Whether you made too many instant pot potatoes or want to prep a batch for future meals, freezing them can extend their shelf life. With the right methods, freezing instant pot potatoes is easy and effective. Read on to learn if and how to freeze instant pot potatoes.
Can You Freeze Cooked Instant Pot Potatoes?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked instant pot potatoes. The instant pot’s high pressure cooking quickly softens potatoes so they become ideal for freezing. Freezing cooked instant pot potatoes keeps them safe to eat for 6-12 months in the freezer.
Most potato dishes freeze well, including:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Potato salad
- Twice baked potatoes
- Loaded potato soup
- Cheesy potato casserole
The high moisture content of potatoes allows them to freeze solidly without compromising texture. With proper storage methods, frozen instant pot potatoes retain their flavor and reheat well.
Can You Freeze Raw Instant Pot Potatoes?
It’s not recommended to freeze raw potatoes made in the instant pot. Raw potatoes contain enzymes that can cause the potato starch to convert to sugars when frozen. This leads to an undesirable sweet flavor and discoloration.
For best results, always cook potatoes fully in the instant pot before freezing. The high heat destroys enzymes in raw potatoes that cause freezing issues. Cook potatoes until fork tender before freezing.
Tips for Freezing Instant Pot Potatoes
Follow these tips for successfully freezing and storing instant pot potatoes:
- Cool completely: Potatoes need to cool to room temperature before freezing, about 1-2 hours. Putting hot food directly in the freezer raises the temperature and compromises other frozen items.
- Portion: Divide potatoes into usable portion sizes before freezing. This prevents having to thaw more than you need each time. Good portion sizes include 1 cup for mashed potatoes or 4 potato halves for twice baked potatoes.
- Use freezer bags: Place cooled potato portions in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freezer bags provide more surface area for faster freezing.
- Exclude moisture: Potatoes with excess moisture like soup or salad can become waterlogged when frozen. Drain excess liquid before freezing.
- Avoid freezer burn: Use airtight freezer bags and minimize air exposure. Freezer burn causes dehydration and texture changes.
- Label: Write the contents and freeze date clearly on bags. This lets you use potatoes within the 6-12 month optimal frozen storage time.
How Long Do Frozen Instant Pot Potatoes Last?
Properly stored frozen instant pot potatoes remain good for:
- Freezer time: 6-12 months
- Refrigerator after thawing: 3-5 days
The freezer stops bacteria growth and enzyme activity that can spoil potatoes. Be sure to check bags for freezer burn or ice crystals, which indicate moisture loss and decreased quality.
How to Thaw Frozen Instant Pot Potatoes
You can thaw frozen instant pot potatoes a few different ways:
- Fridge thawing: Moving potatoes to the fridge lets them thaw gradually over 12-24 hours. This is the safest thawing method and maintains texture best.
- Cold water: Submerge potatoes in a bowl or container of cold water. Change water every 30 minutes. Potatoes may thaw in 1-2 hours.
- Microwave: Microwave potatoes in short increments, checking often to avoid cooking them further. Use microwave-safe containers.
Avoid thawing potatoes at room temperature or warmer water. This puts them in the danger zone for bacterial growth. Cook thawed potatoes to 165°F before eating.
How to Use Thawed Instant Pot Potatoes
Thawed instant pot potatoes can be used in all the same ways as fresh potatoes. Reheating brings out their best texture and flavor.
You can reheat thawed potatoes by:
- Sautéing in a skillet with butter or oil
- Microwaving in a microwave-safe dish
- Roasting in the oven at 400°F until hot and slightly crispy
- Simmering in sauce, broth, or gravy on the stovetop or instant pot
- Boiling briefly until heated through
Add any extra seasonings or ingredients after reheating. Thawed potatoes work well in soups, bakes, hash, fries, and mashed with milk or cream.
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, cooked sweet potatoes made in the instant pot also freeze well. Their natural sugars help them hold up when frozen and prevent drying out.
Follow the same tips for preparing and freezing. Cool sweet potatoes completely before freezing. They’ll keep 6-12 months frozen.
Thaw and reheat sweet potatoes gently to bring out their sweetness. They work well in dishes like pies, casseroles, soups, and as a side.
Recommended Instant Pot Potato Recipes for Freezing
These instant pot potato recipes freeze excellently for quick meals later:
- Mashed potatoes: Freeze mashed potatoes in 1 cup portions to reheat as a side dish.
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes: Assemble and freeze individual ramekins to bake later.
- Twice baked potatoes: Freeze unstuffed baked potatoes to reheat and stuff.
- Loaded potato soup: Freeze in serving sizes to thaw and garnish before eating.
- Potato salad: Make a big batch and freeze portions to grab for lunches.
Adapt your favorite instant pot potato recipe. Just cook the potatoes fully, cool completely, and portion into freezer bags or containers.
Can You Freeze Mashed Instant Pot Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are one of the most convenient frozen potato options. Simply prepare mashed potatoes in the instant pot, let cool, then freeze in usable portions.
To freeze mashed instant pot potatoes:
- Make mashed potatoes in instant pot as desired. Allow to cool 1-2 hours.
- Portion into freezer bags or containers in 1-2 cup amounts. Remove excess air.
- Label bags with contents and date. Freeze up to 6-12 months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating on stove or in microwave.
For creamier thawed mashed potatoes, mix in milk, cream, or butter after reheating. Season with salt and pepper.
Tips for Freezing Mashed Potatoes
- Use starchy russet potatoes.
- Cook potatoes very soft before mashing.
- Save some cooking liquid to mix back in after thawing if needed.
- Avoid over-mixing mashed potatoes to reduce gumminess after freezing.
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Potato Soup?
Rich, creamy potato soups are excellent candidates for freezing. Follow these steps for freezing instant pot potato soup:
- Make soup in instant pot using potatoes, broth, milk or cream, and any vegetables or seasonings.
- Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
- Portion cooled soup into freezer bags or containers, leaving 1-2 inches headspace.
- Remove air, label, and freeze up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating gently on stove until steaming hot.
Stir in any garnishes like cheese, scallions, or bacon just before serving thawed potato soup.
Tips for Freezing Potato Soup
- Avoid high water content to prevent separation when frozen.
- Stir soups occasionally as they freeze to distribute ingredients.
- Add a little cornstarch or flour to thicken soups before freezing.
- Season lightly before freezing, then adjust seasoning after reheating.
Common Questions About Freezing Instant Pot Potatoes
Can you freeze instant pot potato salad?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze instant pot potato salad. Cook potatoes fully in the instant pot, chill completely, then mix with mayonnaise dressing and other ingredients. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can you refreeze potatoes?
It’s not recommended to refreeze potatoes after they’ve been thawed. Refreezing can lead to further moisture loss. For best quality, thaw only the amount of potatoes you will use within 3-5 days and cook them before refreezing.
Do potatoes lose nutrients when frozen?
Some nutrient loss can occur when freezing potatoes compared to fresh. However, freezing potatoes right after cooking helps retain more vitamins like vitamin C compared to freezing raw. Maintaining freezer temperature below 0°F preserves nutrients best.
Can you freeze roasted potatoes?
Yes, roasted potatoes like wedges, cubes, or hash can be frozen after cooking. Allow to cool fully, then freeze in single layers on sheets before transferring to bags. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F for crispy results.
Conclusion
Freezing fully cooked instant pot potatoes is an excellent way to save time prepping future meals. Potatoes freeze well for 6-12 months and retain their flavor and texture when thawed and reheated. Portion potatoes, cool completely, and use freezer bags or airtight containers for the best quality. Thaw frozen potatoes overnight in the fridge before using in your favorite potato dishes.