Smashed Potatoes

Freshly made smashed potatoes generally have a shelf life of 3 to 5 days when stored in the fridge. If the potatoes haven't been refrigerated, they shouldn't be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours. However, if you froze your potatoes, they can last for up to 6 months. Just remember, never eat smashed potatoes that are past their printed expiration date on the package.

There are a couple of ways to tell if your smashed potatoes have gone bad. The most obvious one is by smelling them - if they have a sour, bitter, or generally off-putting smell, it's time to throw them away. If you can't determine their quality by smell, you can try looking at them. If they've become discolored in any way, they're likely bad. Mold growth is another obvious indicator - always remember, when in doubt, toss it out!

• Always refrigerate your smashed potatoes as soon as possible. This slows down the rate at which they spoil. • Invest in a good airtight container to store your potatoes in. The less fresh air they're exposed to, the longer they'll keep for. • When freezing smashed potatoes, do so as flat and evenly distributed as possible in a resealable bag. This will optimize the freezing process and help maintain texture. • Always properly label and date your containers. This way, you'll reduce the risk of eating spoiled food because you forgot when you made it. • Defrost frozen potatoes in the fridge. This will maintain a lower temperature, preventing bacteria growth which in turn increases the potatoes' usable lifespan.