Find out how to store and enjoy leftover mashed potatoes!
Mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes for many meals, including a holiday dinner. But how long are leftover mashed potatoes good for in the fridge or freezer? Let’s get into it.
First, some context. On Thanksgiving, an abundance of mashed potatoes will be on almost every table in the United States. But they’re popular year-round, especially in colder months.
While not entirely loaded with health benefits, mashed potatoes are considered a comfort food and are known for pairing well with just about any dish.
They are warm, starchy, and filling, which is perfect for “cozy season.”
Mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated, or leftovers can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. (Exact details below!)
They can also be repurposed into other dishes or entrees, as they are so versatile.
People top mashed potatoes with anything from simple butter to cheese, bacon, gravy, scallions, garlic, or even other vegetables.
There are limitless ways to enjoy mashed potatoes, so you can customize them for every guest.
Why not let your family and friends customize their own, or try one of these 11 mashed potato recipes?
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last in the Fridge?
Mashed potatoes are good for 3-5 days in the fridge. (I don’t recommend waiting until the fifth day, however — this is more of a danger zone.)
A great way to extend the shelf life of your leftover or prepared mashed potatoes is by storing them in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers (in the freezer!) for up to a year, though the texture and quality of frozen potatoes will decline over time. (And you might run into freezer burn.)
To best store your mashed potatoes in the fridge, allow them to cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container.
This will keep them as fresh as possible and also reduce the risk of the potatoes absorbing the smells from other stored foods.
If you’ve stored your potatoes properly, they should continue to look as they did at the time you served them, though firmer due to being chilled.
Remember, how long leftover mashed potatoes are good for will depend on proper storage!
How Do You Know When Mashed Potatoes Are Bad?
Mashed potatoes that have gone bad generally have clear indicators. If you see glossy patches or dry spots, they are no longer fresh and should be thrown out.
Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage like a sour or “off” smell (that is, any unexpected scent), you’re better off throwing out the potatoes.
Food that has started to go bad usually starts to smell badly, even if it’s within the recommended window for safe consumption.
Mashed potatoes or any food with visible mold or mold-like discoloration should be disposed of immediately and the container and surrounding area should be thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water.
If you have any doubts about the freshness of your mashed potatoes or any food, it is best to throw them away.
While food waste is never fun, serious foodborne illnesses and even death can occur when food safety measures or food spoilage signs are not adhered to.
Food poisoning is dangerous and potentially fatal for anyone, but particularly young, elderly, or pregnant people.
Use extra caution for any vulnerable individuals and make smart food choices to avoid bacterial growth in your potato leftovers.
How Do You Reheat Mashed Potatoes Without Drying Them Out?
Good news — mashed potatoes are great reheated and lose very little flavor and texture.
It is possible to enjoy reheated mashed potatoes that are as creamy and smooth as they were the day they were made.
However, some different ways of reheating can cause the potatoes to dry out, which makes them less enjoyable.
Mashed potatoes are starchy and contain dairy, so much like other casseroles, macaroni and cheese dishes, or scalloped potatoes, they can become dry and glue-like when reheated.
For best results, skip the microwave when reheating. The high heat tends to pull moisture out of mashed potatoes.
You can reheat them in the microwave if this is the most convenient or practical method for your needs, however.
Here are some good rules of thumb to make the most out of your microwaved reheated mashed potatoes:
- After placing the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, splash with your choice of liquid and gently stir. Some great liquid options to add are a little milk, stock/broth, thinned gravy, or water.
- Cover the potatoes with a lid to help retain moisture and heat at half power for one minute.
- Remove the potatoes and stir again, checking the temperature. Like most microwaved foods, expect the potatoes to heat unevenly. Stirring will help with this heat transfer.
- Add more moisture if needed and repeat these steps until the potatoes are heated to 165°F.
The best way to reheat mashed potatoes is the stovetop or oven method, and we will walk you through the steps to get the best results.
Reheating on the Stove:
- Set the temperature of your burner to low and add a splash of liquid to your pot of potatoes.
- Stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute the heat. You will want to stir slowly so the potatoes do not become gluey.
- Gradually add more liquid of your choice if the potatoes seem as though they are drying out.
Reheating in the Oven:
- Set the oven to 350°F.
- Place your potatoes in an oven-safe baking dish and stir in liquid and little butter pieces.
- Spread the potatoes out in the oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Reheat for 20 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes reach 165°F.
If you have opted to store your leftover potatoes in the freezer, you will want to thaw them overnight and reheat them on the stovetop for best results.
The stovetop is the best method for reheating frozen mashed potatoes because this method can help restore the change in consistency and texture that potatoes go through once frozen.
Adding a little bit of milk or butter — or both — to your potatoes while reheating them from frozen on the stovetop will keep them from becoming too dry and will restore flavor. Enjoy them with some leftover gravy if you have it!
How Long Can Mashed Potatoes Sit Out?
Mashed potatoes, like most other prepared foods, should not be left sitting out for longer than two hours. Leftover mashed potatoes are not good for more than two hours at room temperature!
Two hours is when bacteria that can cause food poisoning begins to grow.
Proper storage by placing items in a refrigerator before that time (in an even layer in shallow airtight containers or resealable plastic bag) will prevent the growth of these harmful microbes.
Mashed potatoes left out longer than two hours should be thrown away.
You cannot leave them out all day, or overnight.
And if they’ve been sitting on your Thanksgiving table for the past six hours while your uncle and cousin argued endlessly about politics, definitely toss them. (Your insufferable family… and the taters.)
Tips for the Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Follow these easy steps to make the best mashed potatoes — maybe even better than Nana makes.
- Wash the potatoes before peeling. Potatoes are dirty and need thorough rinsing in cold water to make them clean before peeling.
- Place your potatoes in a pot of cold water that rises above them by about an inch, and THEN bring the water up to boiling. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and hold their shape.
- Season the water with salt.
- Drain them in a colander to make sure they don’t become soggy or watery.
- Do not overdo the mashing. Potatoes become gummy when mashed or whipped for too long. Stop at the desired consistency. Less is more!
- Use butter — but not only butter. You don’t want to skip the creamy, smooth flavor of butter, but you do want to balance it out with other flavors, such as milk, cream, sour cream, or cheese. There is no need to melt your butter beforehand — the heat of the cooked potatoes will take care of that!
- Add cream or milk to the potatoes at room temperature or slightly warmed. You can measure out the desired portion when starting to make potatoes, to warm it up in time for adding it later.
- Keep your potatoes warm. Cold mashed potatoes can be unappetizing and will start to dry. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker to be certain that they will be ready to go at mealtime.
You’re Ready to Go!
Now that you know how long leftover mashed potatoes are good for and how to store and reheat them, you’re ready for a feast! Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Day, or just the comforting, warm embrace of potatoes on a Thursday night.
Tip: You can use these tools instead of a potato masher. And you can even make mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot.