This Is How Long You Can Store Mashed Potatoes In The Fridge

Mashed potatoes are one of the best side dishes. The starchy, warm comfort food makes a great pair for steaks and casseroles alike, whether you dress them up with gravy or garlic, or just add a little bit of butter.

Although not typically thought of as healthy food, potatoes do have some positive benefits. Per WebMD, potatoes are a great source of fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. The health outlet also notes that eating fibrous foods can keep cholesterol and blood sugar down, helping keep heart disease risks low. The specific fiber found in potatoes — resistant starch — actually provides the benefits of both soluble and insoluble fiber, acting as a prebiotic.

Although it may be tempting to make a big batch of mashed potatoes to meal prep for the week, you may want to make sure your potatoes will not spoil before you can enjoy them.

According to Healthline, mashed potatoes typically last three to four days in the fridge and up to a year when frozen, although the quality of mashed potatoes will not hold up once they have been frozen. This timeline applies to the most common types of potatoes typically found at grocery stores: Yukon gold, russet, sweet potatoes, and more.

Keeping your mashed potatoes in an airtight container will keep them fresh for longer, and prevent them from absorbing smells from surrounding food, per The Rusty Spoon. They state there are a few telltale signs that your potatoes have gone bad. The first and most obvious is moldy patches. Any discoloration means it is time to toss the whole container. Additionally, they state that any glossy patches or dry spots are clear indicators that your leftovers should be left alone.

Leftovers can be a quick and easy meal but it's always a good idea to practice food safety to reduce any unnecessary health risks — especially when it comes to potatoes.