Freezing au gratin potatoes before cooking them is absolutely possible. In fact, preparing the dish ahead of time and freezing it can make weeknight dinners easier. Here’s what you need to know about freezing au gratin potatoes before baking them.
The Benefits of Freezing Au Gratin Potatoes
There are a few advantages to freezing au gratin potatoes before baking:
- Make-ahead meal – Freezing allows you to prep the dish in advance when you have more time, then bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Always have it on hand – Keep a batch in the freezer so you can bake it anytime for an easy side dish.
- Customize as needed – Prepare a basic au gratin potato recipe, then add different toppings each time you bake it.
- Less waste – Use up potatoes before they go bad and transform them into a tasty freezer meal.
As you can see, freezing au gratin potatoes can save you time and effort while also reducing food waste. Having a hearty and comforting side dish ready to go in the freezer is a great way to make weeknight dinners less stressful.
How to Freeze Au Gratin Potatoes
Freezing au gratin potatoes is simple but there are some tips to follow for best results:
- Start with cooked potatoes – Partially or fully cook the potatoes before assembling and freezing the dish.
- Allow potatoes to cool – Let the cooked potatoes cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
- Pre-make sauce – Make the cheese sauce ahead of time and let cool before mixing it in.
- Fill freezer container – Add potatoes and sauce to a freezer-safe baking dish or container.
- Cover tightly – Make sure the container has an airtight lid to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date – Write what it is and the freeze date on the container.
- Freeze right away – Freeze as soon as it’s assembled, within 2 hours if possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months – Eat within 3 months for best quality and flavor.
Following these tips will give you the best frozen au gratin potatoes. The key is cooking the potatoes first and preventing freezer burn with an airtight container.
How to Cook Frozen Au Gratin Potatoes
Here are some tips for baking frozen au gratin potatoes:
- Thaw first – For best results, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Bake straight from freezer – If short on time, you can bake directly from the freezer. Just add 15-20 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Bake at 350°F – Bake at 350°F, covered, for the first half of cooking, then uncovered for the remainder.
- Check for doneness – Insert a knife to check if potatoes in the center are fork tender.
- Add extra time if needed – Potatoes may take longer to cook through if frozen. Add more time as needed.
- Brown the top – Remove cover near the end to brown the cheesy topping.
Follow the original recipe bake time if thawing overnight. Or allow extra time if baking directly from frozen. Check potatoes are fork tender before removing from oven.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating
Here are some additional pointers for the best results freezing and reheating au gratin potatoes:
- Undercook potatoes slightly before freezing – This makes them less likely to get mushy when reheated.
- Shred cheese finely before adding to sauce – Finely shredded cheese will melt better when reheated.
- Stir sauce occasionally while reheating – This prevents the cheese sauce from separating or getting lumpy.
- Add cream or milk before reheating if sauce thickens – Thinned out the sauce with a splash of dairy.
- Reheat at 325°F covered in oven – Slow reheating in the oven keeps it from drying out.
- Microwave reheating not recommended – The texture suffers in the microwave.
- Add any additional toppings after reheating – Things like breadcrumbs or fried onions won’t reheat well.
Following these tips will give you the creamiest, tastiest au gratin potatoes after freezing and reheating them. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently while reheating in the oven.
Suggested Recipes
Here are some excellent au gratin potato recipes to freeze:
Classic Au Gratin Potatoes
This classic recipe has simple ingredients and always satisfies. Just potatoes, onion, cheddar cheese, cream, and seasonings.
Loaded Baked Potato Au Gratin
All the flavors of a loaded baked potato in casserole form. Potatoes, bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.
Jalapeno Popper Au Gratin Potatoes
For a spicy twist, try a jalapeno popper inspired version with potatoes, cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, and bacon.
Sweet Potato Au Gratin
Make it with sweet potatoes instead for a flavorful fall or winter side. Sweet potatoes, gruyere, thyme, and nutmeg.
Ingredient Substitutions
When making au gratin potatoes, you can customize the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, red potatoes, etc. |
| Onions | Shallots, leeks, garlic |
| Cheese | Gruyere, fontina, gouda, parmesan, etc. |
| Herbs | Thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil |
| Cream | Evaporated milk, whole milk, half and half |
Feel free to switch up the potato variety or cheese to suit your tastes. Different fresh herbs also pair well.
Storage Times for Leftovers
Here is how long you can store au gratin potatoes safely:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | 2-3 months |
To maximize freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Frozen leftovers keep well for 2-3 months.
Food Safety Tips
When preparing au gratin potatoes:
- Wash hands and surfaces before and during prep
- Use separate boards and knives for meat and produce
- Cook to safe internal temperatures (165°F for ground meat)
- Chill sauces and soups before freezing
- Freeze within 2 hours of cooking
- Thaw in fridge, not counter
- Reheat fully until steaming hot
Following basic food safety guidelines will keep frozen meals safe to enjoy later.
Conclusion
Freezing au gratin potatoes before baking allows you to enjoy the dish anytime with minimal effort. Cook the potatoes first, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe container, label, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking directly from frozen. Following proper food safety and storage guidelines will keep your make-ahead side dish fresh and delicious. With a little planning, you can always have this comforting potato casserole ready to bake and serve your family.