Mashed potatoes are a staple in many homes.
Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or just an average night at home, mashed potatoes are always on the menu.
They can be served as part of the main course, side dish, or filling (in which case they may be topped with gravy or sauce).
If you want to learn more about how long mash potatoes will last and how to store them for later use, then this blog post is perfect for you.
What is Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are a type of potato dish made from cooked mashed potatoes combined with milk or cream, butter, and seasonings.
The most common seasoning used for mashers may include salt and pepper, but many variations exist.
Mashed potatoes are often served as a side dish and other dishes such as meatloaf, steak, or roast ham.
This dish is very popular in North America and Europe.
Some people will also use mashed potatoes to fill sandwiches or rolls, such as the Thanksgiving “turkey sandwich”.
Mashed potatoes are an easy dish to prepare, but there is some debate about how much milk should be used.
Some recipes call for using around three cups of liquid, either water or whole milk, depending on what type of mashers you want.
Others may recommend adding cream instead; this could make the mash thicker and richer tasting.
The choice between butter versus margarine depends on personal preference.
Butter adds flavor, while margarine might give it more consistency so that cutting through with a fork isn’t difficult when eating from a plate rather than directly out of a pot.
Some people also like to add a few dashes of paprika, crushed garlic, or fresh chopped chives.
How to Store Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes have always been a favorite dish for many people.
But what do you do with the leftovers?
Storage of mashed potatoes is different from other food types because it will expire much faster and require refrigeration.
It can be stored in an airtight container, which should be placed on a shelf that maintains the temperature at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lowers to avoid spoiling.
If you want your mashed potatoes to the last longer, freezing them either before cooking or after boiling may prolong their life span as long as they are reheated by microwaving rather than putting straight into the oven for baking.
Make sure to check on your potatoes every few days to determine if they have gone bad, and discard them as soon as you notice any signs of spoilage.
Don’t forget to label your container of mashed potatoes with the date it was prepared.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?
Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes.
Mashed potatoes taste great when they’re freshly made, but many people wonder how long mashed potatoes can last in different situations.
Mashed potatoes will generally last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, but if they are not used within that time frame, it is best to discard them as bacteria can start growing and spoil your dish.
The shelf life of mashed potatoes stored in the freezer is approximately ten months, so you’ve got plenty of time for those holiday gatherings.
Mashed potato leftovers should be reheated until they’re steaming hot or frozen for later use.
If you want to keep leftover mash warm without cooking it again, place it inside an oven-safe dish or cover it with aluminum foil and put the dish in a warm spot.
If you let your mashed potatoes sit out for too long, they’ll quickly start to dry up and become hard.
If this happens, place them back into the fridge or freezer until they’re ready to be eaten again.
Mashed potatoes won’t last as long if they’re left out of the fridge and at room temperature.
Mashed potatoes should be eaten within two hours after being taken off heat or refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
How to Tell if Mashed Potatoes are Bad?
So Thanksgiving is over, and it’s time to clean up the leftovers.
There’s the turkey sandwich, cranberry sauce, and of course, mashed potatoes.
But how can you tell if mashed potatoes have gone bad?
First, look at the color.
If the potatoes are light or bright yellow, they’re likely fine and have not gone bad yet.
However, if the potatoes have turned darker than a cream or white color, that’s one sign that it’s time to throw them out.
Another way you can tell is by smell: if mashed potatoes start to emit an unpleasant odor of rotten eggs and sulfur (think rotten cabbage), then it’s probably best to toss them in the trash.
Lastly, look for any signs/signals on top of your mashed potatoes that would indicate spoilage like moldy chunks or even green patches along with slime-like growths.
This is another clear indication that your potato dish should be tossed away right away.
Tracking down the signs of spoilage is a great way to know when your mashed potatoes have gone bad.
And it’s also an important thing to do if you plan on feeding these leftovers to someone who has food allergies as well.
Can You Eat Week Old Mashed Potatoes?
According to the USDA, you should never eat potatoes left for more than two hours at room temperature because they can be unsafe to consume.
However, if you’re looking for the best way to store mashed potatoes, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Hence, it’s no longer safe to eat mashed potatoes that are a week old.
Conclusion
One certain thing is that mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish that can be eaten all year round.
Mashed potatoes can last for up to five days in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for at least ten months if stored properly in the freezer.
The good news is that mashed potatoes are cheap, easy to make, and a great side dish for just any meal.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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