Ask Dr. Potato

With 938 posts, chances are there's already an answer to your question. Please try searching below before submitting a question to Dr. Potato. Use multiple words to help narrow down the results. For example, search for "potatoes" and "group" if looking for an answer on cooking potatoes for large groups.

Back To Dr. Potato Home

How Do I Safely Prepare Potatoes Off-Site and Transport to an Event?

Q:

I am catering a dinner for my cousin and need to prepare roasted red skin potatoes and hold those potatoes for 6+ hours. I have nowhere to cook on sight for this event, so I need to prepare and cook off site and transport in my catering warmers. How do I keep the prepared potatoes from oxidizing and turning black?

A:

The real question here isn’t so much about potato appearance, but more so how the potatoes will transport and be served in regard to acceptable, safe temperature. Food safety is key here and when prepared food drops into a tepid (neither refrigerated or hot) range, this may compromise food safety. I suggest cooling the prepared potatoes and keeping them refrigerated until transported and ready to reheat – Or, transport using high tech food warmer cabinets (see below link). Either way, consider taking along (or renting at the event) a portable stove or oven to reheat the potatoes to proper temperature to avoid potential health or food safety concerns.

https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/how-to-hold-potatoes-at-serving-temperature-for-an-extended-period-of-time.