Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes. They freeze surprisingly well and will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. The trick is making sure your mash contains enough fat (butter and cream) to protect the texture during freezing.

This post considers the best way to freeze mash and offers insight into the types of potatoes to use for best results.

Consider buying locally sourced potatoes from the UK rather than imported varieties where possible. If buying from the supermarket, opt for purchasing loose rather than in plastic bags to help the environment.

Contents

• Why Fat Matters in mash
• How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
• How Long Does Frozen Mash Last?
• How to Defrost and Reheat
• Tips for the best mash Results
• FAQs for mash
• Your Comments

Why Fat Matters in mash

Mashed potatoes made with plenty of butter and double cream freeze far better than those made with just milk or stock. The fat coats the potato starch and prevents the mash from becoming grainy or watery when thawed. If you are planning to freeze mash, be generous with the dairy.

How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes

1. Make your mash as normal, ensuring it contains butter and cream.
2. Allow to cool completely. Do not put hot mash in the freezer as it creates condensation and ice crystals.
3. Portion into serving sizes. You can use:
   • Freezer bags: Fill, flatten, remove air, and seal. They stack neatly and defrost faster. If I can recommend avoiding plastic bags where possible as reusable air tight containers are better for the environment.
   • Airtight containers: Leave about 1cm of space at the top for expansion.
   • Baking tray method: Scoop individual portions onto a lined baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This is brilliant for grabbing single servings.
4. Label with the date and freeze. Labelling should capture the date they were frozen but also a suggested date (3 months ahead) so its easy to work out.

Store in the freezer with the older ones towards the front and aim for a stock rotation system by putting the newer potatoes towards the back. This will keep a constant cycle when moving between dishes. Consider using these freezer labels as a way to keep track.

How Long Does Frozen Mash Last?

Up to 3 months for optimal quality. Beyond that, you may notice more ice crystals forming and a slightly drier texture. I'd suggest going no longer than 6 months.

How to Defrost and Reheat

• Fridge (recommended): Move to the fridge the night before you need it. Use within 24 hours.
• Microwave: Heat from frozen in 2-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout. reduce this for more powerful microwaves. If using a modern 900w microwave, go for 60 second bursts.
• Hob: Place in a saucepan with a splash of milk, cover, and warm over low heat, stirring regularly. Stirring is important as you don't want it to burn and stick to the pan.
• Oven: Transfer to an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Tips for the best mash Results

• If the mash seems a bit watery after thawing, stir through a tablespoon of cream cheese (like Philadelphia) or sour cream to thicken it up. Maybe even a bit of sourdough stater discard!?
• Mash made with floury potatoes (like Maris Piper or King Edward) freezes well. Waxy varieties can become slightly gluey.
• Do not over-mash before freezing. Over-worked potatoes release too much starch and become gummy.
• Flavoured mash (garlic, cheese, herb) all freeze just as well as plain.

FAQs for mash

Frozen mash is a great time-saver for topping pies and hotpots and is also a really good accompaniment for swede and turnip too. Makes roast dinners have a bit more variety.