed potatoes. But the longer it stays frozen, the more the taste and texture break down. 

So for the best results, frozen mashed potatoes should be consumed within 10 months of freezing. 

The secret to freezing mashed potatoes lies in the potatoes and recipe you’re using.

It’s essential to use waxy potato varieties, such as red potatoes and Yukon Golds as they’re less likely to become grainy when you thaw and reheat them. 

Another key to helping your mashed potatoes freeze is the addition of plenty of butter and cream after they’ve thawed, and giving them a quick mix. 

So I advise picking a recipe that uses dairy products and avoiding broth-based or oil-based mashed potatoes as they tend to lose texture when you freeze them. 

And when storing mashed potatoes in your freezer, they should be kept constantly frozen at 0°F to avoid bacteria growth and maintain their best quality for up to 10 months. 

Let’s take a look at how to freeze mashed potatoes the right way.

How to freeze mashed potatoes

Now that you already chose the right potato variety and added plenty of cream and butter to your mashed potatoes, it’s time to freeze them! 

Freezing mashed potatoes is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze homemade mashed potatoes like a pro.

1. If they’re freshly made, let the mashed potatoes cool completely. For leftovers, proceed to the next step. 
2. Divide your mashed potatoes into a 1-cup portion and scoop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
3. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap. 
4. Slide it into the freezer for just overnight.
5. Once completely frozen, quickly transfer the frozen potato scoops to a dry, clean, and large freezer bag or container. 
6. Store again in the freezer.

Pro tip: When properly stored and kept frozen, your mashed potatoes will last for up to 10 months in the freezer.

How to defrost mashed potatoes

Defrosting frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the fridge is the best way to preserve their texture and taste. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Take a portion of frozen mashed potatoes out of the freezer. 
• Transfer it to your fridge one night before you plan to use it.
• Once thawed, it’s ready to reheat!

If you have a hectic schedule, thawing your frozen mashed potatoes on the stove is always a good choice! 

Here’s how to thaw frozen mashed potatoes on the stovetop:

• Place a portion of frozen mashed potatoes in a pot over low heat.
• After five minutes, stir gently with a wooden spoon.
• The potatoes should be thawed but cold. Use in your favorite recipe, or learn more about how to reheat mashed potatoes here.

You can also thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place frozen mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Make sure to cover it.
2. Heat in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Stir it occasionally until thoroughly heated and thawed.

Tips and tricks

Here are some tricks and tips for freezing and thawing frozen mashed potatoes:

1. The more cream and butter you use, the better they’ll hold up in the freezer. So don’t skip these dairy products!
2. Make sure to portion the mashed potatoes before freezing them for convenient use. 
3. Use waxy potato varieties such as red potatoes or Yukon Golds, as they’re less likely to become grainy when you thaw and reheat them. 
4. Avoid broth-based or oil-based mashed potatoes as they tend to lose texture when you freeze them.
5. Frozen mashed potatoes should be consumed within ten (10) months of freezing for best results.
6. Frozen mashed potatoes should be kept constantly frozen at 0°F to avoid bacteria growth.
7. If they’re freshly made, let the mashed potatoes cool completely to keep that creaminess intact. 
8. If you’re in a huge hurry, thaw your frozen mashed potatoes in the oven or on the stove.

The bottom line

It’s always important to portion your make-ahead or leftover mashed potatoes out before freezing so you’ll avoid thawing the whole batch. 

Also, you shouldn’t refreeze and rethaw them, as this can affect the texture and flavor of your potatoes. 

Leftover mashed potatoes are good comfort food with lots of butter and salt, or alongside your turkey and pork roast dinners, or even made into potato pancakes! (We like this recipe from Spend With Pennies!)

Looking for more advice about how to reheat mashed potatoes the right way? Here you go!

So can I freeze mashed potatoes? Yes, I can. And I know you can do it too!