Mashed potatoes are a popular and versatile side dish, but leftovers can be a bit tricky to store. Many people wonder how long mashed potatoes can last in the fridge, and whether it’s safe to eat them after a certain amount of time. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the shelf life of mashed potatoes, as well as some tips for storing and reheating them properly.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just looking to save some leftovers, read on to learn everything you need to know about how long they can last in the fridge.
Storage
The shelf life of mashed potatoes depends on how you store them in the fridge. When stored correctly, they can last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
However, it is important to take some precautions to ensure your mashed potatoes are stored properly. Let’s look at some storage tips for them to make sure you get the maximum shelf life.
Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container
Storing them in an airtight container is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your mashed potatoes and keep them tasting great. They should be stored in a covered container in either the refrigerator or freezer. When storing it in the refrigerator, make sure that it is properly sealed and labeled with a date to optimize shelf life. With that said, you should use up any leftovers within four days for the best results.
When storing them in the freezer, make sure that you reheat them before serving as this will help retain their flavor and texture. Transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw frozen mashed potatoes, place them in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours prior to reheating on the stovetop or microwave. Once cooled and re-heated, serve immediately or store until needed for up to four months when kept frozen correctly.
Learn about freezing other types of food, such as Hawaiian rolls, to make the most out of your food storage.
Refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking
They should be refrigerated in a sealed container within two hours of cooking. To prevent spoilage and foodborne illness, they shouldn’t sit out of the fridge for longer than two hours. Refrigerate any leftover potatoes at temperatures below 40°F or 4°C to ensure they are safe to eat.
To maintain the best quality, store them in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep them fresher and prevent other odors from leaking into the mashed potatoes while they cool. To properly store older batches of mashed potatoes, divide them into smaller portions and refrigerate them within 2-3 days of cooking. Make sure to eat them sooner rather than later as flavor and texture may degrade if stored too long — about 5 days is the maximum recommendation for a fully cooked side dish like this.
They can be frozen for up to 8 months without losing their flavor or texture when correctly stored. Cool the cooked mashed potatoes completely before storing in sealed freezer-safe containers or bags and place them at 0°F (-18°C). When ready, defrost in the refrigerator overnight — reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Shelf Life
They generally have a two to three-day shelf life in the fridge. If stored correctly, mashed potatoes can last up to five days in the fridge. It is important to note that the time frame for mashed potatoes in the fridge will decrease if it is not stored properly.
Let’s explore the details of their shelf life.
Mashed potatoes will last 3-5 days in the fridge
They are a favorite comfort food that can be enjoyed hot or cold. They can either be served as a side dish with dinner or as part of your main course.
Unfortunately, they have a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. After they are prepared, they will last in the fridge for 3-5 days before they begin to spoil. As they remain uneaten, the quality and taste of mashed potatoes will decrease over this timeframe.
There are several steps that you can take to extend the shelf-life of mashed potatoes in the refrigerator. The first step is to avoid leaving mashed potatoes at room temperature for longer than two hours as bacteria accumulate and spread quickly when left out for too long.
After storing them in the fridge, it is important to keep them cold by placing them on a low shelf away from other temperature-sensitive foods such as cooked meats or dairy products. It is also recommended that you use airtight containers and keep pans covered tightly with lids or plastic wrap while they are cooling so that bacteria can’t get in and potentially contaminate them quickly.
In addition to these storage precautions, reheating leftover mashed potatoes properly can help preserve their freshness for up to an additional three days before discarding them if needed. To do this, take your refrigerated mashed potatoes, divide them into smaller portions for each meal, heat them completely until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then consume them within 4 hours or store them back into containers for future use within 1-2 days time frame again at temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less before discarding any leftovers safely into rubbish bin later on.
Discover the many nutritional benefits of almonds and how they can contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.
Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 6 months
Mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish but can suffer from a short shelf life. Refrigerated ones can last for up to 3-4 days, although their flavor and texture will start to diminish over time. If you have leftovers you can extend their life by freezing them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
It’s important that you store them properly in the refrigerator, as improper storage can cause bacteria to grow and make your mashed potatoes unsafe for consumption. Before storing it in the refrigerator, wrap your potato dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it into an airtight container.
To thaw frozen mashed potatoes, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight, then heat them until fully thawed (about an hour). They also reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop use a heavy saucepan over medium heat and bring them back up to serving temperature while stirring continuously. You can also microwave defrosted mashed potatoes at 30-second intervals until fully heated through (about 3 minutes).
Reheating
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you are probably wondering how to store them and how long they will last in the fridge. They should be cooled as quickly as possible after cooking and refrigerated covered.
Reheating mashed potatoes is one of the best ways to ensure that they stay tasty and safe for consumption. Let’s look at the best ways to reheat mashed potatoes.
Reheat them in the microwave
This is one of the easiest ways to restore their original texture and flavor. To do so, place them in a shallow bowl and pour a little butter or cold milk over them. Cover the bowl with either plastic wrap or a lid, leaving one corner open for steam to escape. Heat the potatoes on high for 1 minute or until warm. There is no need to stir, but you may need to reheat it for an additional 10-20 seconds depending on its size. Make sure not to overcook them so that they don’t become dry or rubbery.
To check if they are heated through, try stirring them and tasting them before taking them out of the microwave.
Reheat them in the oven
To reheat them, preheat the oven to 350F (175C), spread out the mashed potatoes on an oven tray lined with baking paper, and bake for 15 minutes or until they are warm and heated through. If your leftovers were stored in the fridge, ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C). You can also add butter or cheese to give your mash some extra flavor.
For larger amounts, you may need to increase the bake time of up to 30 minutes. Ensure that you stir the mash regularly during reheating to prevent any burning or sticking onto the tray. When done properly, reheating mashed potatoes in the oven can make them crispy on top while keeping them creamy on the inside.
You should not leave reheated mashed potatoes at room temperature for longer than two hours before consuming them, so be sure to eat them within this time frame.
Safety
They need to be stored properly in order to ensure they are safe to eat. This means they need to be kept at the right temperature and for the right amount of time.
In this section, we will focus on the safety of mashed potatoes when stored in the fridge. We’ll discuss the best practices for storage and how long they can last.
Discard mashed potatoes if they have a sour smell
When stored correctly, they should be consumed within 5 days. Before serving, it is important to check for signs that the potatoes have gone bad. The temperature of your refrigerator should be 40°F or below to ensure they are kept at a safe temperature.
If you notice that they have a sour smell or appear slimy, discard them immediately. Discolored mashed potatoes should also be discarded as they may indicate bacterial contamination or an imbalance of ingredients. A sour smell may indicate fermentation and consuming fermented mashed potatoes can cause food poisoning, so it is important to take proper precautions when storing and eating them.
To prevent foodborne illnesses, always store cooled cooked foods in shallow containers with lids so they cool quickly and completely – never store them in bulk containers such as plastic buckets or bags. Reheat leftovers thoroughly, until they reach 165°F as measured by a food thermometer; bacteria may not be destroyed if reheated at less than this temperature.
Discard them if they have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
It is important to keep food safety in mind whenever handling and preparing foods in your home. They are no exception. Storing them in the refrigerator will help them stay safe and prevent food-borne illnesses such as salmonella.
It is best to cool them as quickly as possible before putting them in the refrigerator – generally within 2 hours of cooking time. When the mashed potatoes are at a safe internal temperature of below 41˚F (5˚C) you can place it into the refrigerator for storage.
It is also important to keep leftovers away from raw meats and other items that could easily spread bacteria to your food items as plastic or wooden utensils, cutting boards, etc. Make sure you store your mashed potatoes away from these high-risk foods while they are cooling and once they’re placed into storage containers for storing in the fridge.
If you are unsure how long you left them out at room temperature, be sure to discard them and start over. The safest practice is always to discard any cooked potato dish if it has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours total, including during preparation or serving times – this includes cooked plain or with seasoning added or mixed with cheese or other ingredients like sour cream, bacon, chives as well as leftover casseroles with potatoes as an ingredient. Doing so will help prevent food-borne illnesses caused by bacteria multiplying within a few hours after being left out at room temperature for too long.
Explore a variety of healthy and delicious Greek yogurt recipes to make the most out of this versatile and nutritious ingredient.
FAQs
Can I add butter to mashed potatoes before storing them in the fridge?
Yes, you can add butter to them before storing them in the fridge. Just be sure to mix it in well.
Can I store leftover mashed potatoes in the same container as other foods?
It’s best to store them in a separate container to prevent cross-contamination.
How do I reheat frozen mashed potatoes?
Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. Add a bit of milk or butter to maintain their creamy texture.
Can I reheat mashed potatoes multiple times?
It’s best to reheat them only once to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Can I eat mashed potatoes that have been left out overnight?
No, it’s not safe to eat ones that have been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Can I store leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge with the skins on?
It’s best to remove the skins before storing them in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
Can I store mashed potatoes in the fridge with gravy or other toppings?
It’s best to store them without gravy or toppings to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage.
Can I add salt to mashed potatoes before storing them in the fridge?
Yes, you can add salt to them before storing them in the fridge. Just be sure to mix it in well.
Conclusion
They can be delicious and convenient side dishes, but it’s important to store and handle them properly to ensure their safety and quality. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can maximize the shelf life of your mashed potatoes and enjoy them for up to four days in the fridge. However, if you notice any signs of spoilage or discoloration, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard them. With these tips and tricks, you can confidently store and enjoy your mashed potatoes, whether you’re meal-prepping or saving leftovers.