White potatoes and sweet potatoes will keep for several weeks at room temperature but can last up to a month if stored in cool, dark places with good ventilation. To learn how to store potatoes properly, see How to Keep Potatoes. They can also be frozen and last several months if properly frozen. This is true. And when you consider the fact that potatoes can be frozen in large bags of 5 lb, it makes perfect sense. Thanks to their versatility and affordability, you’ll find yourself stocking your freezer full of potatoes. For some dishes, freezing potatoes can improve the texture and taste. Learn everything you need about freezing sweet potatoes and potatoes, including how to freeze French fries and potatoes.
Partially cooking sweet potatoes and potatoes before freezing is key. Raw potatoes are very watery and won’t freeze well. They can become mushy, liquid, or grainy because they have so much water. Although it might seem tedious, cooking before freezing can be a time-saver. Partially cooked potatoes take less time in the oven, which is particularly useful for holidays and special occasions where many dishes are competing for space and time.
How to Slice and Peel Potatoes Before Time
You can choose to peel potatoes for freezing. However, as with all other ingredients, it is important to freeze only fresh potatoes, not those that need to go to the compost. For faster freezing and defrosting, freeze potatoes in single-layer freezer bags. Label the bag with a date and a label so that you know exactly what is in the freezer.
Frozen potatoes are usually ready to use straight out of the freezer. However, if you prefer to defrost them first, they can be stored in the fridge. The texture and taste of frozen potatoes may be different from fresh potatoes. To ensure that you don’t overcook them, check the doneness. Although sweet potatoes can be frozen using the same techniques as regular potatoes, the timing of the freezing may vary.
How to Freeze potatoes for roasting
You can freeze the potatoes you intend to roast. This not only saves time but also makes them more crunchy. If you prefer, peel the potatoes. Then cut them into chunks, cubes, or wedges. Blanch them in boiling water until tender but not too soft. The time it takes to cook potatoes will depend on their variety and the size of the pieces. However, the most important thing is that they should be cooked only partially. To stop the cooking process, drain the potatoes and place them in a bowl of cold water. Let it cool down completely. Place the potatoes in an even layer on baking sheets. Let them cool completely before transferring them to the freezer for 6-12 hours or until they become solid. The potatoes can then be placed in airtight freezer bags for up to three months. Drizzle olive oil on the potatoes to roast and season them with salt. Finally, roast the potatoes until they are crisp and golden.
How To Freeze French Fries
French fries, like roasted potatoes, require blanching. However, this extra step gives fries a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. If you prefer, peel the potatoes and cut them into thin or thick slices. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes. Adjust the time according to the size and variety of the fries. To stop the cooking process, place the potatoes in an ice bath. Let the fries dry thoroughly, then drizzle some vegetable oil on them. Spread them in an even layer on parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze until firm, either 6 hours or overnight. Frozen fries can be frozen for up to six months in an airtight bag. Fries from scratch can be baked, fried, or frozen straight out of the freezer.
How To Freeze Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes often have rich ingredients like cream or sour cream. This helps to preserve their texture during freezing and thawing. Make mashed potatoes according to the recipe. Once you are done, could you place them in an airtight container? Reheat frozen mashed potatoes in the fridge. Stir them well before heating them in the oven or microwave.
How To Freeze Twice-Baked Potatoes (Stuffed Potatoes)
Twice-baked potatoes are also known as stuffed potatoes and can be frozen for quick weeknight meals. Let the potatoes cool down, then wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for 3 months. Double-baked potatoes can be thawed in the fridge or heat them in the oven or microwave. You can freeze baked potatoes the same way, but they will only last for a short time because they don’t have the richness of the cheese and sour cream.
How To Freeze Hash Browns
You can freeze the shredded potatoes to make hashbrowns, brown cups, and casseroles. After shredding the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cool water to let them rest for a while. Once they are done, drain them and blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes. To stop the cooking process from continuing, drain again. Spread the potatoes in an even layer on parchment-lined baking sheets and dry. The potatoes can be stored in freezer bags in an airtight container so that they are available for use in any recipe that calls for frozen hashbrowns.
How To Freeze Scalloped Potatoes & Potato Gratins
Scalloped potatoes or Potato gratins can be frozen to give you an early start on your dinner. Cook the potatoes until tender and start to brown, but not completely. Let cool completely. Wrap well and freeze for 2 weeks. Allow the potatoes to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic and freezing them. You can sprinkle your potatoes with cheese after you have frozen the dish.
