Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for many meals, but they tend to get cold quickly once prepared. Keeping mashed potatoes warm for several hours for a large dinner party or event can be challenging. However, with some planning and the right equipment, it is possible to keep mashed potatoes at the perfect serving temperature for an extended period of time.
Should You Make Mashed Potatoes in Advance?
Making mashed potatoes ahead of time allows you to get part of your meal prep done early. However, it also means the potatoes may cool down and need reheating. As long as you take the right steps to store and reheat them properly, preparing mashed potatoes in advance can save you time and hassle on the day of your event.
Here are some benefits to making mashed potatoes in advance:
- Spreads out workload – Peeling, boiling and mashing potatoes takes time. Getting this step done in advance gives you more time to focus on other dishes.
- Consistent results – Mashed potatoes thicken as they cool. Pre-making them allows the starch molecules to fully absorb liquid and results in smooth, creamy spuds.
- Food safety – Potatoes that are mashed and served immediately can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Preparing them in advance allows them to be quickly cooled to food safe temps.
As long as you cool them quickly, store them properly, and reheat them fully, making mashed potatoes ahead of time can be safe and convenient.
How Should You Store Mashed Potatoes Overnight?
If you plan to prep your mashed potatoes the day before, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips for storing mashed potatoes overnight:
– Cool potatoes quickly – Spread spuds in a thin, even layer in a shallow pan and refrigerate. This allows them to cool rapidly so bacteria cannot multiply.
– Use shallow containers – Again, you want potatoes in an even layer no more than 2-3 inches deep for fast, safe cooling.
– Cover tightly – Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mashed potatoes to prevent a skin from forming overnight.
– Don’t freeze – Unless you plan to reheat from frozen, avoid freezing pre-made mashed potatoes. Freezing and thawing can negatively impact texture.
– Refrigerate promptly – Once cooled, refrigerate mashed potatoes right away. Do not leave them out at room temp.
Proper overnight storage in the fridge will keep your mashed potatoes fresh and safe to eat.
How Should You Reheat Mashed Potatoes?
The key to reheating mashed potatoes is applying gentle, indirect heat evenly throughout. Here are some recommended reheating methods:
On the Stovetop
– Place potatoes in a saucepan on low heat. Gently stir frequently with a rubber spatula to distribute heat evenly.
– Add milk or cream a little at a time to loosen the texture if needed.
– Heat through without allowing potatoes to scorch on the bottom.
In the Microwave
– Transfer potatoes to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap.
– Microwave on Medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between sessions, until heated through.
– Add milk or cream and stir again before serving to smooth any stiff texture.
In the Oven
– Transfer potatoes to a casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
– Preheat oven to 350 F and bake for 20-30 minutes, until hot in the center.
– Stir gently before serving to redistribute any separated liquid.
With a Double Boiler
– Place cooled mashed potatoes in the top pot of a double boiler.
– Fill bottom pot with an inch of simmering water.
– Heat potatoes, stirring gently, until warmed through without scorching the bottom.
The double boiler method is gentlest, but any technique works as long as you reheat potatoes low and slow while stirring to maintain a smooth consistency.
What Equipment Can Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm?
Once your mashed potatoes are cooked and reheated, it’s time to think about how to keep them at ideal serving temperature. Here are some equipment options for keeping mashed potatoes warm for hours:
Chafing Dishes
Stainless steel chafing dishes are designed specifically for keeping large amounts of food warm. Features like heat-safe handles, locking lids, and adjustable venting make them perfect for mashed potatoes. Use fuel like sterno to keep water in the bottom compartment simmering. Avoid direct contact between potatoes and water to prevent sogginess.
Slow Cookers
For smaller batches, slow cookers work well for keeping mashed potatoes warm. Prep them in an oven-safe crock, set heat to Low, and cover. Stir periodically and add milk as needed to maintain a creamy texture. Keep lids closed as much as possible to retain heat.
Insulated Food Carriers
Lightweight insulated food carriers are affordable options for transporting and keeping mashed potatoes warm for hours. Look for models with deep wells, tight seals, and durable handles. Wrap potatoes containers in towels inside the carrier to retain more warmth.
Cambro Food Storage Containers
Commercial kitchens often use Cambro brand containers to store and transport large quantities of hot foods. Made from BPA-free plastic, these containers can maintain temperatures up to 200 F for hours. Use with tight fitting lids.
What are Some Serving Suggestions to Keep Mashed Potatoes Hot?
How you serve and display your mashed potatoes can also impact how long they stay at optimal temperature. Consider these serving suggestions:
Use Warm Plates
Heating plates before plating mashed potatoes helps keep them hotter longer. Place plates in warming trays, rinse with hot water, or warm in a low oven briefly before service.
Provide Individual Portions
Rather than large batch servings, plate individual portions of mashed potatoes as each order comes in. This limits expose and allows each serving to be eaten fresh and hot.
Top with Hot Gravy
Warm gravy, sauce, or stew ladled over the top keeps mashed potatoes moist and maintains heat better.
Garnish with Warm Toppings
Hot roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, browned butter, or crispy fried onions sprinkled on top retain warmth.
Serve in a Warm Spot
Position mashed potato stations near other heating equipment like soup tureens and beverage dispensers to absorb ambient heat.
Conclusion
Keeping mashed potatoes appealingly hot for hours is doable with smart preparation, storage, transport, and serving methods. Start by making them a day ahead to allow for cooling and reheating. Use commercial heat retaining equipment like chafing dishes during hold times. At service, opt for individual portions plated on warm dishes and garnished with hot toppings. With the right techniques, your mashed potatoes will be the perfect comfort food temperature from prep through the last hearty bite.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chafing Dishes | – Designed for extended heat retention | – Can dry out potatoes |
| Slow Cookers | – Compact, portable, affordable | – Limited capacity |
| Insulated Carriers | – Lightweight and versatile | – Temperature may vary |
| Cambro Containers | – Maintains consistent temperature | – Heavy, not portable |
| Serving Suggestion | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Warm plates | Helps potatoes retain heat longer |
| Individual portions | Minimizes cooling between batches |
| Hot gravy or sauce | Provides additional moisture & heat |
| Warm toppings | Insulates and adds texture |
| Near other heat sources | Absorbs ambient warmth |