21 Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes That Taste Just as Good on the Second Day (2024)

FAQs

Are mashed potatoes better the second day? ›

It's not just that mashed potatoes can be made ahead; they actually end up creamier and fluffier when prepared in advance. When mashed potatoes chill, their starches firm up, and when reheated gently, they relax into a mash with an even silkier texture.

How Long You Can Keep Leftover Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes should easily last three to five days in the fridge if stored correctly and within two hours of cooking. This means ensuring there isn't any moisture buildup under the lid that could encourage the growth of bacteria.

Mashed potatoes kept in the fridge should be thrown away if not used after 72 hours. That is the practice adhered to in most restaurants. Some will use it for an extra 24 hours if there's alot left but after that it is no longer fit to be used.

If you plan ahead and freeze mashed potatoes for a future craving, you can reheat them with good results. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stovetop. The other methods above can be used, but the stovetop creates the best texture for previously frozen mashed potatoes.

Not only do these mashed potatoes stay ultra-creamy, but they can also be made up to two days ahead of time and reheated in the microwave—a huge bonus when oven and burner space is at a premium during the holidays.

How long will they last? According to Healthline, mashed potatoes typically last three to four days in the fridge and up to a year when frozen, although the quality of mashed potatoes will not hold up once they have been frozen.

Make-ahead mashed potatoes are a great option for the holidays. You can do nearly everything — boil, peel, and mash; stir in milk and salt — up to two days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.

When it's time to warm up the potatoes, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add an extra splash of cream or milk and another pat of butter to ensure the mashed potatoes don't dry out. Stir them a few times until everything is warmed through (Do not over-stir, or the mashed potatoes will have a gummy texture).

Add more cream and butter: More moisture and fat are the two secret ingredients to reheating any leftovers. For potatoes, reach for half-and-half or broth and butter. Cover and heat low and slow: Cover the baking dish and set it in a 350°F oven alongside any turkey leftovers you might be reheating too.

If you've got some time on your hands, use the oven! Take your mashed potatoes out of the fridge and set them on the counter for about 20 minutes to bring them to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, pop them in the oven, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Can I eat 10 day old mashed potatoes? ›

Shelf life of potatoes

Cooler temperatures, such as those afforded by a pantry or root cellar, allow them to keep longer than at room temperature. Once cooked, potatoes last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and 1 year in the freezer, though the quality of cooked mashed potatoes suffers with freezing (4, 5).

Cooked potatoes and other cooked vegetables can be safely kept in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates fruits and vegetables, if more information is needed on produce, you can call the FDA toll-free at (888) 723-3366 or go to their website at FDA (www.fda.gov).

You can typically mash the potatoes and keep them refrigerated for about two to three days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container because if you don't, the pulp will oxidize and turn gray.

Starchy vegetables, like potatoes, may get a little sweeter over time, too. The starch slowly breaks down the sugars, or glucose, in these foods, Crosby said. Protein-rich foods may also taste better with time. Proteins break down and release amino acids, such as glutamate, which enhance savory or umami tastes.

As long as refrigerated, I think mash is good for a week.

If you're using the potatoes within a few hours, you can leave them submerged in water on the counter. If you need more time, potatoes can be stored in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before you're ready to cook, check to see if there is starch at the bottom of your container.