freezing homemade french fries?

Posted by pineappleprincess on Jan 24, 2007 · Member since Aug 2006 · 885 posts

So I'm wondering if anyone has had any success with making a frozen version of homemade french fries?

I know potatoes don't freeze well usually in stuff like soups, but I'm wondering if I made a big batch of the spicy fries recipe from this site and pre-bake them if they would freeze well?

Like commercial frozen fries without all the other junk...

Posted by tanevab on Jan 24, 2007 · Member since Jan 2007 · 942 posts

I've never actualy tried it but my guess would be no. It's the 'junk' that makes them freeze well. Maybe try a small batch first and see how it works. Also frozen frys are usualy mashed and formed like a fry shape.

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Posted by hoodedclawjen on Jan 24, 2007 · Member since Dec 2005 · 152 posts

i haven't done it myself, but i don't see why it wouldn't work. i googled, and there are a couple of techniques and suggestionson the best ways to do it- that're outlined on this page as well as a few others (as well as how to freeze and reheat loads of other veggies).

you'll basically need to part cook or blanch them before freezing- the trick would be to seal the outside surface of the potato before freezing it- i freeze potato and cauliflower patties, and 'bubble and squeak'- quite often the main issue i have is that the water separates out when i defrost them. judging from what i've just read (below), sealing them properly by blanching in oil would probably avoid this happening.

http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/foodnut/gh1503.htm

i've added the bit about potatoes below:

Quote:

Potatoes
Because fresh potatoes are available year-round, most people do not find it practical to freeze potatoes at home. However, if potatoes are to be home frozen, it’s best to freeze cooked, mashed potato patties, baked stuffed potatoes or french fries.
Baked stuffed potatoes or mashed potato patties
Prepare according to your favorite recipe, cool quickly in the refrigerator, then wrap in moisture/vapor proof packaging. Seal and freeze. The recommended maximum storage time is one month at 0 degrees F. To serve, unwrap and reheat in a 350 degree F oven.

French fried potatoes
Pare and cut potatoes lengthwise into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse quickly in cold water and dry well on paper towels.

Oven method
Arrange potato strips in shallow baking pan, brush with melted butter or margarine, and bake at 450 degrees F just until they begin to brown, turning occasionally. Cool quickly in the refrigerator.

Oil method
Blanch potato strips in vegetable oil heated to 370 degrees F until tender but not brown. Drain and cool quickly in refrigerator.
Place prepared strips in moisture/vapor proof containers or bags. Seal and freeze. The maximum recommended storage time is two months at 0 degrees F.

To serve
Return frozen potatoes to baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees F until golden brown, turning occasionally. Or deep-fat fry frozen potatoes at 390 degrees F until golden and crisp.