Are you tired of last-minute holiday cooking chaos? Imagine having the most decadent, silky-smooth mashed potatoes ready to go with minimal stress on the day of your big meal. These Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are not just a recipe; they're a game-changing solution that will transform your cooking experience and impress even the pickiest dinner guests. With a perfect blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, these potatoes are so luxuriously creamy, they'll have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place potato cubes in a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender and easily mashed.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the hot pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Using a potato masher or electric mixer, begin mashing the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency.
- Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and warm milk. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are fully incorporated and potatoes are creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Allow potatoes to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Prevent Watery Potatoes: After draining, return potatoes to the hot pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate, ensuring a thick, creamy consistency.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure cream cheese, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are incorporated to avoid gluey potatoes.
- Storage Hack: These potatoes can be refrigerated up to 2 days before serving, making party prep a breeze.
- Reheating Tip: Cover with foil when reheating to prevent drying out, and add a splash of milk if needed for extra creaminess.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with add-ins like roasted garlic, chives, or shredded cheese to customize the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
