Make holiday meal prep a breeze with this "Day Before Mashed Potatoes" recipe, a game-changer for busy cooks! These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes are made with russet potatoes, rich cream cheese, velvety heavy cream, and a touch of butter, creating the perfect balance of flavor and fluffiness. The secret? Theyβre prepped a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for an even more delicious side dish. On the big day, simply bake until golden and irresistibly warm. Optional garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth, while a sprinkle of fresh chives provides a pop of color. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, these make-ahead mashed potatoes are a failproof way to simplify your entertaining without compromising taste.
Peel and rinse the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks (approximately 2-inch pieces).
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to season.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Allow the potatoes to sit for a few minutes to let the excess moisture evaporate.
Add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the potatoes.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher, hand mixer, or ricer until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or until ready to bake.
When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are heated through and the top is slightly golden.
Garnish with chopped chives, if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
3377 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.6 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.4 g | 502% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 478 mg | 159% | |
| Sodium | 5559 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 409.7 g | 149% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.0 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.4 g | ||
| Protein | 63.9 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 470 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 10441 mg | 222% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.