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Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

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Thick and creamy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are packed with flavor and are great for any occasion, especially when you are feeding a crowd! They are great because they can be made a day before you need them, giving you less stress when it’s time to cook.

Two dishes with make ahead mashed potatoes.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Do you love mashed potatoes? I do too! That’s why I wanted to share my recipe for creamy make ahead mashed potatoes with you.

It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion and it can be made in advance so that your life is easier when hosting a dinner party or holiday gathering. You won’t believe how easy this recipe is to make, either!

Clean and dice potatoes, leaving skin on.

Once you try these delicious, creamy mashed potatoes once, they will become a staple in your home. They are simple enough that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy them but flavorful enough that everyone else at the table will ask for seconds.

Plus, they are great because you can make them ahead of time and reheat them before serving without sacrificing flavor or texture! This means less stress on you during those busy days leading up to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

So what are you waiting for? Let me show you how to make my favorite mashed potatoes today!

A pan of make ahead mashed potatoes perfect for Thanksgiving.

What Type of Potatoes are Best for Mashing?

While you can use almost any type of potato for mashed potatoes, I recommend that you use Russet or Yukon Gold.

One important thing to remember is to check the potatoes for blemishes. Any imperfections should be removed before cooking , since they will not be puréed when you make your mash .

If you are looking to experiment with flavors, try different types of potatoes. You can even mix two or three varieties of potatoes together for an interesting twist on this classic side dish.

Yukon Gold potatoes.

Should You Peel the Potatoes Before Boiling?

Peeling the potatoes is a matter of preference. I usually leave the skins on, since they add nutrients, fiber, and texture to this otherwise simple dish.

If you prefer a smoother, more velvety texture , or if you are going for a classic look, however, then by all means peel away that skin!

A fork with make ahead mashed potatoes

Do You Need to Cut the Potatoes?

There is a certain way that you should cut potatoes before boiling them, and this process makes for extra smooth mashed potatoes.

First, dice your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Then, slice each cube in half lengthwise . This allows for more even cooking and prevents any pieces from burning .

Two dishes with make ahead mashed potatoes.

How Long Do Mashed Potatoes Last?

Mashed potatoes can keep in the refrigerator for three to five days. This makes it easy to prepare them on a Sunday and serve them during the upcoming week at lunch alongside your favorite sandwich or soup .

How Far in Advance Can You Make Mashed Potatoes?

I recommend preparing these make ahead mashed potatoes one day before you are ready to serve them. If you are making them for Thanksgiving, then make them on Wednesday.

Mashed potatoes in a bowl next to a baking dish.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Potatoes- Like I mentioned above, I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes. My favorite for this recipe is Yukon Gold because of their buttery flavor.

Ingredients for Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Butter- Salted or unsalted butter can be used for this recipe.

A stick of butter and a bowl of boiled potatoes.

Sour Cream- I use full fat sour cream to make these mashed potatoes. Heavy cream would also work well, too!

A bowl of sour cream and a bowl of potatoes.

Cream Cheese- This ingredient makes the whipped mashed potatoes, giving them their signature texture and richness. Don’t leave it out!

Cream cheese and a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Salt- This will enhance the flavor of these potatoes and make them taste outstanding!

A bowl of salt and a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Minced Garlic- Garlic is used to give the potatoes flavor.

A bowl of minced garlic to add to mashed potatoes.

White Pepper- This is a little extra kick to make your potatoes taste even better. Black pepper may be substituted.

A bowl of white pepper to add to make ahead mashed potatoes.

Paprika- This will be sprinkled over the mashed potatoes to give the finished product a golden look. It also adds delicious flavor.

A bowl of paprika to sprinkle on mashed potatoes.

Chives- Chives are the perfect garnish for these make ahead mashed potatoes!

A bowl of chives to garnish mashed potatoes.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Directions

[1] Clean and dice potatoes, leaving skin on.

Clean and dice potatoes, leaving skin on.

[2] Place in a

Place in a large pot and cover with salt water.

[3] Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.

Potatoes boiling in a pan on a stove

[4] Drain water and transfer potatoes to a bowl.

Drain water and transfer potatoes to a bowl.

[5] Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and white pepper to the potatoes.

Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and white pepper to the potatoes.

[6] Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes and mix in the other ingredients.

Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes and mix in the other ingredients.

[7] Transfer the potatoes to a 2.5 a Quart baking dish.

Transfer the potatoes to a 2.5 a Quart baking dish.

[8] Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

[9] Sprinkle paprika and drizzle butter over the top of the potatoes.

Sprinkle paprika and drizzle butter over the top of the potatoes.

[10] Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

[11] Top with fresh chives.

Top with fresh chives.

More Recipes to Try:

YouTube Thumbnail image for Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes.
Two dishes with make ahead mashed potatoes.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Yield: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Additional Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours

Super easy and flavorful Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are great for any occasion, especially when you are feeding a crowd! They are great because they can be made a day before you need them, giving you less stress when it's time to prepare the rest of your meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 Pounds Potatoes, diced
  • 6 Tablespoons Butter, divided
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream 
  • 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened 
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon White Pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika 
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Clean and dice potatoes, leaving skin on.
  2. Place in a large pot and cover with salt water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  4. Drain water and transfer potatoes to a bowl.
  5. Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, salt, and white pepper to the potatoes.
  6. Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes and mix in the other ingredients.
  7. Transfer the potatoes to a 2.5 a Quart baking dish.
  8. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  9. Sprinkle paprika and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the top of the potatoes.
  10. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
  11. Top with fresh chives.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1/8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 444Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 982mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 8g

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