Streamline your holiday meal prep with this creamy and satisfying Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Recipe—perfect for stress-free entertaining! Featuring fluffy russet potatoes blended with rich cream cheese, heavy cream, and buttery goodness, these mashed potatoes are as indulgent as they are practical. This recipe allows you to prepare everything up to two days in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy gatherings. Simply bake the prepared dish in the oven before serving to achieve perfectly warm, velvety potatoes every time. Optional add-ins like garlic powder and fresh chives offer customizable flavor, while the make-ahead feature cuts down on last-minute kitchen chaos. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting side dish pairs beautifully with everything from roast turkey to hearty stews.
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 2 inches in diameter.
Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and warm. Set aside.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any extra moisture.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until they reach your desired consistency.
Gradually add the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream mixture to the mashed potatoes, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
Season the mashed potatoes with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and let them cool completely. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil or plastic wrap and bake the mashed potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top before serving, if desired.
Calories |
3578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 191.0 g | 245% | |
| Saturated Fat | 112.9 g | 564% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 540 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 5420 mg | 236% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 406.6 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.0 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.3 g | ||
| Protein | 60.4 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 414 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 10366 mg | 221% | |
*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.