Can You Freeze Roast Potatoes?

Have you ever faced the dilemma of having leftover roast potatoes after cooking up a big Sunday roast? It happens to all of us. Rather than throwing them out, you may wonder, Can you freeze roast potatoes for later? The answer is yes; you absolutely can freeze roasted potatoes to enjoy them weeks or even months down the track.

Freezing is a great way to reduce food waste and save time on future meals. With some simple preparation steps, your roasties will keep well in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, they can be quickly reheated to taste fresh from the oven again.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about freezing roast potatoes successfully:

• How to prepare roast potatoes for freezing
• Storing and packaging frozen roast potatoes
• Reheating frozen roasties to perfect crispiness
• Handy tips for the best frozen roast potato results
• Frequently Asked Questions Answered

So read on to become a roast potato freezing expert!

Preparing Roast Potatoes for the Freezer

To freeze roast potatoes perfectly, you need to take a few steps before bagging them up. With the right prep, your roasties will freeze well and taste delicious when reheated later on.

Choose the Right Roast Potatoes to Freeze

The best roast potatoes to freeze are those that are:

• Fully cooked and cooled: Freeze roast potatoes once they’ve finished cooking and have cooled down. Freezing them hot can make them mushy.
• Dry and crispy: Roast potatoes freeze better when they have a crispy texture. Avoid freezing undercooked or soggy roast potatoes.
• Unsalted: Don’t add salt before freezing, as this can change the texture. Salt them after reheating instead.
• Plain, seasoning- or sauce-seasoned roast potatoes don’t freeze as well. Keep them plain for the best results.

Cut larger roast potatoes down to size.

If you have whole or large roast potato pieces, cut them down into smaller, evenly-sized pieces before freezing. This helps them freeze quicker and cook more evenly when reheated.

Aim for bite-sized pieces about 2 inches (5 cm) in size.

Spread Them Out to Cool

Avoid freezing roast potatoes in a big clump. Spread them out evenly in a single layer on a baking tray or plate. Allow them to cool completely; this helps remove excess moisture.

Blanch (Optional)

Some people recommend blanching cooked roast potatoes briefly in boiling water before freezing.

To blanch:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the roasted potatoes and blanch for 1 minute only.
• Drain and allow it to dry before freezing.

Blanching can help seal in flavor and texture. However, it’s not strictly necessary.

Freeze Promptly

Once your roast potatoes are prepared, it’s best to freeze them right away. Leaving them to sit around can cause them to become soggy.

Freeze within 2 hours of cooking for the best quality.

Storing and packaging frozen roast potatoes

Now it’s time to stash those spuds away in the freezer! Here are some tips for packaging and storing them correctly:

Use freezer bags or containers.

The best way to store frozen roast potatoes is in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. This prevents freezer burns.

• Use heavy-duty plastic freezer bags and press out excess air before sealing.
• Alternatively, store in rigid freezer-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.

Portion the potatoes.

Package your roast potatoes in usable portions for future meals. That way, you can just grab a bag or container when needed.

Handy portions for 2–4 people include:

• 500g/1 pound
• 650g-750g/11⁄2 pounds
• 1kg/2 pounds

Label with date and contents

Clearly label each bag or container with the contents and date frozen. This lets you use the oldest ones first.

Utilize freezer space.

Arrange packages flat in your freezer so they freeze quickly. Once solid, you can stack them on top of each other.

Place the roasted potatoes towards the back of the freezer, where the temperature is most consistent.

Maximum Freezing Time

Your well-wrapped roasties can be kept frozen for up to 12 months.

For best quality and texture, try to use within 3-6 months.

Reheating Frozen Roast Potatoes

One of the biggest keys to good frozen roasties is properly reheating them. With a bit of time and technique, you can revive them to crispy, flavorful perfection again.

Here are some reheating methods to try:

Oven (best method)

Reheating frozen roast potatoes in the oven produces the crispiest results.

• Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
• Place frozen potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment.
• Drizzle potatoes with oil and season with salt, pepper, herbs, etc.
• Cook for 15–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until hot and crispy.

Skillet/Frying Pan

You can also crisp up frozen roast potatoes nicely in a hot skillet with some oil.

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
• When it is hot, add the frozen potatoes in a single layer.
• Fry for 8–12 minutes, tossing frequently, until browned and sizzling.

Air Fryer

An air fryer gives great crispy results too.

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
• Add potatoes to the fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 7–10 minutes until hot and crispy; shake the basket halfway.

Gravy or sauce

Add some extra flavor when reheating by tossing the potatoes with gravy or sauce. Try beef, pork, turkey gravy, or cheesy sauce.

The starch from the potatoes will help thicken the gravy deliciously.

Stews, Curries, or Fries

For a different flavor, you can use frozen roast potatoes in stews or curries, or turn them into home fries by cooking them with onions and bell peppers.

Get creative with reheating methods to enjoy your roasties in fun, new ways!

Handy Tips for Frozen Roast Potato Success

Follow these handy tips and tricks for the best results with your frozen roast potatoes:

• Let the potatoes thaw slightly before reheating—around 10 minutes at room temperature. This prevents overcooking.
• Reheat roasties from frozen within 3 months for ideal texture and taste.
• Double-check that the potatoes are piping hot throughout before eating.
• Don’t re-freeze potatoes once defrosted. Cook within 24 hours.
• For extra crunch, roast potatoes from frozen on the top oven rack.
• Preheat the oven, skillet, or air fryer before cooking to quickly crisp the potatoes.
• Brush potatoes with a little oil or melted butter before and during reheating.
• Fluff and shake potatoes during reheating to evenly brown.
• If reheated potatoes stick together, break them apart gently while still frozen.
• Add any extra seasonings or herbs after reheating for the best flavor.

Follow these tips, and your reheated roast potatoes will taste nearly as good as the freshly made ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about successfully freezing roast potatoes? These common FAQs have you covered:

How long do roast potatoes last in the freezer?

Properly stored, roast potatoes will keep well in the freezer for up to 12 months. For best quality and texture, aim to use frozen roasties within 3–6 months.

Can you freeze roasted potatoes twice?

It’s best not to freeze roasted potatoes again after they have been defrosted once. Refreezing can cause the texture to become mushy. Cook defrosted spuds within 24 hours.

What is the best way to reheat frozen roast potatoes?

The oven method produces the crispiest, tastiest results. Preheat to 400°F/200°C and roast the frozen potatoes in a single layer for 15–25 minutes until hot and browned. Toss with oil and seasonings.

Do you need to thaw the roasted potatoes before cooking?

You can cook frozen roast potatoes without thawing first, but allowing them 10 minutes to thaw at room temperature helps them reheat more evenly.

How do you keep roasted potatoes crispy after freezing?

Start with dry, fully cooked roast potatoes. Portion into airtight bags or containers. Reheat using the oven at a high temperature (400°F) to recrisp the outside and heat through. Toss potatoes in oil during reheating.

Can you freeze boiled potatoes?

Yes, though the texture may become slightly mushy. For best results, freeze roasted potatoes or turn boiled potatoes into mashed potatoes before freezing.

Can you freeze potato wedges?

Fresh potato wedges freeze well for later oven baking. Blanch parboiled potato wedges briefly before opening, freezing in a single layer, and bagging up.

What potatoes are best for roasting and freezing?

Go for starchy, floury potato varieties like Russet or King Edward. Avoid moist, waxy potatoes like new potatoes or red potatoes.

In Summary

Freezing leftover roast potatoes at their crispy best means you always have a side dish ready to be reheated. With the right preparation, storage method, and reheating technique, you can enjoy tasty roast spuds without any waste.

Follow this complete guide to become a roast potato freezing pro. Your perfectly crispy, flavorful roasties will taste like they just emerged from the oven, even months after freezing.