Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Mashed potatoes can be paired with a variety of dishes. And it is important to determine how long leftovers can last if you make a large batch of potatoes for a party or thanksgiving dinner.
This article will discuss how long mashed potatoes can be left at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer. If you’re unsure whether or not your mashed potatoes are spoiled, you may continue reading to learn about it.
How Long Are Mashed Potatoes Good For?
The shelf life of your mashed potatoes is determined by where and how you store them. It is crucial to know how to store mashed potatoes correctly and how long they last so you don’t get food poisoning.
The USDA recommends that prepared foods not be left out for more than two hours and must be refrigerated or frozen before the “Danger Zone.”
This is when cooked food sits out between 40°F to 140°F. It is the window when food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and grows.
Why Should You Care How Long Mashed Potatoes Last?
Starchy foods such as potatoes can grow microbes that can cause diarrhea or vomiting. To avoid this, mashed potatoes should not be left at room temperature for too long. Remember to store them properly to avoid this.
Mixing mashed potatoes with meat creates an unhealthy breeding ground for bacteria since bacteria grow on meat as well. It is best to keep the meats separate if you intend to save and reheat them to eat later.
When storing mashed potatoes, there are a few things you should keep in mind: the time it has been sitting out; the temperature; if they have been reheated before.
How Long Do Mashed Potatoes last in the Fridge?
If they are properly stored, mashed potatoes can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. Before storing them in the refrigerator, you should ensure that they are cooled to at least 140°F.
To prevent bacteria and other contaminants from getting into the food, it is important to keep them in a sealed container.
You also need to learn how to heat mashed potatoes if you are storing them in the refrigerator.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Mashed Potatoes In The Freezer?
You have the option to freeze the leftover mashed potatoes or the one you’ve made ahead of time to make them last longer.
Remember this, “as long as they are stored correctly,” then your mashed potatoes can last between 10-12 months in the freezer.
However, you will need to store them in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn that will ruin the mashed potatoes.
How To Properly Store Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes should be stored in a sealed container. Then you can cover the container with plastic wrap or a cover.
This will not only prevent bacteria from being introduced to food during storage, but it will also help prevent them from drying out quickly and going bad.
Chart Of Mash Potato Shelf Life
| Storage Location | How Long They Last |
| Room Temperature | 2 hours max |
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | 10-12 months |
