Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes: Your Guide to Preparing and Freezing for Thanksgiving
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, beloved for their creamy, fluffy texture and perfect pairing with turkey and gravy. Preparing them, however, can be time-consuming, especially when juggling multiple dishes. The good news? Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and frozen, maintaining their taste and texture beautifully. Here’s how to prepare, freeze, and reheat mashed potatoes so they’re just as delicious as if made fresh.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The best mashed potatoes start with the right potatoes. Russets or Yukon Golds are excellent choices because of their higher starch content, which creates a smooth, creamy texture. Russets produce fluffier mashed potatoes, while Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery taste. Both varieties hold up
well to freezing.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling, chopping, and boiling your potatoes as you would normally. Once they’re fork-tender, drain them and return them to the pot to remove any
excess moisture. For the best texture, use a potato masher or ricer rather than a blender or food processor, which can make potatoes gummy.
Add your usual ingredients, like butter, cream, or milk, to give the mashed potatoes richness and smoothness. If you’re planning to freeze, avoid adding sour cream or cream
cheese until you reheat the potatoes, as these ingredients can change in texture during freezing.
Season Generously
A make-ahead mashed potato dish should be well-seasoned, as freezing can sometimes dull flavors. Add salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices your family enjoys. For an herbaceous flavor, consider adding
garlic, thyme, or rosemary to the mix.
Cool the Potatoes Before Freezing
Once your mashed potatoes are prepared, let them cool completely before freezing. Cooling helps prevent condensation, which can lead to freezer burn. Spread the potatoes in a shallow dish to speed up the cooling process.
Portion for Family-Sized Servings
For Thanksgiving, freeze mashed potatoes in family-sized portions to simplify reheating. Plan on freezing 4-6 cups of mashed potatoes per bag, which serves approximately 6-8 people. This larger portion size makes it easy to thaw and reheat enough for a crowd in one batch.
Spoon each portion into a gallon-sized freezer bag, flatten it to about an inch thick for quicker thawing, and press out any excess air before sealing. Label each bag with the date and stack them flat in the freezer, saving space and making them easy to locate on the big day.
How Long Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
When stored properly, mashed potatoes maintain their quality in the freezer for up to two months. After this time, they may still be safe to eat but may lose some of their flavor and texture.
Thawing and Reheating for Best Results
When you’re ready to serve, transfer the mashed
potatoes to the fridge to thaw for 24 hours. If you’re pressed for time, they can be reheated directly from frozen, but thawing first allows for more even heating.
To reheat, place the mashed potatoes in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Add a bit of cream, milk, or butter as needed to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven by preheating to 350°F, placing the
potatoes in a baking dish, covering with foil, and baking for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a small amount of cream or butter on top before reheating will keep them moist.
Final Touches to Make Them Perfect
Once the mashed potatoes are heated, give them a quick taste and adjust the seasoning. Adding
fresh herbs, a little extra butter, or even a dollop of sour cream can bring the flavor back to life. For a decorative touch, sprinkle with chopped chives, parsley, or paprika before serving.
Why Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Are a Game-Changer
Preparing mashed potatoes in advance and freezing them saves time on
Thanksgiving Day, freeing up stovetop space and giving you one less dish to worry about. Your family will enjoy the same creamy, delicious mashed potatoes they expect, and you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the holiday.
