Description
These Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes are creamy and flavorful, perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying piping hot at your convenience. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half, they offer a rich and fluffy texture. Ideal for holiday dinners or any comforting meal, this recipe can be assembled ahead and baked fresh before serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
Dairy
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature and divided (1½ sticks)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (1 brick)
- ½ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
Seasonings
- ½ – 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare casserole dish: Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare potatoes: Peel the potatoes, remove any eyes, and cut into 3-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Cook potatoes: Steam or boil the potatoes until fork tender but not falling apart, approximately 10-15 minutes. Then remove from heat.
- Mash potatoes to remove moisture: Drain any water and place the potatoes in a saucepan. Mash over medium-low heat for about one minute to evaporate excess moisture and steam. Remove from heat.
- Add dairy and seasonings: If the saucepan is large enough, leave potatoes in it; otherwise transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add ½ cup butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, seasoned salt, black pepper, and dried chives if using. Mash potatoes until light and fluffy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared casserole dish. You can bake immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 48 hours for make-ahead convenience.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add topping butter: Cut the remaining ¼ cup of butter into small pieces and scatter over the top of the potatoes evenly.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the potatoes are thoroughly heated through and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
- If steaming, keep an eye to avoid overcooking the potatoes to prevent mushiness.
- You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter version, but creamier texture comes from half-and-half.
- Optional dried chives add a subtle onion flavor and a touch of color.
- This dish can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- To reheat leftovers, cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes steaming, plus 45 minutes baking
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mashed potatoes, make ahead, holiday side dish, creamy potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
