Freezer Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
This method for make-ahead mashed potatoes is extra special because it uses an entire 5 pound sack of potatoes. What is it doing on a blog about cooking for two, you might ask? Well, because I’m going to give you options on how to store these potatoes for any size meal! If you strictly cook for two people, I recommend using mini loaf pans, to store small portions of mashed potatoes in the freezer. A mini loaf pan holds a perfect portion of mashed potatoes for two people, any time you need it! The mini loaf pan holds two big scoops, which is perfect for enjoying alongside my crockpot pork tenderloin or with my baked breaded chicken strips! I also recommend an 8x8" foil pan for freezing enough mashed potatoes for 4-6 people. That would be the amount I would use for my Thanksgiving for Two celebration, because no one is mad at mashed potato leftovers. Of course, you may also serve this entire pot of 5 pounds of mashed potatoes for a big party!
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
Make ahead Mashed Potatoes uses only four ingredients and makes it really easy for a dinner party or holiday celebration. I love this recipe so much, because the 5 pound bags of potatoes are the most economical to buy at the store!
5 pounds golden potatoes 1 tablespoon salt 2 cups half and half 2 sticks unsalted butter, divided
How to make Freezer Mashed Potatoes
Freezing Mashed Potatoes Tips
When selecting potatoes, start with a 5-pound bag of golden potatoes. The larger the potatoes, the better, because it’s difficult to peel the little potatoes. However, you may absolutely use the little ones and leave the skins on when you mash; it’s a personal preference here. When reheating, you may need to add an extra splash of half and half or salt before serving, taste, and adjust to your preferences. I also put a big portion of the potatoes in a freezer-safe 8x8-inch pan. I do this in case we have a dinner party coming up soon. It’s one less side dish that I have to make when I’m trying to entertain my guests. Plus, mashed potatoes are such a crowd-pleasing side dish—everyone loves them! If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version of mashed potatoes, this recipe is adapted from one in my cookbook Dinner Just for Two. That version uses a portion of chicken broth for the liquid.
What to serve with this Recipe for Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
The potatoes should be served hot or at room temperature. Mashed potatoes are a great side dish to almost any hearty meal. I serve them with my chicken fried steak for two, and my Salisbury steak most often.
How to store this Make Ahead Mashed Potato Recipe
How long do Mashed Potatoes last in the fridge?
In an air-tight container, keep any leftover potatoes in the refrigerator.
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. There’s no need to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating–follow the instructions in the recipe below for reheating from frozen.
How do you keep mashed potatoes warm for a party?
I have successfully kept mashed potatoes warm for a party in a crockpot on low.
Why are my potatoes soggy after freezing?
Mashed potatoes shouldn’t be soggy after freezing! If they are, heat them through a bit more to evaporate any extra water from the ice crystals.
How do you keep potatoes from turning brown when frozen?
Before freezing, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mashed potatoes, followed by the lid of an airtight container.
More like these Freezer Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Funeral Potatoes Recipe Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Sauce Chicken Baked Potatoes *I recommend finding the largest golden potatoes you can find because it’s hard to peel the smaller ones. Alternatively, you can use all tiny potatoes and leave the skins on when cooking and mashing–your choice.
Mini Loaf Pans 8" Square Disposable Aluminum Pans
