Freeze Dried Potatoes (Two Ways!)

Freeze dried potatoes are a great way to put up an abundance of potatoes from the garden. Learn how to freeze dry potatoes two ways.

This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Every year we grow an abundance of potatoes because they are easy to grow in our area, and they are an excellent source of nutrition to have growing in the garden. With four kiddos running around having a good stockpile of them, ensures everyone has something they like. We eat roasted potatoes, boiled potatoes, and baked potatoes. They are also great to bulk up a soup or stew like our go to venison stew.

Being able to make homegrown and homemade instant mashed potatoes is a life saver later during busier times of the year. Instant mashed potatoes are an easy side to grow with tons of meals like lamb goulash or just a classic steak.

Supplies you’ll need 

• A home freeze dryer (we use and love this brand) read our honest review HERE.
• Vegetable peeler
• Cutting board
• Potato masher
• Slotted spoon
• Clean dish towel

Ingredients you’ll need 

For the diced potatoes:

• Potatoes

For the mashed potatoes:

• Potatoes
• All the ingredients for your favorite mashed potato recipe

How to make freeze dried potatoes 

Making freeze dried potatoes is a great way to store an abundance of potatoes. There are two great ways to freeze dry them.

Freeze dry potato chunks

Freeze drying potatoes chunks is an easy and versatile way to store potatoes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes.
2. Heat a large pot of water on the stove until it comes to a rolling boil.
3. Meanwhile dice the potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks of similar size.
4. Add the potatoes into a large pot of water all at once. Cover the pot and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes. I found that blanching for 1-2 minutes wasn’t enough to stop oxidation.
5. Once the potato cubes have been boiling for about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift the potatoes out of the water onto a dry clean dish towel.
6. While the potatoes are cooling down and drying out a bit, start the freeze dryer.
7. The freeze dryer needs to cool down for at least 15 minutes before you can load the trays.
8. Put the potatoes onto a clean freeze dryer tray and load into the freeze dryer when it is ready.
9. Make sure the valve is shut and press start on the freeze dryer.
10. Let the freeze dryer run an entire course before checking to see if the potatoes are completely dry.
11. If you re unsure, you can add more dry time.
12. Pack the potatoes into a clean jar with an oxygen absorber or into a mylar bag for maximum length of storage time.

How to freeze dry mashed potatoes

1. Choose your favorite mashed potato recipe we like rosemary garlic mashed potatoes but any mashed potato recipe will work, as long as it is tasty to you.
2. Make the recipe as directed.
3. While the mashed potatoes are cooling down start the freeze dryer.
4. The freeze dryer needs to cool down for at least 15 minutes before you can load the trays.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes onto a clean freeze dryer tray and load into the freeze dryer when it is ready. Make sure not to overfill the tray.
6. Make sure the valve is shut and press start on the freeze dryer.
7. Let the freeze dryer run an entire course before checking to see if the potatoes are completely dry.
8. If you re unsure, you can add more dry time.
9. Once the potatoes are dry, break them up by putting them in a freezer bag and causing them with a rolling pin. (or use a food processor)
10. Pack the freeze dried mashed potatoes into a clean jar with an oxygen absorber or into a mylar bag for maximum length of storage time.

Tips for making freeze dried potatoes 

• Make sure to cook or at least blanch the potatoes before freeze drying them. Potatoes can oxidize and can look quite unappetizing if they are not blanched first.
• If you are making the freeze dried mashed potatoes, pick a recipe that you enjoy eating before freeze drying. They will taste exactly the same after being rehydrated.
• The potatoes should be completely dry before storing so that they do not spoil.
• Use an oxygen absorber for maximum freshness.
• If you want more tips and tricks for freeze drying food in general, grab our free EBOOK: Tips and Tricks for Freeze Drying, with some tips to freeze dry food successfully every time.

Ways to use freeze dried dice potatoes

Freeze dried diced potatoes can be used in the same way you would use regular diced potatoes. They would be great thrown into breakfast casserole, rehydrated and roasted, or put into a soup. We like to use them in hearty stews like our rustic venison stew.

How to rehydrate freeze dried mashed potatoes  

You can use water, milk, cream, half-and-half, or chicken or vegetable stock to rehydrate your freeze dried mashed potatoes. Start with a ½ cup of liquid for 4 cups of mashed potatoes, and add it gradually so you don’t end up with potato soup. Taste and add extra butter, salt, or even sour cream if you desire.

Commonly asked questions 

How to make instant mashed potatoes?

Instant mashed potatoes can be made, by making your favorite mashed potato recipe, then spreading onto a freeze dryer tray. Freeze dry the mashed potatoes until they are completely dry. This will turn them into shelf stable instant mashed potatoes. All you need to do is add water when you are ready to serve.

Can you freeze dry raw potatoes?

It is not recommended to freeze dry raw potatoes without blanching since they will oxidize. It is best to cook diced potatoes in hot water for 5-10 minutes before freeze drying. If you are freeze drying mashed potatoes, they should be completely cooked and prepared like you are to eat them, except you freeze dry them instead. This way, they are like instant mashed potatoes.

Are freeze dried potatoes good for you?

Freeze dried potatoes have the same health properties of fresh potatoes. High in carbohydrates and a dense source of calories.

How do you cook freeze dried potatoes?

Freeze dried mashed potatoes can be cooked by simply adding water to your desired consistency then heating. Freeze dried potato chunks can be cooked by boiling until they are completely cooked through or rehydrating then roasting. They can also be cooked by simply adding to a soup.

How long do freeze dried potatoes last?

Freeze dried potatoes last for up to 25 years if they are stored properly in Mylar Bags with an oxygen absorber. If you store them in a jar, expect them to last for about one year.

Related articles:

How to Freeze Dry Eggs the Right Way

Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

How to Make Freeze Dried Lemons (3 Ways!)

Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Review (Extremely Honest)

How to Make Freeze Dried Basil + Printable

Dehydrator v. Freeze Dryer

How to Have Long Term Food Storage

Pin it for later!