How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For

How Long Do Cooked Mashed Potatoes Last

Cooked mashed potatoes typically last for 3–5 days in the fridge. However,  if the ingredients include perishable ingredients, the potatoes will only last for a day.

Always check the use-by date from your other ingredients.
Examples of very perishable ingredients are shrimp, prawns, and crab meat.

To freeze mashed potatoes, you first need to cook them according to the recipe. Once they have cooled, divide them into appropriate portions and wrap them tightly.

Mashed Potatoes are a staple for many large gatherings and family dinners, but questions many people have are

  • How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For
  • How Long Are left over Mashed Potatoes Good For

See also how much mashed potato to serve per person for a large group plus how early can you buy potatoes for Thanksgiving

How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For

How long will mashed potatoes last in the refrigerator?

Mashed Potatoes are good for between 3-5 days in the fridge. They must be stored in a container that is airtight and does not encourage condensation, as that will make mashed potatoes watery. 

See how to use alternatives to a potato richer to make fluffy mashed potato.

How Long Are Left-over Mashed Potatoes Good For?

Leftover potatoes are good for about three days – the short time reflects that as a leftover, they have likely been sitting out and possibly have some cross-contamination from another food.

You could imagine this is easy if they have been in a bowl on the thanksgiving dinner table with people reaching over or even using a serving spoon from another dish to take a portion.

Mashed potatoes are great when you have company over because they can be served hot. They also taste good when you put them in the oven to bake with grilled cheese.

How Long Does Mashed Potatoes Last
How Long Does Mashed Potatoes Last

How Long Are Left-over Mashed Potatoes Good For In the Freezer

Mashed potatoes are good for in the freezer keeping for 12 months. Being a product that is already soft, they actually freeze quite well. You can always add a little cheese to bring the mashed potato back together after freezing. 

How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Cooked with Chicken Broth Last

Mashed potatoes cooked with chicken broth should last for up to four days in the fridge. But, make sure that when cooking this style of potatoes, they do reach 165 F, so that any bacteria in the chicken broth is killed.

This is because chicken is especially susceptible to spoilage if not stored at the right temperature.

How Long Do Cooked Mashed Sweet Potatoes Last in Fridge

Cooked mashed sweet potatoes will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Sweet Potatoes are nutrient-dense vegetables packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

So they are a reasonable healthy mashed potato dish and certainly worth storing.

How to Store Mashed Potatoes in The Freezer

Storing mashed potatoes using the freezer still requires the two-hour food safety rule to be followed.

  1. cool the mashed potato first
  2. Put your predetermined portions into a plastic container or a plastic zip lock bag. Just make sure they are rated freezer safe.
  3. As you begin to close the bag, keep it flat so you can remove any excess air.
  4. Place into the freezer

Can I Leave Mashed Potato out Overnight

You can not leave mashed potato out on the bench or counter longer than 2 hours and certainly not overnight. They can go off quickly because often butter or milk or other dairy products are used to make them. Dairy products will cause it to go bad quickly as they can foster bacterial growth.

How to Store Mashed Potatoes in The Refrigerator

Storing mashed potatoes in the refrigerator is the best way to extend their shelf life. The best way to sore mashed potatoes in the refrigerator is to 

  1. first, let them cool for about 1 hour
  2. decide on the portion you want to store
    1. Choosing portion sizes in advance for mashed potatoes means that you only take out the exact amount you need.
  3. use a suitable sized airtight container
  4. put a date on the container
  5. place into the fridge

How Long Are Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes Good for 

Bob Evans mashed potatoes can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Never leave left over mashed potatoes on the counter overnight

How to Tell if Mashed Potatoes Went Off

  • They look bad and a bit wet or slimy on the surface
  • They smell bad
  • They taste sour

You don’t remember when you put them in the fridge. If any of these are observed it is better to discard them.

Side dishes like rice and mashed potatoes are some of the main culprits for food poisoning. People often quickly take care of the meat as they know that has to be refrigerated within two hours. But it is the same for any side dishes even vegetables. So remember to get your excess mashed potatoes into that fridge.

What Happens if You Eat Old Mashed Potatoes

Eating old mashed potatoes can result in an upset stomach or even worse food poisoning.

Do Reheated Mashed Potatoes Taste as Good as Fresh Homemade Ones

If you reheat them carefully and think about seasoning and flavor you can certainly have them taste almost as good as homestyle ones.

If your mashed potatoes do not taste as good then here are some reasons why they may not

  • One potential issue with freezing mashed potatoes is that they may not reheat as well as fresh potatoes. This is due to the fact that frozen potatoes can release more water when thawed, resulting in a mushier texture. 
  • Additionally, the potatoes may not absorb flavors as well when reheated, resulting in a bland dish. 
  • Another potential issue is that the mashed potatoes may develop freezer burn, especially if not stored in an airtight container. This happens when the potatoes are exposed to air while in the freezer, causing them to dry out and develop a rubbery texture.

Can I Store My Mashed Potatoes At Room Temperature?

It is generally not recommended to store mashed potatoes at room temperature for food safety reasons. Mashed potatoes are a cooked food made with milk and butter, and if left out at room temperature, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. However, if you plan to eat the mashed potatoes within a few hours, you can store them at room temperature, just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out. If you want to store them for longer than a few hours, it is best to refrigerate them. 

Does The Addition of Milk And Butter Make My Mashed Potatoes Go Off Quicker?

When adding milk and butter to mashed potatoes, the combination of the two ingredients can cause the potatoes to go off more quickly. This is because the milk fat combined with the butter fat makes the potatoes more susceptible to bacteria growth. 

How to Pack Mashed Potatoes for Lunch

Packing mashed potatoes for lunch is a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal on the go. Here are some tips for packing mashed potatoes for lunch:

  • Pack the mashed potatoes in a leak-proof container. This will prevent them from drying out or leaking.
  • If you are packing them for a hot lunch, pack them in a thermos. This will keep them hot and fresh.
  • If you are packing them for a cold lunch, pack them in a lunch box with an ice pack. This will keep them cold and fresh.
  • Pack the mashed potatoes with other foods that will complement them. Some good options include roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a salad.

So wrapping up

  • How Long Does Mashed Potatoes Last – between 3 to 5 days in a cooler.