Let’s talk about big family meals. You know the scene. Multiple pots are on the stove, something is in the oven, and you are trying to time everything just right. It can feel like a bit of a circus. Honestly, the side dishes are often the most stressful part. They need to be warm and ready at the exact same moment as the main course.
But what if I told you there was a way to take one major thing off your plate? This amazing Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your answer. It is creamy, comforting, and best of all, you can prepare it a day or two in advance. It’s a total game changer for holiday dinners or any special occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, the texture is just incredible. We are talking velvety smooth and super rich. The secret is a combination of cream cheese and sour cream. They add a wonderful depth and a slight tang that regular milk and butter just cannot match. It makes for a truly luxurious bowl of potatoes.
The convenience factor is also a huge plus. This is the ultimate Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes dish. You can assemble the entire thing, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you are ready, it just needs to be baked until hot and bubbly. This frees up so much time and stovetop space on the day of your big meal.
And let’s be honest, we all love a recipe that is hard to mess up. This is a Homemade Mashed Potatoes Easy enough for anyone to tackle. The instructions are simple and the ingredients are common. You do not need any fancy equipment to get fantastic results. This is simply How To Make Mashed Potatoes that will get rave reviews every single time.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to create this fantastic dish. The beauty of this Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, yet powerful, combination of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that signature creamy texture and savory flavor.
- 3 pounds potatoes (about 9 medium), peeled and cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked beef bacon and chopped green onions
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a foolproof path to potato perfection. We are going to walk through everything from cooking the potatoes to baking them golden brown.
Step 1: Cook The Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot or a Dutch oven. Cover them completely with cold water. Bringing them to a boil in cold water ensures they cook evenly all the way through.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat a bit to maintain a steady simmer. Let them cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will know they are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. They should be very tender. After cooking, drain all the water and return the potatoes to the hot pan for a minute to let any excess moisture evaporate.
Step 2: Mash And Mix
Now for the fun part. Start mashing the potatoes right in the warm pan. A hand masher works great for this. Once they are broken down a bit, you can begin adding the other ingredients. This part of our guide on How To Make Mashed Potatoes is crucial for creaminess.
Gradually add the softened cream cheese, the sour cream, and the cubed butter. Mash and stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are getting smooth. The heat from the potatoes will help everything melt together beautifully.
Finally, stir in the milk, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Keep mixing until the potatoes are creamy and have the consistency you like. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper.
Step 3: Prepare For Baking
Grease a 13 by 9 inch baking dish. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup so much easier. Carefully transfer your mashed potato mixture into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.
If you are using the optional toppings, now is the time to sprinkle them on. A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and some crumbled beef bacon on top is always a crowd pleaser. At this point, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to two days. This is the secret to wonderful Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the dish of potatoes out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up. This helps it bake more evenly.
Bake the dish, still covered, for 30 minutes. This initial baking time gently heats the potatoes all the way through. Then, uncover the dish and bake for another 10 minutes. This final step allows the top to get slightly golden and bubbly. If you added cheese, it will be perfectly melted. For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh green onions just before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Mashed Potatoes Recipe, storing them is simple. Allow the potatoes to cool down to room temperature first. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make them watery.
Spoon the leftovers into an airtight container. A good seal is important to keep them fresh and to prevent them from absorbing any other odors from your refrigerator. They will keep well for about three to four days.
When you are ready to reheat, you can do so in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between. In the oven, place them in a baking dish and heat at 350 degrees until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to restore their creamy texture when reheating.
Tips
Want to make your Homemade Mashed Potatoes Easy and even more delicious? Here are a few extra tips. First, the type of potato you use matters. Russet potatoes will give you a lighter, fluffier result, while Yukon Gold potatoes will give you a denser, creamier texture.
Bringing your dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and butter to room temperature before adding them is a great idea. Cold ingredients do not incorporate as smoothly and can cool down your potatoes too quickly. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes beforehand.
Be careful not to overmix your potatoes. If you use an electric mixer, only use it on low speed for a very short time. Overworking the starches in the potatoes can turn them into a gummy, gluey paste. A simple hand masher is often the best tool for the job.
Feel free to get creative with your flavors. Roasting a head of garlic and mashing the cloves into the potatoes adds a wonderful sweet and savory note. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary also work beautifully. You can even try different cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan for a change.
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly wonderful Mashed Potatoes Recipe that is perfect for any occasion. It is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The fact that you can prepare it ahead of time is just the icing on the cake, or in this case, the cheese on the potatoes.
This recipe proves that making fantastic side dishes does not have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create something that your family and friends will absolutely love. So next time you are planning a big meal, give these Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes a try. You will be so glad you did.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?
Yes, you absolutely can. Russet potatoes are great for a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds result in a creamier, more buttery mash. You could even use red potatoes, but be sure to leave the skins on for a more rustic texture and flavor. The choice is up to you.
Can I Make This On The Stovetop Instead Of Baking?
Of course. If you are not making them ahead, you can simply serve them right after you finish mixing everything together in the pot. They will be hot, creamy, and ready to eat. The baking step is primarily for the make ahead version to reheat it thoroughly.
Can I Freeze These Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, this Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes quite well thanks to the high fat content from the cream cheese, sour cream, and butter. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead Of Sour Cream?
If you do not have sour cream, you can substitute it with full fat plain Greek yogurt. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Crème fraîche is another excellent substitute if you have it on hand.
Why Did My Potatoes Turn Out Gummy?
Gummy potatoes are almost always the result of overmixing. When potato starches are overworked, they release too much starch, leading to a glue like consistency. To avoid this, mash them by hand just until combined and avoid using a food processor or high speed electric mixer.
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Enjoy velvety smooth and rich mashed potatoes, perfect for any gathering. This make-ahead recipe simplifies your meal prep, ensuring a comforting side dish that’s ready to bake and serve.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot. Cover completely with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a steady simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain all the water and return the potatoes to the hot pan for a minute to let any excess moisture evaporate.
- Mash the potatoes right in the warm pan. A hand masher works great for this. Gradually add the softened cream cheese, the sour cream, and the cubed butter. Mash and stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are getting smooth. Finally, stir in the milk, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Keep mixing until the potatoes are creamy and have the consistency you like. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Grease a 13 by 9 inch baking dish. Carefully transfer your mashed potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out into an even layer. If you are using the optional toppings, sprinkle them on now. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to two days.
- When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Take the dish of potatoes out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up. Bake the dish, still covered, for 30 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the top to get slightly golden and bubbly. For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
How to Store Leftovers: Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature. Spoon into an airtight container and refrigerate for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through), adding a splash of milk or pat of butter to restore creaminess.
Tips for Delicious Mashed Potatoes:
The type of potato matters: Russet potatoes yield a lighter, fluffier result, while Yukon Gold potatoes give a denser, creamier texture.
Bring dairy ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, butter) to room temperature before adding them for a smoother mix and to prevent cooling down your potatoes too quickly.
Avoid overmixing your potatoes, especially with an electric mixer on high speed, as this can release too much starch and lead to a gummy consistency. A hand masher is often best.
Get creative with flavors: Roast a head of garlic and mash the cloves in, or add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Parmesan.
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