How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes so Nobody Can Tell They’re Leftovers

Serving up a bowl of hot and fluffy goodness is a perfect way to round out any meal you’re cooking, as long as you know how to reheat mashed potatoes. And whether you serve them with a slab of meatloaf or pile them high with bacon and cheese, it’s worth your time to understand how to warm up mashed potatoes that come out evenly cooked, free of lumps, and just as delicious as they were the night before.

The art of making leftover mashed potatoes taste like they were just whipped up takes time and practice — and maybe a simple life hack or two — to master. But with the help of an expert chef and five different methods to choose from below, you will soon be a pro at fixing creamy, classic mashed potatoes that’ll please the whole family.

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in a Crockpot

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Crockpots are a real lifesaver for those of us who want a meal we can fix and forget. They’re also a great tool if you’re searching for a tried-and-true method to reheat mashed potatoes — especially if you’re trying to figure out how to reheat mashed potatoes without a microwave.  

The process is relatively simple, and the results are close to perfection. Here, Claudia Sidoti, a chef at HelloFresh, shares her six easy steps for how to reheat mashed potatoes in a crockpot. 

1. Butter the mashed potatoes and add extra cream.
2. Butter the crockpot’s insert.
3. Drizzle a small amount of cream in the bottom of the insert. 
4. Transfer the mashed potatoes to the slow cooker, and set to low.
5. Keep warm for up to four hours, stirring once an hour. 
6. Stir before serving.

Bonus tip: Sidoti says the mashed potatoes will stay warm and creamy. Keep stirring in any cream that separates out. You may find that the potatoes get a little thinner as they sit. 

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes on the Stove

Most households have a stovetop, which is good news if you want to know how to reheat mashed potatoes on the stove. This method is simple and straightforward. Plus, it only requires a few pots and a burner. Here, Sidoti reveals the six steps to reheating mashed potatoes on the stove. 

1. Grab a large, deep pot and place on the stove, filling about 1/3 up with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. 
3. Submerge a smaller pot of the cold mashed potatoes into the larger pot so the hot water mostly covers the sides. 
4. Keep the water on a low simmer and stir the mashed potatoes frequently until warmed through. 
5. Add a splash of milk.
6. Serve immediately. 

The stovetop method is also one option to consider if you want to know how to reheat frozen mashed potatoes. You can let the frozen potatoes thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat on the stove, or simply place the frozen mashed potatoes in the pot and warm them on the stove. 

How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave

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If getting the spuds on the table in a jiffy is your goal, then learning how to reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave is likely on your to-do list. While not the best way to reheat mashed potatoes, it certainly works in a pinch. Just make sure your spuds are heated all the way through before serving. To help you perfect this method, Sidoti shares five steps to reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave.  

1. Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. 
2. Stir in a small amount of cream. This helps to keep the mashed potatoes moist. 
3. Cook in the microwave at half-power for two to three minutes.
4. Uncover, stir, and taste for heat. 
5. Repeat as needed until the mashed potatoes reach the desired temperature. 

Best Way to Reheat Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot fans, it’s time to rejoice. Sidoti says using your beloved slow cooker is the best way to reheat mashed potatoes — so if you have yours tucked away in a spare room, you better dig it out. Why is the crockpot on the top of the list? Well, the main reason a crockpot seems to take the prize when it comes to reheating perfection has to do with the how slowly it heats up mashed potatoes. This thoroughly heats the potatoes, and it also prevents them from becoming lumpy.

Somewhere between learning the steps to using the crockpot and mastering the microwave method is knowing how to reheat mashed potatoes in the oven. While using the oven takes more time than nuking your spuds in the microwave, it takes a lot less time than warming them in a crockpot. So, if you just got home from work and have about an hour until dinner, consider reheating your potatoes in the oven. 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Put the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish.
3. Place foil over the dish.
4. Heat for 30-40 minutes. 

With the colder fall and winter days — and lots of comfort food meals — just ahead of us, why not try out all five of these methods to see which one works the best for you? Once you settle on your favorite technique, try experimenting with a few extras such as bacon, cheese, broccoli, or chili. The additional ingredients will turn this popular side dish into a hearty meal that is sure to please. 

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