Maybe like me you had always been told that freezing mashed potatoes wasn't something you can do. For years I lamented over the fact that potatoes couldn't be frozen.
Then I started batch cooking as a way to save money and decided to try a small batch of mashed potatoes. I figured the worst that could happen was that they'd be awful and I'd be out a few bucks.
Fortunately that wasn't the case at all! Frozen mashed potatoes are the creamiest, most delectable for of melt-in-your-mouth goodness I've ever had!
Now I batch cook 10-20 pounds of mashed potatoes at a time and freeze them in either individual portions or family size containers. Then all I have to do is toss the container in the oven (or microwave if the container isn't metal), and go on about my business!
Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe You Can Make and Freeze!
This time saving method of making mashed potatoes is especially useful for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving when there are so many other things going on. I can make mashed potatoes and freeze them a month in advance (as well as many of the other normal holiday dishes) so that I'm not trying to make them all fresh the day of.
For a big family holiday meal, I cook 5-10 lbs of potatoes, turn them all into mash and then freeze them in a large pan for a day or two (or up to 2 months in advance). Then I take them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge the night before the big event.
I get more compliments on my mashed potatoes than you would ever imagine possible for such a simple recipe!
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Take 3lbs of potatoes and bake them however you please.
I like to cook them in the oven on 375 for 2 hours... foil on bottom and top with a little butter on the bottom foil. Throw them in the mixer while still hot.
Run the mixer on low for about 30 seconds just to break up the potatoes a bit.
While the potatoes are being broken up, slice a stick of butter. Add it to the mixing bowl and mix until all the butter is melted and well combined.
Next, SLOWLY add in 1 1/4 cups of raw milk (or whatever milk you like to use...). This step takes about 3-5 minutes, but it's worth it. Be patient. Also, if you go too fast, you'll get splashed with milk ;-)
At the very end, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix again until well combined.
At this point you can obviously eat them right away. OR you can freeze them!!
To Freeze Mashed Potatoes:
Line a baking sheet with whatever you have on hand. I've found that foil, cling wrap, and parchment all work equally well. Then just dollop the potatoes out into single serving mounds!
Place the baking sheet in the freezer, keeping the sheet as flat as you can. In about 3-4 hours they should be ready to remove and place into a Ziploc bag!
You can also use a glass or metal container if you want to freeze a larger portion, instead of individual portions.
To Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes:
Reheating your glorious mashed potato gold is almost as easy as making and freezing them in the first place!
Reheating in the Oven:
Just place how ever many servings you need on a foil lined tray and pop them in the oven at 350°. Heat for 30 minutes (may vary by oven) and enjoy the creamiest mashed potatoes you've ever had! Stir before serving to ensure the potatoes are warm all the way through.
If you are heating up a large container (2 pounds of frozen mashed potatoes or more), it will take longer. Stir every 20 minutes to ensure even heating.
Reheating in the Microwave:
Place mashed potatoes in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Stir and microwave in 1 minute increments, stirring in between runs, until they are your ideal temperature.
Frozen Mashed Potatoes FAQ
I've used ALL different types of potatoes for mashed potatoes and they've all been delicious. So, first and foremost, use what you have on hand. However, I've found that Yukon gold or any type of yellow potato make the creamiest mashed potatoes.
Yes! I just find that baking them is easier when dealing with bulk potatoes. Ultimately, the potatoes simply need to be fully cooked and warm before you mash them.
Yes absolutely! But if you like your mashed potatoes without the skins, feel free to freeze them that way too.
We usually try to eat our frozen mashed potatoes within about 6 months. But we've found year old mashed potatoes way in the back and eaten them without issue. They were just as delicious as when they were fresh!
Yes! If you like to make cheesy mashed potatoes, or garlic mashed potatoes, mashed red potatoes, or whatever… you can freeze and reheat them just the same way as described above!
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes
- 1 stick butter 1/2 cup
- 1 1/4 cup whole milk (we use raw milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bake potatoes at 375 for 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on size.
- While still hot, place potatoes into mixing bowl.
- Run mixer for 30 seconds to break up potatoes
- Slice and add butter.
- SLOWLY add 1 1/4 cup of milk.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
To Freeze Mashed Potatoes:
- Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment, or cling wrap. Dollop potatoes into single serving mounds.
- Freeze flat for about an hour. Remove and place servings into Ziploc bag.
To Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes:
- Place desired servings onto foil lined tray. Heat at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes. Serve right away.
- *If you frozen your mashed potatoes in a serving dish instead of individual servings, place in a cold oven, heat to 350°F, and bake for 30 minutes. Stir well and check temperature. If needed, heat for another 15-20 minutes.
Video
Notes
Line a baking sheet with foil, parchment, or cling wrap.
Dollop potatoes into single serving mounds.
Freeze flat for about an hour.
Remove and place into Ziploc bag. To Reheat:
Place desired servings onto foil lined tray.
Heat at 350 for approximately 30 minutes.
Serve right away.
Nutrition
OTHER MASHED POTATO RECIPES THAT CAN BE FROZEN
In addition to freezing just the mashed potatoes, you can also freeze most recipes that involve mashed potatoes. This is a great time saving measure for a easy and fast dinner for busy nights!
Easy Shepherd's Pie
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Meat Shell Potato Pie
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes
Baked Chicken, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole
Spinach Quiche with Potato Crust
Tiffany says
I tried these for Thanksgiving, and honestly they’re the easiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever made, and my kids absolutely loved them. Haven’t frozen them yet, but it’s coming. Thanks so much for the sanity-saving recipe.
Victoria says
Oh I’m so glad!! Thank you for the feedback! <3
SUZANNE SULLIVAN says
Wondered how mashed potatoes can be frozen and other potatoes are horrible and grainy mush.
even in stews the potatoes are horrible..
?????
Victoria says
Hi Suzanne! That assumption was the thing that kept me from trying it for so many years. However, it works SO well! I think it’s likely the butter and milk that help with the texture. They are so good that my family prefers mashed potatoes that have been previously frozen, if they are available!
SUZANNE SULLIVAN says
Whoa! Thank you very much