There’s scientific reasoning behind the comfort derived from mashed potatoes. Studies show that heavy-carb food items like mashed potatoes release serotonin. This is why we derive a level of happiness and comfort after eating it. This is why people prefer making and storing it in bulk so that it can be used instantly.
However, how long do such mashed potatoes last? Should they be kept in the fridge, or the pantry works fine? How would you know when your mashed potatoes have gone bad?
In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and tell you how to store mashed potatoes so they last as long as possible.
How Long Can Mashed Potatoes Be Kept In The Fridge?
Mashed potatoes will last 3-5 days in the fridge if they are correctly stored. To store mashed potatoes, put them in an airtight container or resealable bag and make sure they are completely cooled before putting them in the fridge. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them. The mashed potatoes will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Be that as it may, while warming frozen mashed potatoes, make sure to defrost them totally before warming. If you’re a lazy cook, you can also make a big batch of mashed potatoes and eat them all week long! We also recommend that you don’t keep mashed potatoes in the fridge for longer than a week to be on the safe side.
How Do You Know If Mashed Potatoes Are Spoiled?
Mashed potatoes can go bad, just like any other food. You’ll know they are bad if they start to develop mold or an off odor. If you see either of these things, throwing the mashed potatoes away is best. Here are 5 other spoilage signs you should look out for:
- The potatoes have changed color: If your mashed potatoes have turned green, they are starting to spoil, and you should throw them away.
- The potatoes have a slimy texture: This is another sign that the mashed potatoes are going bad, and you should not eat them.
- The mashed potatoes have an off odor: If they smell sour or otherwise off, they are no longer good to eat. This is because the potatoes have started to rot.
- The mashed potatoes have chunks of mold: If you see any mold growing on the mashed potatoes, it’s best to throw them away.
- The mashed potatoes have been in the fridge for more than a week: Even if they look and smell fine, they may not be safe to eat after a week in the fridge.
- The mashed potatoes are watery: If they are watery, it’s a sign that they are no longer fresh, and you should not eat them. The watery consistency means that the potatoes have started to break down and are no longer suitable to eat.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to err on caution and throw the mashed potatoes away.
What Happens If You Eat Rotten Mashed Potatoes?
Assuming you eat mashed potatoes that have gone bad, you could get food poisoning. The side effects of food poisoning can include sickness, regurgitating, loose bowels, and stomach cramps. If you experience any of these side effects from eating mashed potatoes, seeing a doctor is ideal. These side effects should not be taken lightly.
Best Ways To Store Mashed Potatoes In The Fridge
Here are some suggestions for keeping mashed potatoes fresh in the fridge for as long as possible:
- Ensure the mashed potatoes are cooled before putting them away in the fridge: If they are even somewhat warm, they will begin to ruin all the more rapidly.
- Please put them in an airtight container: This will help to keep the mashed potatoes from drying out or getting the freezer burned. This method will also help keep the mashed potatoes from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Put them in a resealable bag: This is a good option if you want to be able to portion out the mashed potatoes easily. If you do not have a resealable bag, you can also use a regular plastic bag, but make sure to squeeze all the air out before sealing it.
- Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap: This will help to keep the mashed potatoes from drying out. Avoid this method if you are planning on freezing the mashed potatoes, as the foil will not be airtight, and the potatoes will freeze.
- Put them in a covered dish: This is a good option if you plan to eat the mashed potatoes within a few days. You can also refrigerate mashed potatoes in the same dish you cooked them in, but cover it tightly.
What Is The Best Way To Reheat Mashed Potatoes?
It is best to reheat mashed potatoes in the oven. Put the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Prepare at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, but they may not heat evenly and could end up dry.
FAQs
Can you eat cooked potatoes after 5 days?
Potatoes are safe to consume 3-4 days after cooking them. After that time period, it might get moldy or get dry.
How long do mashed potatoes with sour cream last in the fridge?
If you want to store your mashed potatoes with sour cream, you must bake them for 30 minutes in a baking dish before popping them in the refrigerator. This will help you elongate its shelf life for up to 10 days.
Can you freeze mashed potatoes and reheat them?
Frozen mashed potatoes can be stored for up to 2 months. You can add butter or cream to maintain the texture and consistency. Moreover, frozen mashed potatoes can be easily reheated on the stovetop, microwave, oven, or slow cooker.
Is it safe to eat mashed potatoes left out overnight?
Mashed potatoes are meant to be stored in the refrigerator. Keeping them out overnight shall affect the overall quality and consistency. Hence, it is best to discard such potatoes.
Conclusion:
Conclusively, remember that mashed potatoes can last in the fridge for up to a week, but they will start to spoil after a few days. As mentioned in the post, if you see any signs of spoilage, it will be best to throw them away.
Also, remember, when storing mashed potatoes in the fridge, use an airtight container and put them in the fridge as soon as they are completely cooled.
Hope this article was helpful to you! Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts.
