Quick Answer
Yes, mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen for later use. Mashed sweet potatoes freeze well for up to 6 months. To freeze mashed sweet potatoes, cool them completely, place in airtight containers or freezer bags, label and date, and freeze. Thaw frozen mashed sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can You Freeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Mashed sweet potatoes can absolutely be frozen for long-term storage. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of mashed sweet potatoes for later use.
When properly stored in the freezer, mashed sweet potatoes can last for 6-8 months before quality starts to decline. This makes freezing an ideal solution if you want to prep mashed sweet potatoes in advance for weeknight dinners or make a large batch for the holidays.
Here are some key tips for successfully freezing mashed sweet potatoes:
Allow to fully cool
It’s important to allow mashed sweet potatoes to fully cool to room temperature before freezing. Freezing mashed sweet potatoes when they are still warm can lead to a grainy texture and loss of flavor.
Spread mashed sweet potatoes out in a thin layer on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until completely cooled.
Use airtight containers
Transfer cooled mashed sweet potatoes to airtight containers or freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn which can negatively impact taste and texture. Sturdy plastic containers or freezer-safe zipper bags are best. Make sure to label the containers with contents and date before freezing.
Freeze in portion sizes
Divide mashed sweet potatoes into usable portion sizes before freezing. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need for a recipe. Good portion sizes include 1 cup or 2 cup amounts.
Press out air
If using bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can use a straw to suck out excess air.
Freeze immediately
Place containers of mashed sweet potatoes in the freezer right away after cooling and packaging. Don’t let them sit out on the counter or quality will decline.
Thaw overnight in fridge
When ready to use frozen mashed sweet potatoes, defrost them overnight in the refrigerator. This allows them to slowly thaw, preventing texture changes from thawing at room temperature.
Tips for Freezing Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Follow these handy tips for the best results with frozen mashed sweet potatoes:
Season before freezing
Season mashed sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, butter, brown sugar, or spices before freezing. This adds flavor that permeates throughout during freezing.
Add citrus juice or vinegar
Mix in a small amount of lemon juice, orange juice, or vinegar before freezing mashed sweet potatoes. The acidity helps prevent oxidization and maintains color.
Mix in milk or cream
For a creamier texture, mix in 2-3 tablespoons milk, cream, or sour cream per 1 cup mashed sweet potato before freezing.
Avoid over-mixing
When mashing sweet potatoes before freezing, avoid over-mixing. This can make the texture gluey when thawed. Mash just until smooth and combined.
Blanch before mashing
Consider blanching sweet potato chunks in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before mashing. This helps prevent darkening when frozen.
Freeze roasted sweet potatoes
For deeper flavor, roast sweet potato chunks tossed in oil before mashing. Caramelization during roasting boosts taste.
Pick the right sweet potatoes
Choose Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes. They have a dense texture that holds up better when frozen compared to soft, moist varieties.
Use ice cube trays
For small portions, fill ice cube trays with 1-2 tablespoons mashed sweet potato and freeze. Pop out cubes into freezer bags.
Can You Freeze Baked Sweet Potatoes?
Baked whole sweet potatoes can also be frozen, but they won’t have quite the same tender texture when reheated. To freeze whole baked sweet potatoes:
– Let cool completely after baking, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn.
– Place in freezer bags, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
– Thaw wrapped baked sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in the oven or microwave. The skins may become soft.
Many people prefer to skip freezing whole baked sweet potatoes since the skins won’t be quite as appealing or crispy after thawing. Freezing just the scooped out insides is usually a better option if you want to preserve the signature smooth, velvety texture of baked sweet potatoes.
Can You Freeze Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes glazed in butter, brown sugar or maple syrup also freeze well for up to 3 months. To freeze candied sweet potatoes:
– Prepare candied sweet potatoes according to any recipe. Allow to cool completely.
– Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
– Transfer frozen candied sweet potato chunks to airtight bags or containers. Remove air, seal, label and return to freezer.
– To reheat, place frozen candied sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The high sugar content in candied sweet potatoes makes them ideal for freezing. The glaze prevents ice crystals from forming and helps maintain texture. The baked candied sweet potatoes may not reheat quite as crispy as fresh, but will still be delicious.
What About Sweet Potato Fries and Casseroles?
Sweet potato fries can also be successfully frozen:
– Blanch cut fries for 2-3 minutes, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to bags.
– Reheat frozen fries at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until hot and starting to crisp.
Sweet potato casseroles with ingredients like eggs, milk, and spices generally don’t freeze well. The texture tends to become watery. Most recipes suggest enjoying sweet potato casseroles freshly made.
How to Use Frozen Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Frozen mashed sweet potatoes retain their flavor and nutrition for enjoying in all kinds of recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use thawed frozen mashed sweet potatoes:
Shepherd’s Pie
Spoon mashed sweet potato over a meat and vegetable filling in a casserole dish. Top with cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Layer mashed sweet potatoes with cheese, cream, and spices in a baking dish. Bake until browned and crispy on top.
Sweet Potato Soup
Puree thawed mashed sweet potato with stock, onions, garlic, and spices for a creamy soup.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Mix mashed sweet potato with eggs, flour, milk, and spices for fluffy pancakes.
Sweet Potato Waffles
Stir mashed sweet potato into a waffle batter for a tasty, nutrient-packed breakfast.
Sweet Potato Bread
Incorporate thawed mashed sweet potato into quick bread, muffin, or loaf recipes.
Sweet Potato Brownies
Fold mashed sweet potato into brownie batter for extra moisture and nutrition.
Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Blend frozen mashed sweet potato with bananas and milk for a creamy frozen dessert.
Nutrition Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Beyond convenience, freezing sweet potatoes is great for preserving their many nutritional benefits, including:
Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidant vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Just one medium sweet potato contains over 100% of the RDI for vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Sweet potatoes provide around 30% of the RDI for immune-boosting vitamin C per serving.
Potassium
They are a good source of potassium, which supports nerve function and blood pressure. One medium sweet potato has about 15% of the RDI.
Fiber
The fiber in sweet potatoes promotes healthy digestion and blood sugar levels. A medium sweet potato has around 3-4 grams of fiber.
Antioxidants
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. These compounds fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Manageability for Diabetics
Despite being carbohydrate-rich, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index. This makes them a healthier carb choice for diabetics.
Freezing cooked sweet potatoes helps retain many of these important nutrients, unlike canning which decreases certain heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamins C and B6.
Selecting Sweet Potatoes for Freezing
Picking the right variety of sweet potato makes a difference when planning to freeze. Here are some helpful tips:
Choose firm, dense varieties
Heirloom sweet potatoes can be delicious when fresh, but often turn mushy and watery when frozen. Opt for firm-textured, drier varieties like Jewel or Garnet.
Pick small to medium size
Larger, jumbo sweet potatoes also tend to become mushy when frozen compared to smaller or medium-sized sweet potatoes.
Get organic if possible
Organic sweet potatoes are not treated with chemicals during growing. Since the skins are eaten, choosing organic is ideal.
Inspect for bruises
Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged sweet potatoes, which indicate soft spots that will degrade during freezing.
No need to peel
The peel contains beneficial nutrients, so it’s fine to freeze sweet potatoes unpeeled. Just wash thoroughly first.
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh, tasty mashed sweet potatoes to have on hand anytime. With proper cooling, storage, and thawing, frozen mashed sweet potatoes retain their signature smooth, velvety texture and spicy sweet flavor. They can be effortlessly thawed and incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes for meals that are nourishing and delicious. Keep your freezer stocked with hearty portions of mashed sweet potatoes to easily elevate your cooking all year long.