This is a great kitchen tip for How to make Freezer Diced Potatoes. If you have leftover potatoes or potatoes that are about to go bad if you do not use them right away this is a great money saver.
In my case I picked up Yukon gold potatoes on clearance at the store, so I needed to cook them right away or freeze the potatoes. Of course I set out to freeze them for future recipes because I already had my weekly menu plan set. Best of all this recipe is naturally gluten free. It is a great way to save money instead of by buying the processed frozen version.
How to make Freezer Diced Potatoes:
- Peel two pounds of potatoes (or whatever amount you want to work with). Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Simmer the diced potatoes in salted water until just tender (about 5 minutes).
- Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking oil and spread cooked potatoes in a single layer on the pan.
- Place the pan of diced potatoes in the freezer for 30 minutes, this is flash freezing. (you must do this step or the potatoes will freeze into one lump
- Transfer the frozen potato cubes to freezer bags or containers to use as needed.
Freezer Tip:
Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes and Red potatoes freeze better than other potatoes . You can also use this method for sweet potatoes. They freeze well. I keep all the cut potatoes in a large bowl filled with salted water until ready I am ready to process (cook) them. Place the salted water in large stock pot bringing to a full boil before adding the potatoes to blanch before freezing.
When you are ready to use after freezing, cook them frozen, do not thaw. The potatoes will turn brown if you try to thaw them. Always flash freeze them before placing into storage bags or containers. If not you will have a huge solid "lump" of potatoes. If you do not simmer the potatoes in water they will turn brown or discolor after freezing. However they are still fine to eat, just not as pleasing to the eye.
Freezer Cooking:
If you are new (or even experienced) to freezer cooking you may enjoy these posts. They are a great way to get started with freezer cooking.
Sample Menu and Getting Started
Tips and Tricks for Freezer Efficiency
Make Your Own Freezer Pancakes
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Shelley is a boy mom, marine wife, and is blessed with an amazing family. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.
Mary
Can you do this with sweet potatoes?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
Yes! Works so well!
Lauren
What temperature and length do you cook them at from out of the freezer?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
You just cook them frozen. You can fry or bake.
Angela Clark
So impressed! Just cooked some of the ones I froze and they are great! Thanks so much—I fryer them in a skillet with some butter!
Tabitha
Can you leave skin on potatoes?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
Yes, you an.
Lauren
I'm going to try this with bell pepper and onions for home made potatoes obrien. Thanks for the idea and info!
Kathy
I don't see an answer to the question about how long to cook them right out of the freezer and at what temperature. Can you please advise?
Jamie
I’d assum cooking them until they are done, though it wouldn’t take as long as fresh would take. It’d also depend on how you cook them, steaming, boiling, frying, baking will all have different times. Just keep an eye on them until done to your personal liking for what ever method of cooking.
Naheana
To cook heat the oven to 180ºC and pour the oil (or fat) into a large deep baking tray. (See Notes)
Place the baking tray and oil in the oven for 6 minutes.
Carefully remove it from the oven and tip in the potatoes.
Cook for 30 minutes (if frozen) or 20 minutes if making fresh.
Then turn the oven up to 220ºC and roast them for a further 30 minutes until they are all crispy and golden.
Cass
Are these able to be mashed after they come out of the freezer if i boil them a couple mins longer?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
Oh yes!
Kayla
I assume it would also work to cut into fries?? I can't do soy and all the frozen fries at the store have soy in them. Thanks!
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
Yes, it does!
Christa
Would the frozen cubed potatoes be good to add into soups, potpies, or other casserole type dishes?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
Yes, for sure!
Dani
Cooking these now and as they've thawed in the pot they are spongy...did I do something wrong?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
You do NOT thaw them. Cook them from frozen.
Deann
I’ve been doing this for years If they thaw out too much yes they will be soggy don’t worry. I just put in a non stick skillet with oil fry til nice golden the Excess water evaporates. Just like fresh.. Yes can do same in oven.
Rachel
Just a question about seasoning. I usual toss my diced potatoes in olive oil and spices before cooking, how do you recommend this for frozen? Before or after cooking?
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
I would do the same!
Sarah
Just now finding your site and I am glad that I did! I always wondered how to properly freeze potatoes. Dealing with the COVID-19 virus "scare" right now and my hubby decided to buy potatoes. So now I have an abundance..well at least far more then our family of three could eat right now. Thanks for this and I am going to start freezing potatoes today 🙂
Kara
I am currently doing the same, My husband came home with FOUR!!! 6pd sacks of potatoes!🤦🏼♀️🤣 I was so confused lol! He says “They were on sale for $5 a sack!” I replied, “JUST Remember that next time I buy 6 candles on SALE at B&BW!” 🤷🏼♀️😂 He is so proud of himself over these potatoes.
Troy
Mine came home with a 50lb sack for $10... thanks for the tips
Heather
How long (how many months) will they keep in the freezer?
Melissa Jennings
3 months
f
Can I skip the salt? What will happen? Salt-restricted diets here.
Melissa Jennings
Yes you can!
Betty Wilson
can I use the cubed frozen potatoes to make potatoes salad or mashed potatoes
Melissa Jennings
You can but once frozen they have a bit of a different color. Perfectly fine to eat but may not be the best for potato salad.
Jeanette B.
Have bells coming out of garden , with potatoes and carrots right behind. Then corn and green beans . Most are second planting. Need the fastest and easiest way of freezing everything. Can you help. Oh by the way just found your page,
Lorraine
For the simmering/cooking part, do you:
a. bring the water to a simmer FIRST, then put the potatoes in and cook for 5 min;
b. put the potatoes in and cook for 5 min. while bringing the water to a simmer; or
c. put the potatoes in, bring the water to a simmer, and then cook for 5 min?
Melissa Jennings
a. bring the water to a simmer FIRST, then put the potatoes in and cook for 5 min
Cheryl Hatfield
Do you cover the potatoes before you put them in the freezer on the sheet pan?
Melissa Jennings
I don't because I am just flash freezing them.
Desiree
If cooking from frozen in a pan with hot oil, don’t you get grease splatter? I
Frozen potatoes still have water in them.
Also, if you put frozen potatoes in hot water, the water cools and potatoes thaw. As you should t thaw then, won’t they be mushy and make potatoes water?