How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes Without Drying Them Out

Mashed potatoes are always a favorite side dish, no matter the season, the occasion, who cooks them, or who eats them. When we see mashed potatoes, we are happy. So happy that we might leave some for the following day. And, as good as they taste even straight out of the fridge, nothing comes close to their warm, creamy self. Can you even get that back? Well, yes! There are methods to make them taste as good as they were when you first spooned them onto your plate!

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in the Oven

Reheating mashed potatoes in the oven is the best way to restore their original creamy goodness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and add a bit of milk or cream to help them regain their smooth texture. You can also dot the top with butter for added richness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The result? Gooey, warm, and delicious mashed potatoes that taste just as great as when they were freshly made.

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes on the Stovetop

If you're in a bit of a hurry, the stovetop method is a great alternative. Place your mashed potatoes in a pot or a large saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth to bring back their creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure they heat evenly. This method usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The stovetop approach is efficient and keeps your mashed potatoes tasting deliciously fresh, though it requires a bit more attention than the oven method.

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave

Reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave is the quickest method, but it does come with a few caveats. Place your mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and add a little milk or cream. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, then stir and repeat as necessary until they are heated through. Be careful, as microwaving can sometimes cause the potatoes to dry out or become unevenly heated. Stirring frequently helps mitigate this issue, but it might not achieve the same level of creaminess as the oven or stovetop methods.

How to Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes

For those who have prepped and frozen mashed potatoes for later use, reheating them properly ensures they taste just as good as fresh. The best method is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, you can use the oven or stovetop methods described above. If you're short on time, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of milk or cream to regain their creamy texture. This method takes a bit longer but guarantees a delightful result.