Is there anything more comforting than creamy mashed potatoes? It's the ideal side dish for a steak dinner and a classic addition to a Thanksgiving menu or Christmas feast. So it’s no wonder Ree Drummond's mashed potatoes are considered one of the most popular Pioneer Woman recipes ever! After all, her version is one that you can easily make ahead. Yes, you read that right! Making mashed potatoes in advance is completely achievable, which leads us to the question: can you 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?
By now you know that freezing mashed potatoes is entirely possible. In fact, it's a clever time-saving trick for busy weeknights or even holiday meals. But you'll need to know how to freeze mashed potatoes the right way—and the key is to use a lot of butter and cream. If you thought you thought a splash of cream and a smidge of butter was enough, think again! The fat from the butter and cream will act as a protective layer to the potatoes and help keep them creamy even after freezing. Now that you know not to shy away from the butter, here's 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 plenty 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 our 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:
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher
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!
