Name: Freezer Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 5 lbs potatoes; 1/2 - 1 cup butter; 8 ounces cream cheese; salt and pepper to taste

Made with potatoes, butter, and cream cheese, this recipe for freezer mashed potatoes makes the most deliciously creamy mashed potatoes that freeze beautifully.

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Hey friends! Today I’m sharing a little bonus recipe with you for frozen mashed potatoes to compliment my freezer shepherd’s pie. Because YES! You can make ahead mashed potatoes and freeze them. This recipe freezes beautifully and reheats in the microwave or oven.

Both of these are great make-ahead recipes that I seal in FoodSaver bags and store in my freezer for those crazy nights when the temptation of a drive-through supper has its strongest lure. Instead of caving and grabbing a pizza or bag of burgers, I go grab a couple of bags from my freezer, do a quick thaw, and have one of my family’s favorite suppers ready with just a matter of popping it in the oven.

This recipe is also a great low-fuss side dish since it is made ahead. It’s perfect to stretch out Sunday dinner, serve alongside a quick little weeknight supper, or make in advance this holiday season so you can enjoy your Thanksgiving without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Just because they’re freezer mashed potatoes, doesn’t mean you’re missing out on that quintessential soft, buttery, and creamy mashed potato flavor that melts in your mouth. We mash our potatoes with both butter and cream cheese, so you bet they’re deliciously creamy! These two ingredients also ensure the potatoes freeze beautifully.

All you’re going to do is boil the potatoes and then mash them with these two ingredients before seasoning them with salt and pepper. Then you can serve them immediately or pop them in the freezer. This freezer mashed potato recipe makes two family-sized servings. How good is that?

If you’ve been looking for a mashed potato recipe that freezes well, I hope you print this one off to try soon!

Recipe Ingredients

Potatoes
Butter
Cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Freezer Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cube the potatoes. Place in a large pot and cover with water.

Put the pot over medium-high heat and bring just a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain well.

Place boiled potatoes back in the pot and add butter and cream cheese. Mix up with a potato masher until fluffy. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Serve half immediately and place the remaining half in a FoodSaver bag and freeze.

If you don’t have a FoodSaver bag, use a normal freezer zipper seal bag. Lay the bag flat and pat the potatoes out to one even layer then squeeze out any extra air. Ensure to date and label the bag too.

To serve the frozen potatoes, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Snip one corner of the bag off to vent and microwave on medium power for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Stir well before serving.

Storage

Mashed potatoes will last up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, they’ll last up to 2 months. See reheating instructions above.

Recipe Notes

A little note about FoodSaver: if you don’t have a FoodSaver vacuum sealer yet, I highly recommend it as it can save you hundreds of dollars on your grocery bill each year. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bought meat and stored it in freezer zipper seal bags only to find it freezer burned and covered in ice crystals later. Vacuum sealing keeps my meat fresh for years.

Recipe FAQs

How long do frozen mashed potatoes last in the freezer?

According to the USDA, leftover frozen mashed potatoes last up to two months in the freezer.

How do you freshen frozen mashed potatoes?

There are several ways to reheat freezer mashed potatoes:

In the microwave (instructions above, as this is my preferred method).
In a covered saucepot over low heat until heated through. Add milk, cream, half-and-half, buttermilk, or butter as needed if they begin to dry out. You can also do this for any of the other methods as well.
Place them in a covered oven-safe dish in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through (you want their internal temperature to reach 165 degrees).
In a slow cooker on low for 2 hours.

What are the best potatoes for frozen mashed potatoes?

Waxy varieties like red potatoes, golden potatoes, and Yukon Gold potatoes are best, as they have less starch than russet potatoes, which can become grainy once thawed.

What do I do if my frozen mashed potatoes are watery?

If your thawed and then reheated mashed potatoes appear watery, the best thing to do is mix in a spoonful of either sour cream or cream cheese one at a time until it returns to your desired texture.

What flavors can I add to my mashed potatoes?

Once thawed, go wild with the mix-ins and toppings for your freezer mashed potatoes. Here are some suggestions:

Crumbled bacon bits
Shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese
Chopped chives, fresh parsley, or green onion
Fried onions
A dollop of sour cream

What do you serve with mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for basically any main meal. During the holidays, serve it alongside baked ham, turkey breast, or roasted chicken. During the week, enjoy it with fried chicken, chicken fried steaks, pork chops, or pot roast.