Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe

User Reviews

4.9

90 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Additional Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    1 hr 25 mins

  • Servings

    10 servings

  • Calories

    261 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    North American

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe combines peeled russet potatoes and whole garlic cloves simmered until tender, then mashed smoothly with sour cream, cream, butter, and salt. The mash is purposely thinned slightly with reserved cooking liquid for a creamier texture. It’s made in advance by cooling and refrigerating in a buttered casserole dish, then reheated in the oven starting from cold to avoid thermal shock to the dish. Minced chives add a fresh finishing touch when serving.

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.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

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4.9

90 reviews
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