There's something about the fluffy, buttery mounds of mashed potatoes that make them a popular comfort food. Mashed potatoes, whether you make them fresh from scratch or enjoy them in a restaurant, taste best when first made. However, you may want to make a large batch and freeze the mashed potatoes for later use. The problem with freezing mashed potatoes is that they become very watery when you thaw them out. Depending on the method you use to reheat them, however, it's easy to get the mashed potatoes back to the right consistency.
Stovetop
Leave the plastic bag or container holding the the mashed potatoes on the counter to thaw. Expect thawed mashed potatoes to look very watery.
Pour the thawed mashed potatoes into a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir occasionally, allowing some of the excess liquid to evaporate.
Stir in 1/4 cup of potato flakes for every 3 cups of mashed potatoes, if they are still too watery.
Mix the potato and the flakes until well combined. Serve hot.
Microwave
Place frozen mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a lid.
Microwave the mashed potatoes at 50 percent power for five minutes.
Stop the microwave and stir the mashed potatoes every other minute. Remove from the microwave after the five minutes and stir again
Add 2 tbsp. cream cheese or sour cream for every 2 cups of potatoes to thicken them up if they are too watery. Serve hot.
Tip
If the potatoes become too thick, add a little water or milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Writer Bio
Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.