Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely freeze and reheat mashed sweet potatoes. Mashed sweet potatoes freeze well for up to 3-6 months. To freeze mashed sweet potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container leaving 1-inch headspace. Seal and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Freezing Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes freeze exceptionally well and can be kept frozen for 3-6 months. Follow these steps for freezing mashed sweet potatoes:
- Start by cooking sweet potatoes either by baking, boiling, or microwaving until very soft and easily mashed.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly. Then peel off the skins and discard.
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes well until smooth and creamy. Use a potato masher, ricer, or fork.
- Stir in any additional ingredients, such as milk, butter, spices, etc. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool completely. Do not freeze them while still hot.
- Transfer the cooled mashed sweet potatoes to freezersafe containers or bags. Leave at least 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal the containers tightly. Squeeze out excess air from bags.
- Label the containers with contents and date.
- Place in the freezer. Frozen mashed sweet potatoes will keep for 3-6 months at 0°F.
Some tips for best results:
– Choose smooth, creamy sweet potato varieties like Garnet or Jewel for mashing.
– Do not freeze mashed sweet potatoes with ingredients that don’t freeze well, like cream, eggs, or sour cream.
– For longer storage, underwrap the storage containers with plastic wrap or foil before sealing.
– Divide into smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need at a time.
Thawing Frozen Mashed Sweet Potatoes
There are a few methods for safely thawing frozen mashed sweet potatoes:
Refrigerator Thawing
For best results, thaw frozen mashed sweet potatoes overnight in the refrigerator:
– Take the frozen mashed sweet potatoes out of the freezer and place the unopened container in the fridge.
– Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to thaw slowly over night, or up to 24 hours.
– Once thawed, use immediately. Do not refreeze.
Cold Water Thawing
For quicker thawing, you can submerge the sealed container of mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water:
– Choose a bowl or container big enough to fully submerge the package of frozen mashed sweet potatoes.
– Fill with cold water.
– Submerge the unopened package of frozen mashed sweet potatoes.
– Change the water every 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are thawed, about 1-2 hours.
Microwave Thawing
Microwaving is the quickest method to thaw frozen mashed sweet potatoes:
– Remove the frozen mashed sweet potatoes from packaging and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
– Microwave in short 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each.
– Continue until the sweet potatoes are thawed and heated through, about 5-7 minutes total.
– Use immediately or transfer to the refrigerator until ready to use. Do not refreeze.
Reheating Thawed Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Once your frozen mashed sweet potatoes are fully thawed using one of the above methods, you can reheat them for serving. Here are some reheating options:
Microwave
– Transfer thawed mashed sweet potatoes to a microwave-safe dish. Do not cover.
– Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each, until heated through, 1-3 minutes.
Stovetop
– Place thawed mashed sweet potatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
– Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching on the bottom as they heat.
– Heat through, about 5-10 minutes.
Oven
– Transfer thawed mashed sweet potatoes to a casserole dish or baking pan.
– Bake at 350°F, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway.
Slow Cooker
– Place thawed mashed sweet potatoes in a slow cooker.
– Cook on Low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Tips for Reheating Mashed Sweet Potatoes
– Add a splash of milk or broth if the thawed sweet potatoes seem too thick.
– Stir frequently when reheating on the stovetop or in the oven to prevent scorching.
– For more flavor, sprinkle extra spices, brown sugar, or maple syrup on top before reheating.
– Garnish with toasted nuts, chopped fresh herbs, or crumbled bacon when serving.
– Only reheat thawed mashed sweet potatoes once. Do not refreeze.
How Long Do Frozen Mashed Sweet Potatoes Last?
Properly frozen mashed sweet potatoes can be kept frozen for 3 to 6 months. After this time, they will slowly start to lose quality and flavor.
Follow these guidelines for maximum freezer storage:
| Freezer Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 0°F or below | 6 months |
| 0°F to 10°F | 4 months |
| 10°F to 20°F | 3 months |
– Store frozen mashed sweet potatoes towards the back of the freezer where the temperature is most stable.
– Use freezer-safe packaging and exclude as much air as possible.
– Do not refreeze thawed mashed sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Mashed sweet potatoes can absolutely be frozen and reheated successfully. Allow cooked, mashed sweet potatoes to cool fully before transferring to freezer bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop, in the microwave, or oven until heated through. With proper freezing and thawing methods, frozen mashed sweet potatoes can last 3-6 months in the freezer before quality suffers. Reheated frozen mashed sweet potatoes make for a quick and easy side dish any time of year.