Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
261 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
North American
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Description
The Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe starts with peeled, cubed russet potatoes cooked with whole garlic cloves until soft. After draining, butter is melted into the pot before adding sour cream, cream, and salt to the potatoes, which are then mashed smooth. Some cooking liquid is reserved to thin the potatoes slightly, creating a creamier, looser mash than usual. The potatoes are transferred to a buttered casserole dish, covered with foil, cooled, and refrigerated for up to three days before baking.
The reheating process involves placing the cold casserole dish into a cold oven and then heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This gradual heating prevents the dish from cracking due to rapid temperature changes. The recipe’s texture balances creamy softness with the subtle roasted garlic flavor infused from the cooking process. Minced chives scattered on top provide a mild onion-like freshness.
This recipe is practical for preparing mashed potatoes ahead of time for gatherings or meal prep. The creamy consistency and roast-infused garlic make it suitable as a side for roasted meats or holiday dinners. Avoid reheating in a hot oven with a cold casserole dish or letting the casserole go straight from fridge to hot oven to protect the dish. The mash can alternatively be reheated gently in a microwave if preferred.
Ingredients
- 5 lb russet potato peeled and cubed
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 cup sour cream can be light
- ½ cup cream or whole milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teapoons salt sea salt
- chive to serve, minced
Instructions
- Put the potatoes and whole garlic cloves into a large pot and cover with 1-inch of cold water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid and then drain the water from the pot.
- Add the butter to the pot and give it a few minutes to melt. Add the sour cream, cream, butter, and salt and mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Thin the potatoes with a little of the reserved cooking liquid. You want the potatoes to be slightly thinner than normal.
- Transfer the potatoes to a buttered casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Let the potatoes cool before moving the casserole dish to your fridge. Can be made to this step up to 3 days in advance.
- Put the mashed potatoes into your oven when it's cold - see notes. Turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches temperature, set a timer for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, until it is bubbling and hot. If you want the potatoes a little extra browned, broil them for a few minutes. Serve topped with minced chives.
Notes
- To prevent cracking, place the casserole dish into a cold oven before turning it on to heat the mashed potatoes.
- If the oven is already hot, allow the mashed potatoes to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before reheating.
- Mashed potatoes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Microwave reheating is an alternative but may result in uneven warming compared to oven reheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 = ¾ cup | |
| Calories | 261kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 149mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 1021mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 239IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.