Freezing Potatoes Is Possible—Here’s the Right Way to Do It

Potatoes are a kitchen essential known for their impressive shelf life. They can remain fresh for several weeks at room temperature and even longer when stored in a cool, dark environment like a root cellar. However, if you’re considering long-term storage, you might ask: Is freezing potatoes a viable option?

Luckily, we’ve got the solution—plus expert advice to ensure your potatoes stay fresh, avoiding issues like shriveling, sprouting, or spoilage.

Can You Freeze Potatoes?

The quick answer—especially if you’re familiar with frozen french fries and tater tots—is a definite yes. Freezing potatoes is an excellent way to extend their shelf life.

However, there’s an important consideration: Proper preparation is key before freezing. When raw potatoes are exposed to cold temperatures in the fridge or freezer, their starches begin converting into sugars like glucose and fructose. This can lead to an overly sweet taste and a gritty texture, which might not be ideal for dishes like mashed potatoes or fries.

Potatoes are also high in water content. Similar to other moisture-rich foods, the freezing and thawing process can alter their texture, potentially making them less suitable for certain recipes.

Additionally, chilling raw potatoes before frying them can produce acrylamide, a compound linked to increased cancer risk in animal studies, as noted by the National Institutes of Health. However, research on its effects in humans remains inconclusive.

Luckily, both problems can be easily resolved by partially or fully cooking your potatoes before freezing. (As an added bonus, this means your frozen potatoes will be ready to enjoy much quicker later on.)

How to Freeze Potatoes

Although the need to precook might seem like a hassle, the process is straightforward—just prep and blanch your potatoes. (And if you’ve already made too many mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, you’re all set to freeze them!)

Prep your potatoes

Consider how you intend to use the potatoes after freezing (e.g., fries, diced, mashed), and prepare them by peeling, slicing, or dicing as needed.

Cook the potatoes

You can either follow a complete potato recipe and freeze the finished dish, or if you’re short on time, simply blanch the potatoes by boiling them until tender.

After the potatoes are tender, transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water for a few minutes to halt the cooking process and maintain their firmness.

After draining the potatoes for a few minutes, use paper towels or clean kitchen towels to dry them completely, ensuring no extra moisture remains. (Excess moisture almost always leads to freezer burn!)

Optional: Set them for a first freeze

For blanched potatoes intended for french fries or other uses where clumping is undesirable, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours until solid.

Put your potatoes in freezer-safe packaging

Transfer your cooked potatoes (regardless of the cooking method) into a freezer-safe bag, container, or wrap them tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap. Minimizing air exposure in the packaging helps prevent freezer burn.

Pop them in the freezer

Store your prepared potatoes in the freezer for extended preservation. Label the container with the freezing date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

How to Thaw Potatoes

For French fries or fried potato dishes, avoid thawing to maintain crispiness. For frozen mashed potatoes or casseroles like scalloped potatoes or potatoes au gratin, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How Long Can You Store Frozen Potatoes?

Whole blanched potatoes, when stored correctly, can remain fresh in the freezer for 10 to 12 months. However, for optimal taste and texture, it’s best to use them within the initial few months.