How long can you keep potatoes once cooked?

Potatoes come in all their forms: mashed, fried or crispy fries… They occupy a special place on our plates. Their ability to combine with a multitude of ingredients and flavors makes them essential in many recipes. It is not uncommon to prepare them in small quantities, and end up with leftovers. The question then is: how long can we safely store cooked potatoes while preserving their flavor and texture?

To store cooked potatoes optimally, it is essential to follow a few simple steps. First, let the potatoes cool to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes after they’re cooked. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate, helping to prevent condensation from forming during storage. Then place the cooked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also add a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent them from drying out. Store like this, they must be consumed within 3 to 4 days.

If you don’t plan to eat them within that time frame, freezing is the best option. Place your cooked potatoes in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible, then seal the bag. Note the freezing date on the bag. They will keep like this for up to 6 months. On the other hand, you should know that raw potatoes do not freeze well.

If you have cooked potatoes to reuse, here are some ideas for incorporating them into delicious recipes, add them to potato salad with tuna, pickles for a quick hit of flavor and texture, mix them to create a creamy puree to accompany meats and vegetables or even integrate the cooked potatoes into an omelette to make like a tortilla.