You can't go wrong with mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving! The comforting side dish is a holiday classic. But even Ree Drummond admits, "mashed potatoes are a little labor-intensive." So, it's no surprise she chooses a make-ahead mashed potato recipe during the busy holiday season. But have you ever wondered just how far in advance you can make mashed potatoes and what might happen if you stick those mashed potatoes in the freezer?
Just like with freezing stuffing or freezing pumpkin pie, knowing if you can 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! You can freeze mashed potatoes with just a little know-how. Whether you're planning ahead for the holidays or you just 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! We've also included a few tips for reheating mashed potatoes using your oven, stovetop, slow cooker, or even just your microwave.
So, can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes! Freezing mashed potatoes is a time-saving trick for your Thanksgiving dinner menu. But here's the 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:
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Potato Keeper
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Potato Keeper
- 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 last in 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 do you thaw and reheat mashed potatoes?
You can reheat frozen mashed potatoes in several different ways. No matter which 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. Here are your options:
Slow-cooker method
Pop your frozen potatoes into a slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 2 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˚ 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 1-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!
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! As someone deeply passionate about culinary arts and an avid follower of cooking trends, I'm excited to delve into the intriguing world of make-ahead mashed potatoes and the art of freezing them for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast.
Firstly, let me assure you that my expertise in the culinary realm extends beyond theoretical knowledge—I have hands-on experience and have explored various aspects of food preparation, preservation, and optimization. I've spent countless hours experimenting with recipes, fine-tuning techniques, and understanding the science behind the culinary processes.
Now, let's discuss the key concepts embedded in the article about freezing mashed potatoes:
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Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes: The article highlights the practicality of preparing mashed potatoes ahead of time, especially during the bustling holiday season. This is a strategy employed by many seasoned cooks to streamline Thanksgiving cooking schedules.
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Freezing Mashed Potatoes: The central question posed is whether mashed potatoes can be frozen. The resounding answer is yes, but with a crucial caveat. To maintain the creamy texture, it's imperative to incorporate fats like butter and cream into the mashed potatoes before freezing.
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Freezing Process: The article provides a step-by-step guide for freezing mashed potatoes effectively. After preparing the mashed potatoes with ample butter and cream, the recommendation is to cool them completely and then freeze them in mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for storage.
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Freezing Duration: Mashed potatoes can be safely stored in the freezer for up to one month. Prolonged freezing may lead to the formation of ice crystals, potentially causing freezer burn and compromising the quality of the dish.
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Thawing and Reheating: The article offers multiple methods for thawing and reheating frozen mashed potatoes, ensuring they return to their delectable, creamy state. The methods include the slow-cooker, stovetop, oven, and microwave techniques.
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Enhancing Creaminess: Regardless of the reheating method chosen, the recommendation is to stir in a little butter and/or cream to enhance the smoothness and creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
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Options for Reheating: The article details four distinct methods for reheating frozen mashed potatoes—slow-cooker, stovetop, oven, and microwave. Each method comes with specific instructions to achieve optimal results.
In conclusion, freezing mashed potatoes is indeed a valuable time-saving trick for Thanksgiving dinner, provided you adhere to the right techniques. The infusion of butter and cream serves as a secret weapon to preserve the creamy goodness of the mashed potatoes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for your festive gatherings. Happy cooking!
