How to Freeze Potatoes

Ever had a surplus of potatoes and wished you could save them for later? Freezing potatoes can be a game-changer, ensuring you have a reliable stash for your culinary needs. Cutting and freezing potatoes ahead of time not only saves you time, but also helps you manage your food budget and reduce waste. This article will provide you with invaluable guidance on how to freeze potatoes successfully and how to use them once they’re frozen.

Whether you have a variety of potatoes such as russet, gold, sweet, or red potatoes, this easy-to-follow guide will teach you the best method for freezing them while preserving their flavor and texture. Parboiling is a crucial step, since it helps them maintain their quality when later used for dishes like mashed, fried, or roasted potatoes.

12 Best Ways Used By Culinary Experts to Freeze Potatoes

Key Takeaways

  • Cut and freeze potatoes for future convenience and reduced food waste
  • Parboiling potatoes helps maintain their flavor and texture when frozen
  • Frozen potatoes can be used in various dishes, such as mashed, fried, or roasted

Tips on How to Freeze Potatoes

To ensure that your potatoes maintain their taste and texture during the freezing process, follow these simple steps:

  1. Start with fresh potatoes: Pick potatoes that are firm and free of soft spots on the surface. Avoid wrinkled or moldy potatoes.
  2. Cut the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes according to how you plan to use them later. You can either slice them into 1/4-inch-wide planks for french fries or cut them into 1-inch chunks for mash or shepherd’s pie.
  3. Parboil the potatoes: Boil a large pot of unsalted water and add the prepared potatoes. Cook them until they’re slightly tender but not falling apart—about 3-5 minutes for small cuts and 4-7 minutes for larger pieces.
  4. Cool and dry the potatoes: After parboiling, drop the potatoes into an ice bath to quickly stop the cooking process. Drain the potatoes in a colander, shaking off any excess water.
  5. Freeze the potatoes on a baking sheet: Arrange the potatoes on a large baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. Place the sheet in your freezer for 6-12 hours or until the potatoes are frozen solid.
  6. Store the potatoes: Once frozen, transfer the potato pieces to an airtight container or plastic bag. They will last for up to three months.

By following these straightforward instructions, you’ll successfully freeze your potatoes while preserving their quality and flavor.

12 Best Ways Used By Culinary Experts to Freeze Potatoes

How to Use Frozen Potatoes

Great way to avoid food waste
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 344 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Peeler (optional)
  • Cutting board
  • 4-quart pot
  • Large bowl
  • Colander
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large zip-top plastic bag

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh potatoes

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into desired shapes such as french fries, wedges, or diced potatoes, and peel if desired.
  • Parboil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until they're just fork-tender, approximately 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your cuts.
  • Cool in an ice bath: Remove the potatoes from heat and put them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
  • Drain: Drain the potatoes well in a colander or sieve, shaking it a few times to remove as much water as possible.
  • Freeze: On a baking sheet, place the potatoes in one layer without touching. Slide the baking sheet into the freezer and freeze for 6-12 hours, or until the potato pieces are frozen hard.
  • Seal and freeze: Remove the frozen pieces and place them in a Ziploc bag, squeezing to remove as much excess air as possible. Return to the freezer.

Storage: The frozen potatoes can be stored for up to 3 months.

  • When you're ready to use your frozen potatoes, you can prepare a variety of delicious dishes such as:
  • Crispy fries or potato wedges by baking or frying them straight from the freezer.
  • Flavorful roasted potatoes or Parmesan potatoes, adding extra cooking time if using straight from the freezer.
  • Mashed potatoes by thawing them for two days in the refrigerator before reheating, or cook them straight from frozen on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the oven or microwave.
  • Tasty hash browns by shredding the boiled potatoes and frying them in some vegetable oil.
  • Appetizing casseroles, soups, or croquettes by incorporating reheated mashed potatoes as a key ingredient.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal
Keyword How to Use frozen potatoes
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Remember to always use proper safety precautions and monitor the internal temperature of your dishes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Enjoy your perfectly prepared potato dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store diced potatoes in the freezer?

  1. Rinse the diced potatoes and pat them dry.
  2. Blanch the potatoes in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Drain and let them cool.
  4. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
  5. Place the sheet in the freezer until the potatoes are frozen.
  6. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to airtight storage bags or containers.
  7. Label and date the containers before placing them back in the freezer.

What is the proper way to freeze whole potatoes with skin?

  1. Clean the potatoes thoroughly and remove any visible dirt.
  2. Poke holes in the potatoes using a fork to prevent bursting.
  3. Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
  4. Place the wrapped potatoes in airtight storage bags or containers.
  5. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.

What are the steps to freeze shredded potatoes?

  1. Rinse the shredded potatoes and pat them dry.
  2. Spread the shredded potatoes on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
  3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the potatoes are frozen.
  4. Take the sheet out and break apart any clumps.
  5. Transfer the frozen shreds to airtight storage bags or containers.
  6. Label and date the containers before placing them back in the freezer.

Can fried potatoes be stored in the freezer?

Yes, you can store fried potatoes in the freezer.

  1. Allow the fried potatoes to cool completely.
  2. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil or place them in airtight storage bags.
  3. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
  4. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

What is the process to freeze raw potatoes for French fries?

  1. Cut the raw potatoes into the desired size for French fries.
  2. Rinse and dry them thoroughly.
  3. Blanch the potatoes in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Drain and let them cool.
  5. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
  6. Freeze the potatoes by placing the sheet in the freezer.
  7. Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to airtight storage bags or containers.
  8. Label and date the containers before placing them back in the freezer.

How to freeze cooked potatoes for future use in potato salad?

  1. Allow the cooked potatoes to cool completely.
  2. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
  3. Place the sheet in the freezer until the potatoes are frozen.
  4. Transfer the frozen potatoes to airtight storage bags or containers.
  5. Label and date the bags before placing them back in the freezer.