How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?

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Mashed potatoes are a staple in many homes.

Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or just an average night at home, mashed potatoes are always on the menu.

They can be served as part of the main course, side dish, or filling (in which case they may be topped with gravy or sauce).

If you want to learn more about how long mash potatoes will last and how to store them for later use, then this blog post is perfect for you.

Table of Contents

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• How to Store Mashed Potatoes?
• How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?
• How to Tell if Mashed Potatoes are Bad?
• Can You Eat Week Old Mashed Potatoes?
• How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?

How to Store Mashed Potatoes?

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Mashed potatoes have always been a favorite dish for many people.

But what do you do with the leftovers?

Storage of mashed potatoes is different from other food types because it will expire much faster and require refrigeration.

It can be stored in an airtight container, which should be placed on a shelf that maintains the temperature at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lowers to avoid spoiling.

If you want your mashed potatoes to the last longer, freezing them either before cooking or after boiling may prolong their life span as long as they are reheated by microwaving rather than putting straight into the oven for baking.

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Make sure to check on your potatoes every few days to determine if they have gone bad, and discard them as soon as you notice any signs of spoilage.

Don't forget to label your container of mashed potatoes with the date it was prepared.

How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?

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Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes.

Mashed potatoes taste great when they're freshly made, but many people wonder how long mashed potatoes can last in different situations.

Mashed potatoes will generally last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, but if they are not used within that time frame, it is best to discard them as bacteria can start growing and spoil your dish.

The shelf life of mashed potatoes stored in the freezer is approximately ten months, so you've got plenty of time for those holiday gatherings.

Mashed potato leftovers should be reheated until they're steaming hot or frozen for later use.

If you want to keep leftover mash warm without cooking it again, place it inside an oven-safe dish or cover it with aluminum foil and put the dish in a warm spot.

If you let your mashed potatoes sit out for too long, they'll quickly start to dry up and become hard.

If this happens, place them back into the fridge or freezer until they're ready to be eaten again.

Mashed potatoes won't last as long if they're left out of the fridge and at room temperature.

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Mashed potatoes should be eaten within two hours after being taken off heat or refrigerated to avoid spoilage.

How to Tell if Mashed Potatoes are Bad?

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So Thanksgiving is over, and it's time to clean up the leftovers.

There's the turkey sandwich, cranberry sauce, and of course, mashed potatoes.

But how can you tell if mashed potatoes have gone bad?

First, look at the color.

If the potatoes are light or bright yellow, they're likely fine and have not gone bad yet.

However, if the potatoes have turned darker than a cream or white color, that's one sign that it's time to throw them out.

Another way you can tell is by smell: if mashed potatoes start to emit an unpleasant odor of rotten eggs and sulfur (think rotten cabbage), then it's probably best to toss them in the trash.

Lastly, look for any signs/signals on top of your mashed potatoes that would indicate spoilage like moldy chunks or even green patches along with slime-like growths.

This is another clear indication that your potato dish should be tossed away right away.

Tracking down the signs of spoilage is a great way to know when your mashed potatoes have gone bad.

And it's also an important thing to do if you plan on feeding these leftovers to someone who has food allergies as well.

Can You Eat Week Old Mashed Potatoes?

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According to the USDA, you should never eat potatoes left for more than two hours at room temperature because they can be unsafe to consume.

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However, if you're looking for the best way to store mashed potatoes, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Hence, it's no longer safe to eat mashed potatoes that are a week old.

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How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last? Do Mashed Potatoes Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Course Shelf Life Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• Mashed potatoes
• Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
• Labels and markers

Instructions

• Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
• Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you're using!
• Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
• If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

About The Author

Kimberly Baxter

Kimberly Baxter is a nutrition and dietetics expert, holding a Master's Degree in the field. With over four years of study in the US, she graduated in 2012. Kimberly's passion lies in creating and capturing wholesome foods through baking and food photography. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.

As a passionate foodie and skilled cook, Kimberly started EatDelights.com to combine her love for cooking with her desire to inspire others to enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals. Through her blog, she aims to provide readers with a wide range of mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to follow and satisfying to eat.

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