Sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative to ordinary white potatoes. They are jam-packed full of vitamins and minerals and can be used in the same ways as ordinary potatoes. Serve them chipped, roasted, boiled, or mashed.
Mashed sweet potatoes are one of the favorite ways of enjoying sweet potatoes, and in this article, we will take a look at how to freeze mashed sweet potatoes and how to defrost them. You won’t regret freezing them as their sweet and nutty flavor will be retained.
How To Freeze Mashed Sweet Potato
It’s not difficult to freeze mashed sweet potatoes though you have to be careful to keep them airtight otherwise freezer burn could occur. This will ruin the taste and texture of your sweet potatoes. This is the way to freeze mashed sweet potatoes:
1. Cook down the sweet potatoes.
Boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft and fluffy, and then season them with salt and pepper. You can add garlic if you wish. Mash the potatoes up until they are smooth. Nobody likes lumpy mashed potatoes.
2. Cool down the mashed sweet potatoes.
You don’t want to put the mash in the freezer while it is still warm as it can bring up the temperature and other food may defrost and spoil. You also don’t want to keep the mash at room temperature for longer than two hours as, after this time, bacteria can start to form. To speed up the cooling process, transfer the sweet potatoes to a cold bowl after boiling and mashing.
3. Put the mashed sweet potatoes in freezer bags or airtight containers.
If you are using freezer bags, squeeze out all the air so that freezer burn doesn’t occur. Freezer burn will ruin the taste and texture of your sweet potatoes. Divide the mashed sweet potato into meal-size portions so that you only defrost as much as you need for one sitting. Put labels on the bags or containers with the date and contents.
4. Put the bags or containers in the freezer.
Tips For Freezing Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Divide the into portions so that you don’t waste any of it.
- Squeeze out all the air from the freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- To ring in the changes, mix white potato with the sweet potato and freeze in the same way.
For How Long Can You Freeze Mashed Sweet Potato?
Mashed sweet potato is a great item to freeze as it lasts for a long time. You can keep it in the freezer for up to one year. After this time, it will start to lose taste and texture and may even spoil. You must, however, ensure that the freezer bags or containers are airtight.
How Do You Defrost Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
To get the best results, defrost the mashed sweet potato slowly and steadily. Put it in the fridge to defrost overnight. Sometimes, the mash will separate a little but that can be easily rectified by stirring it.
Can You Refreeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
No, it’s not a good idea to refreeze mashed sweet potatoes. When you freeze, defrost, and refreeze, ice crystals can form which will ruin the taste and texture of the mash. There is also a bigger chance of bacteria forming and the mash spoiling. You would be at risk of food poisoning if you eat it.
Is It A Good Idea To Freeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, mashed sweet potato freezes well as long as you keep it airtight. In addition, it freezes for a long time, up to a year, so you can enjoy it for a long time ahead. Why not make a big batch and freeze it in meal-size portions? You will find that there is little change in taste and texture when you come to defrost it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, you now know all there is to know about freezing mashed sweet potato but in case you are still a little curious, we have answered a few questions here.
Yes, you can, and you can follow the instructions we have given for freezing mashed sweet potatoes. You can even mix them with mashed sweet potato and freeze them this way.
Yes, you can. The best way to do this to avoid them from sticking together is to flash freeze them. Place them on a baking tray, making sure that they aren’t touching each other. Put in the freezer and when the fries are frozen solid, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag.
If you have roasted sweet potatoes left over from your meal, the best way to preserve them is to freeze them. Divide them into meal-size portions and put them in freezer bags. They keep in the freezer for six months.
