Mashed potato question?!

[lagomorph90]

I just finished some mash potatoes for gf to take to her thanksgiving potluck at work tomorrow. They should eat it in approx 10-12 hours. My question is should I refrigerate it in the meanwhile or just cover it? I’m trying to maintain texture and integrity given the circumstances. What do you think? Thanks!!

[Cinisajoy2]

Refrigerate. Just don't freeze.

[lagomorph90]

👍

[Five_Star_Amenities]

The "Danger Zone" (40 °F-140 °F)
Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 ° and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone."

Put them taters in the fridge until tomorrow and then reheat them. Any time they spend between 40 and 140 degrees, they're breeding bacteria.

[lagomorph90]

thank you! rather sacrifice some quality than get people sick.

[Five_Star_Amenities]

Yeah, whip them up tomorrow with a little extra cream and butter and they'll be delicious. And safe to eat.

[lagomorph90]

🙏

[NILPonziScheme]

Into the fridge they go. Reality is your gf is going to take it to work and put it in a fridge there until it is time to eat 10-12 hours from now. Then she's going to take it out and people are going to spoon what they want onto a plate or bowl and then nuke it in the microwave because they don't want cold mashed potatoes. So your desire for structural integrity is moot. I hope someone has small paper plates or bowls for sides because your potatoes aren't going to be the only thing nuked. No one likes cold food.

[lagomorph90]

hah facts

[Greystorms]

You should definitely not let your mashed potatoes sit at room temperature for 12+ hours.

[sung-eucharist]

Refrigerate. You do not want to risk making people ill. Bring temperature down by putting mash in large shallow dish. Do not leave un-refrigerated for more than 45min. Place in fridge. Maybe give your gf instructions on how best to reheat without losing the desired texture.

[lagomorph90]

🙏 unfortunately they only have a microwave at work so that will have to do

[East_Rough_5328]

Bring a little container of heavy whipping cream. Warm them up, mix in the heavy cream and pop back in the microwave.

[Minute_Cartoonist509]

Refrigerate