The rich creaminess of the potato salad paired with the soft, fluffiness of the potato chunks is somewhat of a staple at bbq parties. Especially since it’s a crowd favorite. No matter how many changes you make to it, people will still love the comfort a simple bowl of potato salad brings.
So, what do you do when you make a huge batch but are stuck with plenty of leftovers? Do you freeze it? Can you freeze potato salad in the first place? This blog will give you the answers to all your burning questions.
Can You Freeze Potato Salad?
Believe it or not, you can freeze whatever you want. Well, almost. Depending on the specific products needed, your food can stay frozen for long periods of time. However, just because you can, doesn’t really mean you should go ahead and do it. It’s not like it ruins the flavor or renders it inedible, but freezing potato salad can ruin its velvety texture. Not to mention, it’s very easy for the potatoes to suck up excess liquid, turning them to mush when you thaw them. Mayonnaise is also one of the key ingredients to fall apart since it’s an emulsion. Perhaps, rather than opting to freeze it, you can try creating fun new recipes with your leftover potato salad.
How Long Does Potato Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
If you don’t freeze it, you can pop your leftover potato salad in the refrigerator instead. This will keep it fresh for a few additional days. However, you need to pay extra attention to the salad. If it has been outside, at room temperature, for over two hours, it’s better not to refrigerate it. This is known as the two-hour rule. Similarly, if it’s been out in the open for less than two hours, you can easily put it back in to prevent it from going bad.
How to Freeze Potato Salad
In the case that there’s nothing else to do but freeze it, make sure you take the necessary precautions, so it doesn’t deteriorate too fast. Here are some steps you can follow to freeze your potato salad properly:
- Fill a freezer-safe, Ziploc bag with the leftover potato salad
- Place the Ziploc bag on a straight, flat surface and press it into an even layer.
- Squeeze out as much air from the bag as you can.
- Make sure to place the bag in the freezer as flat as possible for easy thawing.
How to Properly Thaw Potato Salad
If you want to thaw your frozen potato salad, start the thawing process the night before. Take it out from the freezer and then place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will help the ice to break down as it slowly thaws on its own. However, if you’re in a time crunch, simply leave the bag in a big bowl of water. Make sure to change the water every thirty minutes or so until the salad is completely thawed. Moreover, make sure the Ziploc bag doesn’t have any holes or rips. Otherwise, it can quickly get waterlogged.
Closing Word
All in all, you can freeze potato salad, but if it has a dairy base, it’s better not to take the chance. This can completely throw off the texture and taste of your original creamy recipe. If you want to order a delicious potato salad with a side of bbq goodness, contact King Jerry Lawler’s Memphis BBQ Company now at (281) 864-5298 (Wallisville Road) or (832) 446-6557 (Jester Blvd. Suite).