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When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, especially among Thanksgiving sides, there’s no question that mashed potatoes are an absolute must. Another thing to love about this dish? It’s easier to make ahead than you might think.
We know what you’re thinking. Can you freeze mashed potatoes? Yes! You can freeze mashed potatoes made with plenty of butter and cream, and then reheat them on the big day using one of four methods. Here’s how.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can totally freeze mashed potatoes—in fact, it’s one of the most freezer-friendly potato preparations out there. The key is to coat your potatoes with plenty of butter and cream. This dairy duo ensures that your potatoes not only freeze well, but also reheat creamy and flavorful.
Unfortunately, if you make mashed potatoes with only broth, they likely won’t hold up very well. So, we recommend using butter and cream if you plan to freeze.
The Best Way to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Cook your mashed potatoes as you normally would, making sure to include plenty of cream and butter. Once the potatoes are completely cooled, use one of two easy methods to freeze them.
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes: Method 1
Scoop one-cup mounds of the mashed potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to the freezer for at least a few hours up to overnight, until the mashed potatoes are completely frozen. Transfer the individual servings to a large freezer bag or container, and store in the freezer until Thanksgiving.
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes: Method 2
If you prefer not to portion the potatoes, you can also transfer all of the cooled mash to a large freezer bag or food container. Just be sure to either let it thaw in the refrigerator ahead of time or store it in a way that’ll make it easy to reheat them from frozen. The reserved mashed potatoes will need to fit in a large pot, baking dish, slow cooker, or microwave-safe dish in order to be reheated.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last in the Freezer?
Mashed potatoes last up to one month in the freezer. After that, their liquid and solid components separate, and they unfortunately won’t regain their creamy, pillowy consistency when reheated.
The Best Way to Reheat Mashed Potatoes
There are a few options for reheating the potatoes, and the best one is whichever works best with your schedule.
If time permits, plan to thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator one to two days before reheating. Otherwise, you can reheat them directly from the freezer using one of these methods.
Once reheated, if the potatoes seem to be on the watery side, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese to give them a thicker, creamier consistency. Taste the potatoes, and add more butter, cream, and seasoning as necessary.
Our Favorite Mashed Potato Recipes
Because mashed potatoes are so popular, there are countless ways to prepare them. Here are some of our favorite mashed potato recipes: