Can You Freeze Potatoes (How to Freeze Potatoes)
on Mar 30, 2022
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Potatoes are a popular vegetable in most households, and can be enjoyed at any meal. They’re also very versatile and easy to prepare. In today’s article, we’ll explore the best ways to freeze potatoes.
Can You Freeze Potatoes?
Can You Freeze Raw Potatoes?
Raw potatoes don’t freeze well because they contain a lot of water. Instead, it’s best to either partially or fully cook potatoes before storing them in the freezer. Properly stored, potatoes can remain in the freezer for up to three months.
Can You Freeze Potato Soup?
Freezing soups that contain potatoes is not recommended. Potatoes absorb a lot of moisture, causing the soup to dry out, and the texture of the potatoes can become grainy. In addition, soups that contain a lot of dairy, like potato soup, can separate when thawed and won’t be as creamy. Potato soup is best enjoyed when it’s freshly made.
Can You Freeze Potato Salad?
It is possible to freeze potato salad but you have to be careful when thawing it. Because many potato salads contain mayonnaise, they should never be left at room temperature. Instead, the potato salad should be defrosted slowly in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potatoes. as with white potatoes, it’s best to freeze sweet potatoes after they have been partially or fully cooked.
How To Freeze Boiled Potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes and cut into pieces. If you prefer, the skin can be left on.
- Boil the potatoes in a pot of boiling water until they are almost cooked. They should be tender but firm. Depending on the size of the pieces, this will take anywhere from a couple of minutes for diced potatoes, to 10 minutes for larger pieces.
- Fill a large bowl with ice-cold water and add the potatoes. This will prevent them from continuing to cook. Drain and set the potatoes aside to cool.
- Place the potatoes on a large tray or cookie sheet. Be sure to leave enough room so the potatoes are not touching.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze for six to 12 hours, until the potatoes are completely firm and frozen. Transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. If using freezer bags, ensure that all of the excess air is removed before sealing. Label the container or bags with the date, and place in the freezer.
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces, and boil until cooked.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, cream, or milk, and seasonings as desired. Let the potatoes cool completely.
- Place the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Keep in mind that you’ll be defrosting the entire container or bag of mashed potatoes, so portion accordingly. If using freezer bags, ensure that all of the excess air is removed before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and place in the freezer.
How To Freeze Roast Potatoes (or Potato Chips)
- Peel the potatoes if desired, and cut into pieces.
- Boil the potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook until the potato is almost done. The potatoes should be tender but still firm. Depending on the size of the pieces, this will take anywhere from a couple of minutes for diced potatoes, to 10 minutes for larger pieces.
- Fill a large bowl with ice-cold water and add the potatoes. This will prevent them from continuing to cook. Drain the potatoes and gently toss. This will create crispy edges when baked.
- Heat some oil until hot. If you have some on hand, duck or goose fat will add extra flavor. Toss the potatoes in the hot fat. Let the potatoes cool and then place them on a large tray or cookie sheet. Be sure to leave enough room so the potatoes are not touching.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze for six to 12 hours, until the potatoes are completely firm and frozen. Transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. If using freezer bags, ensure that all of the excess air is removed before sealing. Label the container or bags with the date, and place in the freezer.
How to Freeze Potatoes For Hash Browns
- Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes.
- Place the grated potatoes into a bowl of ice water.
- Bring a pot of water to the boil and add the potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes for a few minutes, and then drain well.
- Spray a baking sheet with oil and shape the grated potatoes into patties. Place them on the tray in a single layer, ensuring that they’re not touching.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze until the patties are firm and completely frozen.
- Transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. If using freezer bags, ensure that all of the excess air is removed before sealing. Label the container or bags with the date, and place in the freezer.
How to Freeze Potato Scallops and Gratins
- Cook the scalloped or au gratin potatoes as you normally would until tender, and just beginning to turn golden. You don’t want them to cook all the way through.
- Let the potatoes cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Store the potatoes in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- When ready to cook, remove the potatoes from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge. Heat the potatoes in the oven until thoroughly warmed through.
How to Cook Frozen Potatoes
Frozen potatoes can be cooked directly from the freezer without defrosting. If desired, you can defrost mashed potatoes in the fridge before cooking but this isn’t recommended for fries or chips.
Cooking Frozen Boiled Potatoes
If the pieces of potato are diced or very small, there’s no need to defrost them first as they’ll defrost while cooking. Larger pieces can be defrosted in the fridge before cooking. Add the potatoes to a pot of boiling water and cook for a few minutes until tender.
Cooking Frozen Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes can be defrosted in the fridge and then reheated on the stovetop until completely warmed through. You can also reheat mashed potatoes from frozen. Place them in a pot and gently reheat until defrosted. Increase the heat and continue to cook, stirring often, until completely warmed through.
Cooking Frozen Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes or fries are best cooked from frozen. Place the potatoes on a baking tray or cookie sheet in a preheated oven. Use the same temperature you used to originally roast the potatoes. Bake until tender and completely hot throughout.
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Can You Freeze Potatoes (How to Freeze Potatoes Properly)
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes
- Water
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes and cut into pieces.
- Boil the potatoes in a pot of boiling water until they are almost cooked. They should be tender but firm.
- Fill a large bowl with ice-cold water and add the potatoes. This will prevent them from continuing to cook. Drain and set the potatoes aside to cool.
- Place the potatoes on a large tray or cookie sheet. Be sure to leave enough room so the potatoes are not touching.
- Place the tray into the freezer and freeze for six to 12 hours, until the potatoes are completely firm and frozen.
- Transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. If using freezer bags, ensure that all of the excess air is removed before sealing. Label the container or bags with the date, and place in the freezer.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
