Make Ahead Mashed Potato Recipe (Freezer Recipe) - Dessert for Two (2024)

Published: Sep 12, 2023 · Modified: Dec 14, 2023 by Christina Lane · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

Make ahead mashed potatoes are ready and waiting for you in the freezer. Store them in 8x8" pans for a crowd, or scoop them into mini loaf pans to have mashed potatoes for two any time!

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 usingmini 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

1. Prep - First, fill a large cooking pot with cold water. Peel each potato and then place it in the cold water. Once all of the potatoes are in the pot, then turn on the heat to HIGH.
2. Cook - Bring the potatoes to a boil, add the salt, and continue to cook until the potatoes are tender all the way through, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, and then return to them to the pot immediately.
3. Combine - Add the half and half and one stick of the butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the potatoes to mash them and combine them with the half and half and butter.
4. Freeze - Place the potatoes in whichever freezer storage dish you prefer: either 8x8" pans or mini loaf pans. Slice the remaining stick of butter and dot it along the surface. Cover the pans tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, place them in freezer-safe bags and freeze.
5. Re-heat - To reheat, place the potatoes directly from the freezer with the foil cover still on them into a 350-degree oven. Heat for 30 minutes, stir and continue to cook until they're warm throughout.

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 mychicken fried steak for two, and mySalisbury steakmost 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.

Freezing Mashed Potatoes FAQs

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.

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