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    Home » Cooking Basics

    How to Freeze Potatoes

    Published: May 13, 2020 · Modified: Oct 30, 2023 · 1 Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Want to save potatoes for later? Learn how to freeze potatoes, including blanching techniques and tips for cooking with frozen potatoes.
    Want to save potatoes for later? Learn how to freeze potatoes, including blanching techniques and tips for cooking with frozen potatoes.
    Want to save potatoes for later? Learn how to freeze potatoes, including blanching techniques and tips for cooking with frozen potatoes.

    Want to save potatoes for later? Learn how to freeze potatoes, including blanching techniques and tips for cooking with frozen potatoes.

    potatoes in a freezer bag, on a baking sheet, and whole.

    We're growing (or attempting to grow) potatoes in our garden for the very first time.

    I'm both excited and also a little overwhelmed, because I'm usually unable to use a bag of potatoes before they go bad.

    It's a problem.

    It's mainly an issue because I dislike food waste, but also because rotting potatoes smell like death.

    And so, when I found myself with a few too many store-bought potatoes, I decided to start practicing preserving potatoes for later.

    If you (like me) find yourself with an abundance of spuds, this tutorial is here to help. Here's how to freeze potatoes (and what to do with them).

    Can I Freeze Raw Potatoes?

    No.

    Potatoes have a high water content, and if you dice and freeze them raw they'll be ugly afterwards.

    The texture will be off, as well as the color. Apparently they can even turn black when you cook them. No bueno.

    So no, don't toss your potatoes into the freezer raw.

    And yes, I know blanching potatoes (or anything, actually) is a complete pain. I wish I could tell you to freeze them raw!

    The good news is, blanching isn't complicated, and you can blanch lots of potatoes in a short period of time by working in batches.

    How to Blanch Potatoes

    Start by cutting your potatoes into whatever shape you'll want to use later.

    I typically cut my potatoes into fries, because that's the way we typically eat our frozen potatoes.

    Cut Potatoes into Desired Shape.
    Cut Potatoes into Desired Shape

    If you're using very small potatoes, such as petite or fingerling potatoes, you can leave them whole. Keep in mind that they'll take up more freezer space if they're whole.

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

    And yes, really, a rolling boil. Not a simmer.

    Next, I like to use a silicone steamer basket to lower my potatoes into the water. I use this OXO silicone steamer.

    If you don't have one, you could also use a pasta strainer basket (make sure it fits in your pot) or just strain the potatoes out with a large slotted spoon. If you go for the spoon option, you'll have to work quickly!

    Blanch Potatoes for 3-5 Minutes.
    Blanch Potatoes for 3-5 Minutes

    Blanch the potatoes in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, depending on how small or large the pieces of potato are. I usually blanch fries for 4 minutes.

    Next, here's what you're supposed to do:

    As soon as they're done blanching, pull the silicone basket out of the water and put it straight into an ice bath.

    Here's what I actually do (because I do not have an ice maker, and never have much ice on hand):

    As soon as they're done blanching, pull the silicone basket out of the water and put it straight into the sink, rinsing immediately with cold water.

    My way works just as well (in my opinion), so if you don't have lots of ice on hand, just make sure to spray them off with cold water right away.

    Next, move the potatoes to a towel to dry.

    Dry Potatoes on a Towel.
    Dry Potatoes on a Towel

    How to Freeze Potatoes

    You're actually going to freeze your potatoes twice.

    It's like twice-baked potatoes, but slightly less exciting.

    Line a baking tray with wax paper, and place the blanched, cooled, and dried potatoes on the tray in a single layer.

    If you know how you're going to cook them later, you can go ahead and season them now. When I'm freezing fries, I like to toss them in oil, salt, and spices at this point.

    Slices in a Single Layer on baking tray.
    Place Potatoes in a Single Layer to Freeze
    Season Slices Before Freezing.
    Season Cut Potatoes Before Freezing

    Leave them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes (until hardened), and then move them into a freezer bag (or another air-tight container).

    Label the container, and use the potatoes within a year.

    Can I Use Any Kind Of Potato?

    Yup!

    In general, waxy potatoes (like Yukon gold) will freeze better than starchy potatoes (like Idaho). That said, I regularly freeze both Idaho and sweet potatoes, and this technique works perfectly.

    potatoes in a freezer bag, on a baking sheet, and whole.

    How to Use Frozen Potatoes

    Use them however you'd use regular potatoes! Depending on the recipe, you might need to extend the cook time slightly.

    I love to make fries with my frozen potatoes (like these crispy oven fries or these white sweet potato fries).

    You can also freeze cubed potatoes for goat cheese mashed potatoes, Instant Pot goat cheese mashed potatoes, fluffy mashed potatoes, or French mashed potatoes.

    Freeze whole gold or red potatoes to make these smashed salt + vinegar potatoes, or halved baby potatoes for roasted baby potatoes.

    Whatever you plan to do with your frozen potatoes, I recommend having an idea of what you'll do with them before freezing, so that you can cut them and season them accordingly.

    potatoes in a freezer bag, on a baking sheet, and whole
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    How to Freeze Potatoes

    Want to save potatoes for later? Learn how to freeze potatoes, including blanching techniques and tips for cooking with frozen potatoes.
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    First Freeze Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time50 minutes mins
    Course: Meal Prep
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 2 people
    Freezer Friendly?
    Yes
    Will It Keep?
    1 Year
    Cost: $1 per potato
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • freezer bags
    • silicone steamer basket (optional)

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound potatoes (any variety)

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
      While the water gets hot, cut the potatoes into whatever shape you prefer. (If using petit, baby, or any other small potato, you can skip cutting and freeze whole.)
    • Add the potatoes to a silicone steamer basket (or a pasta strainer pot), and lower it into the boiling water.
      If you don't have a basket, you can add the potatoes to the water without one and use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water later.
    • Blanch the potatoes for 3-5 minutes in the boiling water, depending on the size of your cut potatoes. Blanch finely diced potatoes for 3 minutes, fries for 4 minutes, and larger chunks of potatoes for 5 minutes.
      After adding the potatoes, your water should return to a rolling boil within one minute. If it doesn't, you're using too many potatoes for the amount of water in the pot.
      Blanch Potatoes for 3-5 Minutes
    • Move the fries out of the boiling water and immediately into an ice bath to stop them from cooking more.
      Alternatively, if ice is not available, move the potatoes out of the water and spray them down with very cold water.
    • Lay the potatoes in a single layer on a towel. Let them dry completely.
      Dry Potatoes on a Towel
    • If you're working in batches and have more raw potatoes to blanch, move the next batch of potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Repeat the blanching process.
    • Place blanched, rinsed, and dried potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. If desired, toss in olive oil and seasoning before freezing. (Pre-seasoning is especially nice if you're making fries or home-fries with the potatoes.)
      Freeze potatoes for 15-20 minutes until the hardened in the freezer.
      Season Cut Potatoes Before Freezing
    • Move the potatoes from the tray into a freezer bag. Push as many potatoes as you can into a single bag.
      Use frozen potatoes within a year.
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Comments

    1. Noreen Ophoff says

      October 05, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      This sounds so easy..thank you. We'll be using Little Potato Company's Gold Boomer Potatoes In a favorite chicken casserole. Having the potatoes frozen and ready will be great.

      Reply
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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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