Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish for both adults and children. Of course, it is easy to prepare the final product from them as you only have to add milk or water. But, if you have a lot of mashed potatoes left and don’t want to waste them, then you can store them in the freezer. However, the question arises here that how long do mashed potatoes last in the fridge?
As, making mashed potatoes is a time-consuming process because it involves boiling, peeling, and mashing potatoes.
So, if you have a busy schedule and don’t have enough time to prepare them fresh, then you can keep them in the refrigerator. And thus, you will be able to serve them later, either after heating or frying.
So, here on this page, you will know in detail how many days you can keep mashed potatoes in the fridge. And I am going to tell you how you can freeze them for a long time. Also, you will find ways of reheating potato paste.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last In The Fridge?
You can store mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. But, potatoes having milk in them last only two days in the freezer. So, mash a sufficient amount of potatoes that you can use within 2-3 days.
However, the exact answer to this question depends on various factors. For instance, the shelf life of mashed potatoes greatly depends on the refrigeration conditions and cooking extent of potatoes.
So, if you store them properly, they may easily last 6-7 days in the fridge. To increase the shelf life of mashed potatoes, pack them in air-tight bags. As, in this way, you restrict the growth of microorganisms in your food packet.
What You Can Do with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
There are plenty of delicious ideas that you can try with leftover mashed potatoes. So, if you mash enough potatoes and don’t want to freeze them, then try the tasty ideas that I am going to mention here.
First of all, you can make potato patties. No doubt, it is a very simple and smart way to utilize potato paste, and it only takes 15-20 minutes to ready. In addition, it is a perfect meal for vegan guys.
Secondly, you have an option to prepare tattie scones. As, it is an excellent breakfast if you serve them with sausage or bread. Or, you can also prepare potato doughnuts, potato stuffed waffles, dumplings, and many others.
In addition, you can also try other food ideas according to your taste preferences.
Can Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?
If you do not store them properly or in an airtight jar, then, of course, mashed potatoes go bad. And, they may spoil if you keep them in the fridge for a long time.
So, in order to keep them fresh in the fridge, then store them properly and carefully. Also, you have to use them within 7-8 days.
In case if you kept them in the fridge a few days ago, and they are still airtight and dry, you can eat them. Such “dry products” in particular, are quite insensitive.
The expiry of the best before the date for food does not necessarily mean that it is inedible afterward, but that it can start from the date it loses its aroma or no longer looks beautiful.
Mashed potatoes are a side dish that you can consume fresh after cooking or prepare from leftovers the next day. You can also pre-cook mashed potatoes and serve them later in the day. No matter when you want to eat them, it is best if you serve them hot.
Why Does Mashed Potatoes Go Bad So Quickly?
Mashed potatoes spoil quickly because they are good breeding grounds for some bacteria and fungi. However, in my experience, it happens much faster with the mashed potatoes.
As a starchy dish, it is the best zone for the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Under these favorable conditions, microbes multiple quickly. So, your mashed potatoes start to spoil and go bad so quickly.
Careful storage of smashed potatoes is the only method to avoid the growth of microorganisms in your food. And, you can also restrict the microbial growth if you store them after their proper cooking or deep frying.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
If you have ever wondered whether you can freeze mashed potatoes or not, then this is the place to find the answer. In short, yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes, and it freezes pretty well in contrast to whole baked or boiled potatoes.
So, if you are cooking a large amount of mashed potatoes and want to use it for a number of meals, you are free to do so.
Freeze leftovers from the first meal and use them whenever you need them. And, if you want to know how to freeze mashed potatoes, please read on.
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes ?
- Prepare mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. It is up to you how you like this dish, so cook it the way you like it most.
- Thoroughly cool the prepared meal. If you want to cool it down faster, consider putting it in a slightly cooler place (e.g. in the pantry).
Method 1 (Less Work Required)
This method is simple – you need to put mashed potatoes in freezer bags, deflate all of the air in the bag, and seal the bag. You can also use zippered pouches, which is probably the easiest method.
If you choose to use small freezer bags, preferably serving size, that’s even better. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat as much mashed potatoes as you need in one go.
And, instead of freezer bags, you can use airtight containers. If so, keep in mind that the container should be almost full (the more air in it, the worse the freezer burn).
Method 2 (A Little More Work)
The first thing you need to do is line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then measure out even portions of mashed potatoes with a large scoop and transfer them to the baking sheet.
Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least a couple of hours (e.g. overnight). Make sure the portions are thoroughly frozen before taking them out of the freezer.
Now you have to transfer the frozen potato puree balls into a freezer bag and put them back in the freezer. Freezing the mashed potatoes in small portions will only allow you to defrost as much of it as you need.
Thawing And Reheating Frozen Mashed Potatoes
You can defrost and reheat frozen mashed potatoes in the microwave or oven. If you want, you can thaw it a little more before heating it by placing it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
Use around 50% of the power of your appliance when heating, and don’t forget to stir the dish from time to time.
For example, if you are using a microwave, microwave it for a minute, stir, microwave it for a minute, and so on. Then, heat it until it is done.
Things To Remember
- Properly label each bag of mashed potatoes. Remember to write the name of the dish, the amount and the date there.
- Add a little sour cream when heating (if defrosted, mashed potatoes are too watery). This will help achieve the right texture when the dish is ready.
- Although you can keep mashed potatoes in the freezer for a long time, be careful. Storage for more than 6 to 8 months is not recommended for reasons of quality.
Final Words
How long do mashed potatoes last in the fridge? As you know by now, you can freeze mashed potatoes, and it is pretty easy to do.
But, be careful while freezing them and utilize them within 3-4 days. And, be sure to freeze it in small portions so you can only thaw as much as you need at a time.
Mashed Potatoes FAQs
Which Types of Potatoes Are Suitable For Mashed Potatoes?
Floury potatoes are best for making mashed potatoes. They become nice and soft when cooked and are therefore perfect for mashed potatoes.
How Is Mashed Potatoes Made?
Peel and rinse the potatoes and cook in salted water for about 20 minutes. Then drain the water, press the potatoes through the potato presser, or mash them with a potato masher. Stir in some hot milk, cream, and a dollop of butter, add a little salt and nutmeg to taste, and the mashed potatoes are ready.
What Is Right: Mash or Puree Mashed Potatoes?
Most of the time, the mashed potatoes are mashed because then it becomes nice and loose. It often becomes tough and sticky with a hand blender, but that also depends on the type of potato. Waxy potatoes look unsightly when they are pureed. Floury potatoes can be pureed without any problems.
How Long Can Mashed Potatoes Keep?
Fresh mashed covered potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, as long as it has not been left at room temperature for more than two hours (then germs may already have formed). As soon as it looks strange or tastes rancid, it should not be eaten.
How Are Mashed Potatoes Warmed Up?
Mashed potatoes can be warmed up in the microwave, in a water bath, or in a saucepan. When warming up in the microwave, the mashed potatoes are first warmed up, then some milk is added, stirred, and the mashed potatoes are briefly heated again.
What Goes with Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish. It goes well with practically all dishes: meat, fish, bratwurst, but also spinach and all other vegetables taste great with mashed potatoes.
Why Is the Mashed Potatoes Sticky?
Mashed potatoes often get sticky when pureed with a hand blender. This destroys the starch molecules in the potatoes, and the pulp becomes sticky. Unfortunately, sticky porridge can no longer be saved by adding milk or butter.
What Can You Do About Too Much Salt in Mashed Potatoes?
Too much salt in the mashed potatoes can only be remedied by making the same amount of potatoes again, then without salt. Finally, mix both porridges and season them if necessary if the mashed potatoes are still too weakly seasoned.
What Can I Do If the Mashed Potatoes Have Become Too Firm?
For example, you can knead with an egg and some flour to make solid mashed potatoes and fry them in hot oil to make mashed potatoes. However, you can hardly make it more liquid because if you try to stir in milk, the additional milk will not mix well with the mashed potatoes.
What Can I Do If the Mashed Potatoes Have Become Too Runny?
Mashed potatoes that are too liquid can be thickened with potato starch. Another option is to press in pieces of potato. Or you can add ready-made mashed potatoes powder.