Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes if There Are Lots of Leftovers?

When it comes to side dishes (especially around the holidays), you can’t go wrong with a giant bowl of classic mashed potatoes to pass around the dinner table. But when you make too much or want to get a head start on the Thanksgiving menu, you might wonder: Can I freeze mashed potatoes? Yes, you can. Freezing mashed potatoes is a great way to plan for the holidays or avoid wasting any leftovers. Read on to learn how to freeze mashed potatoes for later. You’ll also find the best way to reheat frozen mashed potatoes so they are still amazingly fluffy and creamy.

How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to freezing mashed potatoes, any recipe will do the trick—as long as cream/milk and butter are involved. The fat content in those creamy stir-ins is key to helping maintain the mashed potato flavor and texture you love.

Freeze in Bulk: To freeze your favorite holiday side, place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and pop it in the freezer. This method will also work perfectly to freeze mashed sweet potatoes.

Freeze Individual Portions: To freeze individual servings of mashed potatoes, freeze the potatoes in a silicone muffin first or use an ice cream scoop to place scoops on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, remove the individual servings and place in a labeled plastic bag.

Best Containers for Freezing Mashed Potatoes

There are a lot of freezer containers out there, but the key thing you need to remember when freezing mashed potatoes is that the container should be airtight. As long as it’s airtight, it can be made of any material. Some of the best freezer containers to store mashed potatoes are resealable plastic bags and plastic or glass food storage containers. You can also buy silicone molds that are specifically for freezing leftovers, so those would be great for portioning out the leftovers.

How Long Can I Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

According to the USDA, leftover frozen mashed potatoes will be good for 1-2 months in the freezer.

How to Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes

If time permits, our Test Kitchen recommends allowing frozen mashed potatoes to thaw in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Once thawed, you can reheat them using one of the following methods:

• Stove top: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir mashed potatoes occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat covered, for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until heated through. Depending on the power of your microwave, you might need to reduce or add time.
• Slow cooker: Heat in slow cooker on low for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Oven: In a casserole dish, place in the oven at 350ºF for approximately 30 minutes or until heated through.

How to Use Thawed Mashed Potatoes

Once reheated, your frozen mashed potatoes should be like freshly made. If the mashed potatoes seem a bit dry or need more flavor, add a splash of cream and a couple of tablespoons of butter to taste. You can season with extra salt and pepper or give your frozen mashed potatoes a creamy upgrade with sour cream and bacon, roasted garlic, or lemon and herbs. Get started before the holiday rush by making some of our other delicious make-ahead recipes.