Mashed potatoes are a quintessential comfort food, perfect for any occasion. They are incredibly versatile, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. This article presents a collection of make-ahead mashed potato recipes that offer a variety of flavors and textures to suit any taste. From classic mashed potatoes with butter and milk to unique takes like mashed potatoes with roasted garlic or mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time. Whether you prefer creamy, fluffy, or cheesy mashed potatoes, this article has something for everyone. Get ready to elevate your mashed potato game and impress your family and friends with these delicious and convenient make-ahead recipes.
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
These creamy mashed potatoes can be made in advance and then stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to serve them. Slowly heating them in the oven is the perfect way to maintain the fluffiness of the potatoes without making them gluey, which can happen if you heat them to fast and too hot (we're looking at you, microwave).
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 2h
Yield About 9 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large stockpot, fill with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let cool enough so that you can handle them, about 10 minutes. It is important that the potatoes do not cool too much because they will mash more easily when hot.
- Meanwhile, add the butter to the same pot that you used to cook the potatoes (no need to clean it). Melt completely over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Heat 3/4 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until steaming and set aside.
- Holding the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, gently peel the skins off with a paring knife. Quarter the potatoes and put them in the pot along with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy (see Cook's Note).
- Add the cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream. Stir until combined, making sure there are no pools of cream at bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently stir the mashed potatoes. Cover again and continue to bake until the potatoes are hot and steamy, 20 to 25 minutes more. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: Thaw the potatoes completely in the refrigerator and cook according to the same directions as refrigerated potatoes but do not add cream. The potatoes might seem watery at first but will thicken as they heat up.
- Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to a large bowl for serving.
A MOUNTAIN OF MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
Creamy mashed potatoes for 12 lucky people. Make ahead if desired, or bake right away. Whichever you choose, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next potluck.
Provided by TGirl
Categories Potato
Time 1h25m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place potatoes in large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Drain potatoes, place in large bowl, and mash with sour cream, cream cheese, onions, salt, and 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring until butter and cream cheese have melted.
- Spread potatoes into greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
- Melt remaining butter and drizzle over potatoes.
- Sprinkle with paprika, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use (you can bake these right away, of course).
- Refrigerated potatoes need to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes.
DO-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
Make and share this Do-Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe from Food.com.
Provided by PollyB
Categories Potato
Time 1h35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Scrub potatoes.
- Leave skins on, if desired, or peel thinly and remove eyes.
- Cut into large pieces.
- Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan; add potato pieces.
- Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat.
- Cook covered 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain.
- Shake pan gently over low heat to dry potatoes.
- Heat milk, whipping cream, butter, salt and pepper in 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted.
- Measure out 1/4 cup of the milk mixture; cover and refrigerate.
- Add remaining milk mixture in small amounts to potatoes in medium bowl, mashing with potato masher or electric mixer after each addition.
- (Amount of milk needed to make potatoes smooth and fluffy depends on kind of potatoes used.) Beat vigorously until potatoes are light and fluffy.
- Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
- Spoon potatoes into casserole.
- Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour reserved milk mixture over potatoes.
- Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are hot.
- Just before serving, stir potatoes.
- Variation: Love garlic?
- Peel and finely chop 1 or 2 cloves and add to the potatoes before mashing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.3, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 11.3, Cholesterol 54.1, Sodium 403.7, Carbohydrate 43.4, Fiber 5.3, Sugar 1.9, Protein 6
MAKE-AHEAD MASHED/SMASHED POTATOES
My mom clipped the basic recipe out of a newspaper (a very small clipping -so the name of the newspaper and column are not included, unfortunately) several years ago. It has since become the only mashed potato recipe we use, especially since the pickiest eaters race to get up the next morning to eat all of the leftovers! Mashed potatoes seem to be one of those foods that really brings out strong opinions, so I am including all of the various variations that please the various preferences in our house, and you should feel free to adjust to suit your tastes too! We always use fat free sour cream and low-fat cream cheese with excellent results, but the full-fat ingredients should also work just fine. These can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
Provided by Starrynews
Categories Low Protein
Time 1h55m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Scrub the potatoes while bringing a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. If you don't like the skins in your mashed potatoes, you can also peel them at this point if you would like.
- Add potatoes and simmer 30 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and ready to be mashed.
- Mash the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cream cheese and sour cream and mix well.
- Sprinkle with any other herbs, spices, or seasonings you like.
- Final decision-- if you like your potatoes more on the smashed/chunky side, enjoy. If you want them smooth and completely mashed, then use mixer to whip them to your desired consistency.
- When ready, bring to room temperature, tent with foil, and reheat in 350-375 degree oven until hot, about 40 minutes. Reportedly, it can also be reheated in microwave or crockpot, but we have only ever tried it in the oven, so if you use another method, would love to hear how it works out.
MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
These potatoes are so creamy! I received the recipe from a friend at work. Cooking time includes both boiling and baking. Add 30 minutes standing time, if you refrigerate before baking.
Provided by Kim D.
Categories Potato
Time 1h15m
Yield 11 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a saucepan; add water to cover and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25 minutes or until pototoes are tender.
- Drain.
- Peel potatoes; place in a large mixing bowl, and mash with a potato masher.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Mix until all ingredients are blended.
- Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 12X8X2-inch baking dish.
- Brush top of mixture with melted butter; sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate.
- If refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 350F, uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot.
MAKE-AHEAD SLOW COOKER MASHED POTATOES
My mother gave me this recipe after looking online for something to suit her taste. This was what she came up with. I usually make this the night before Thanksgiving or Christmas and store it in the refrigerator in the insert of my slow cooker. It frees up my holiday to enjoy with family and is delicious!
Provided by tcasa
Categories Side Dish Potato Side Dish Recipes Mashed Potato Recipes
Time 3h45m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain water and place pot with potatoes back over medium heat until potatoes are dry, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mash potatoes using a hand mixer until smooth. Stir in cream cheese, half-and-half, egg whites, chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend well.
- Spray a slow cooker insert with nonstick spray and add mashed potato mixture. Cut 1/2 cup butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and add to potatoes.
- Cook on Low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice during the cook time. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup of butter 1 tablespoon at a time and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.1 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 65.7 mg, Fat 23.3 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 209.8 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
CREAMY MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! -JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h15m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain., Drain potatoes; return to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding cream cheese, sour cream and butter. Stir in milk and seasonings. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, green onions and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 419 calories, Fat 24g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 544mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
CREAMY MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
Mashed potatoes can be made almost completely ahead. Do nearly everything - boil, peel and mash; stir in milk and salt - up to two days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories Side Dish Potato Side Dish Recipes Mashed Potato Recipes
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place potatoes in a large pan with water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender when pierced with a thin-bladed knife, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Heat half and half in microwave.
- Process unpeeled potatoes through a food mill into a medium bowl. (Or, using a potholder, peel and drop them into a bowl. Puree using a potato masher or standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Stir in half and half and a sprinkling of salt (or beat, if using mixer) until smooth and fluffy. (Can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)
- Thirty minutes before serving, microwave until warm. Transfer to a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir in butter to melt. Cover with plastic wrap. Keep warm until serving time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 213.2 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 31.7 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 72.1 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
You can make these ahead several days and store in the fridge. If baking cold, let stand 30 minutes first.
Provided by Carol Evans
Categories Side Dish Potato Side Dish Recipes Mashed Potato Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, and mash.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large casserole dish.
- Cover, and bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 245.2 calories, Carbohydrate 35.8 g, Cholesterol 24.7 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 369.6 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
Tips:
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the best choices for mashed potatoes, as they have a high starch content and will result in a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cook the potatoes properly: To prevent the potatoes from becoming waterlogged, boil them in salted water until they are tender but not mushy. Drain them well and let them steam dry for a few minutes before mashing.
- Use a ricer or potato masher: A ricer will give you the smoothest mashed potatoes, but a potato masher can also be used to achieve a more rustic texture.
- Add butter and milk gradually: Start with a small amount of butter and milk and then add more as needed until you reach the desired consistency. This will help prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming too runny.
- Season to taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for mashed potatoes, but you can also add other herbs and spices to taste, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm: Mashed potatoes can be kept warm in a slow cooker or in a warm oven until ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. By following these tips, you can make the best mashed potatoes that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you prefer them smooth and creamy or rustic and chunky, there is a mashed potato recipe out there for everyone.
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