How to Freeze Potatoes in 8 Steps

You can freeze potatoes for future use. If you store raw potatoes in a cool, dry place, they can last for weeks, but freezing can preserve potatoes for up to three months. The key is to partially cook the potatoes first, a process known as blanching. If you freeze raw potatoes, they will be mushy and watery. Freezing potatoes can also save you on food prep time, especially when you are preparing a large holiday meal.

You can freeze any type of potato, including Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and you won’t have to defrost them before use. Follow the steps below to learn how to freeze potatoes:

1. 1. Wash: Choose fresh spuds that have not yet sprouted. Wash the potatoes to clean them.
2. 2. Chop: Using a sharp knife, chop the potatoes to your desired thickness. You can dice squares for roasting later, or cut the potatoes into strips to make french fries. You can freeze potatoes with or without the peel.
3. 3. Blanch: Put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Place the potatoes in the boiling water to blanch.
4. 4. Cook: Cook the potatoes until they are slightly tender but still have some bite to them, do not cook them all the way through. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes, but aim for upwards of two minutes. Blanching will deactivate the enzymes that cause the potatoes to spoil and lose their texture.
5. 5. Ice bath: When the cut potatoes are partially cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a large bowl of ice water. The cold water will stop the cooking process.
6. 6. Dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander and dry them with paper towels.
7. 7. Freeze: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least six hours, or until the potatoes are frozen solid. This flash freeze will prevent the potatoes from sticking together.
8. 8. Store: Transfer the potatoes from the baking sheet to a freezer bag, pressing out all the air before sealing. You can also store them in an airtight container.

You should not freeze potatoes if you intend to make a baked potato. If you bake a frozen whole potato, the outside of the potato will burn in the oven while the center will remain frozen solid.

You can use frozen potatoes in any recipe that calls for cooked potatoes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, hash browns, potato salad, french fries, patties, or any other popular potato side dish. Take the potatoes out of the freezer and fully cook them according to the recipe directions. Frozen potatoes do not require defrosting or thawing before use. For example, you can take frozen french fries out of the freezer and place them directly in the fryer. They will be as crispy as if you used fresh potatoes.

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