When it comes to cooling mash potatoes, you want to act faster than a teenager on a sugar high. Get them into a shallow container and stick them in the fridge or an ice bath to bring down the temperature. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can turn your delicious mash into a petri dish of doom.
Now, let's talk about storage containers – the lesser-known heroes of the kitchen. You want to use airtight containers that are specifically designed for storing food, as they'll keep moisture and other contaminants out. Don't even think about using those flimsy plastic containers that are only good for storing last week's leftovers (just kidding, those are perfect for storing last week's leftovers... or are they?).
But wait, there's more! To keep your mash potatoes fresh for an extended period, you can also use the freezer. Yep, you read that right – freezing is like a time machine for your food, preserving its flavor and texture for when you need it most. Just be sure to label and date your containers, or you'll end up with a mystery meal that's been sitting in the freezer since the dawn of time.
Choose to keep mash potatoes fresh in the refrigerator - YouTube