Can You Freeze Red Potatoes?

Last updated on September 22nd, 2022 at 02:35 pm

Potatoes are a household staple that can be incorporated in many hearty and filling dishes. Red potatoes are less starchy than other types of potatoes, and this makes them a perfect ingredient in casseroles, soups, or even just by themselves! 

Many people choose to freeze their extra food because it saves on food waste and refrigerator space. As we all know, potatoes are usually sold in large quantities. 

Though potatoes will last a long time without any food rot, they will not stay fresh forever. For these two reasons, it may be advantageous for you to look into freezing your red potatoes since freezing food will help your food stay fresher for longer. 

Freezing food is the practice of a frugal and fresh kitchen, and if you have an extra bag of red potatoes on hand, you can freeze red potatoes easily and without hassle! 

So, the next time you want to save some time or cut down on food waste, remember that to store your excess food in the freezer!  

How Long Will Red Potatoes Last In The Freezer?

Outside of the freezer, red potatoes last, on average, anywhere from 2-3 weeks in the pantry. If you store your potatoes in the fridge, red potatoes will last anywhere from 2-3 months. Compared to other perishable food, potatoes have a decently long shelf life. 

If you need your potatoes to last even longer, however, you might want to consider freezing them. 

Frozen potatoes will be good to eat definitively for 10-12 months. After that allotted time, the potatoes are still safe for consumption, but the texture and flavor might change, and it is not recommended.

You will want to make sure that you check the quality of your potatoes before using them. If they have not been stored in an air-tight container or bag or if they have been frozen for too long, they may have freezer burn or other quality issues. 

Can You Freeze Red Potatoes Raw?

If you want to freeze your red potatoes you might be wondering if you can freeze them raw. 

Unfortunately you cannot freeze raw red potatoes. Raw potatoes simply have too much water in them, and freezing them will cause the texture and taste to quickly erode. 

When you freeze potatoes raw, it causes the water in the potatoes to freeze, and thus, causes the potatoes to get grainy and mushy. 

If you happen to freeze a raw potato, once it is thawed you will find that your potato will possibly turn black! This is because raw potatoes simply cannot handle the extreme temperatures while freezing.

Can You Freeze Boiled Red Potatoes?

Now that you know you can’t freeze raw red potatoes you might be wondering if you can freeze them after they are boiled. 

You can absolutely freeze boiled red potatoes. Actually, boiled red potatoes are a great candidate for freezing because of their waxy texture. They hold their texture, shape, and flavor after boiling more than other potatoes do. 

After you boil red potatoes, their flavor will actually be enhanced to a creamy, buttery flavor that is a great addition to salads and soups. 

Can You Freeze Cooked Red Potatoes?

You can freeze cooked red potatoes. Cooked potatoes are actually the preferred way to freeze potatoes! You can even partially cook potatoes in order to save on time, and you will still eliminate the problems that occur when freezing raw potatoes. 

Though cooking potatoes may seem like a hassle before freezing them, you can think of it as more of a time saver for your future self! When you eventually pull your potatoes out of the freezer, half the work will already be done.

How To Store Frozen Potatoes?

It is best to first freeze your potatoes on a baking sheet placed a couple of centimeters apart. After the potatoes are completely frozen you can transfer them to either a freezer bag or airtight container. 

You want to make sure the potatoes are completely frozen before transferring them. If they are not, your potatoes may stick together and become difficult to use in the future. 

Having your potatoes frozen separately will also make it easier to use precise quantities while cooking, and it will save you a lot of hassle. 

How To Thaw Frozen Red Potatoes?

You can store frozen potatoes in two main forms, cubed and whole. Of course, you can freeze potatoes mashed, as hashbrowns, or scalloped as well. 

When defrosting whole potatoes, you will need to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you are in a time crunch, you can always pop the frozen potatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes or by defrosting them in the microwave. 

If you are using frozen cubed potatoes in a cooked dish, you do not need to defrost at all. Just put them in your soup, casserole, or other recipe and treat them like already thawed potatoes. The potatoes will defrost while cooking in your dish. 

Let’s say that you have already prepared your potatoes. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or hashbrowns, you will need to defrost each of these in different ways. 

For mashed potatoes, you will want to defrost them overnight and then reheat them slowly on the stovetop. Scalloped potatoes should either be defrosted in the fridge overnight or you can bake them in the oven straight from the freezer. 

Lastly, hashbrowns can be defrosted on the counter for 30-45 minutes, and then later heated up on the stove or in the microwave. 

Are You Supposed To Peel Red Potatoes?

One of the things that differentiate red potatoes from other potatoes is their thin and nutritious red skin. Unlike other produce, you do not need to peel red potatoes before using them in your recipes. 

Actually, most of the health benefits that red potatoes offer are found in their skin. The red skin on red potatoes is full of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium amongst other nutrients. 

Since the skin on red potatoes is so thin, it won’t change the taste or texture so it is best to not peel them! 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, freezing potatoes can be a great way to save time, money, and effort! Since potatoes are such a kitchen staple, it will be helpful to have some stored up in the freezer. 

When a recipe leaves you with excess potatoes, don’t forget to freeze them to avoid food waste and save some extra time in the future.