Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Cooked mashed potatoes with butter, milk, or cream.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes. Yes. Mashed potatoes freeze and reheat well, especially when made with butter and cream.
Freezer Storage Time
Source: USDA FoodKeeper | Last verified: March 26, 2026 | Our methodology
How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes
- Let mashed potatoes cool completely.
- Scoop portions into muffin tins or onto a baking sheet (about 1 cup each).
- Freeze until solid (2-3 hours).
- Transfer portions to freezer bags.
- Alternatively, freeze flat in gallon-sized bags for space efficiency.
Texture and Quality Changes
Rich mashed potatoes (with butter and cream) freeze well and reheat with minimal texture change. Lean mashed potatoes (made with just milk) can become slightly gluey. Adding an extra tablespoon of butter or cream before freezing improves results.
How to Thaw Mashed Potatoes Safely
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway. Or microwave from frozen, stirring every 2 minutes. Add a splash of cream or milk while reheating to restore creaminess.
Refreezing is not recommended. Quality and texture degrade significantly with repeated freezing and thawing.
Best Uses After Freezing
After freezing and thawing, mashed potatoes works best in: reheated side dish, shepherd's pie topping, potato cakes, potato soup base.
Make extra mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving or any holiday and freeze the leftovers in individual portions. Future you will be grateful for a ready-made side dish on a busy weeknight. Rich, buttery mashed potatoes freeze the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sour cream in mashed potatoes actually helps the texture hold up better during freezing. The fat content provides stability. Reheat gently and stir well.
The Bottom Line
Mashed Potatoes can be frozen for 2–3 months when packaged properly. The key is removing as much air as possible and using freezer-safe containers or bags. While texture may change slightly after thawing, frozen mashed potatoes works well in cooked dishes and recipes.