Re-heating mashed potatoes

[ToddKent]

What's the best way?

Normally when I prepare mashed potatoes, it's right before they are served so the heat of the dish is not an issue. But if I make them earlier in the day then I would keep them in a pot (or bowl) in the refrigerator. But then what?

Microwave them? Put them on the stove? What should I be doing?

 

[Jayson]

Give up hope on ever getting those potatoes to ever taste right. The Potato is famous for it's inability to be reheated. Same with french fries.

Jason

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Wow. A post from you that actually makes sense! I think the end time is near!

 

[LaxScrutiny]

Are they leftovers, or did you just make them earlier for convenience? If just did the cooking earlier, wait to add the spices and a bit of extra milk and butter, then microwave with a small saucer over the pot, the steam will condense on the bottom of the saucer and drip back onto the potatoes so they don't dry out.

Putting the spices etc in on the reheating, you lose less flavour that way.

If you're not into spicing up the potatoes, at least a good dose of pepper will help freshen them up.

 

[judge alba]

Wow. A post from you that actually makes sense! I think the end time is near!

i've got 22:00 as my time
as for the spuds zap em in the micro wave works for me

 

[trekkiedane]

An alternative to nuking them would be to grate some cheese over and put them in the oven!

 

[Gertch]

I say just fry them up. Yum.

If you nuke them, wet a paper towel and use that to cover them. Works great for rice so it should for potatoes I would think.

 

[Kryton]

Or whip them up with a splash of milk before re-heating.

 

[JustAFriend]

Never had any problem heating them up by adding a bit of milk and butter and then zapping them in the microwave. Not worth firing up the oven for 'em.

Stir them up every couple of minutes so the heat gets distributed evenly
(some microwave ovens can heat unevenly.)

 

[Spot's Meow]

Just use the microwave. I usually cook them for a couple of minutes, then add some gravy and heat them for a few more minutes. Stir them a few times. They take a really long time to heat up for some reason.

 

[Roger Wilco]

I like to eat left over mashed potatoes cold, but heating it in the microwave works just fine too imo.

 

[Franklin]

An alternative to nuking them would be to grate some cheese over and put them in the oven!

Yes. Like a gratin. Day-old mashed potatoes are great for that. Take 'em right out of the refrigerator and add a little more milk (or sour cream) just to loosen them up a bit. Might want to add a little more salt and pepper, but taste first. Spoon them into a long, shallow baking dish and smooth them. Sprinkle some cheese (Cheddar or Swiss are good) on top and bake until the cheese has begun to melt and gets all bubbly and the potatoes are heated through.

Microwaving? Eh. It's quick. But, personally, I'd rather eat them cold than do that.

 

[SmoothieX]

An alternative to nuking them would be to grate some cheese over and put them in the oven!

WINNER!!!

I'm not big on nuking leftovers a lot of the time. It messes with the consistency of foods

I'd probably put it in a casserole dish and bake it. If it seems like its drying out, add a little milk to it and mix it in.

 

[Holdfast]

Give up hope on ever getting those potatoes to ever taste right. The Potato is famous for it's inability to be reheated. Same with french fries.

Jason

OK, you've used up your serious post quota for the year. Next time, no mercy.