A great way to save time with Christmas dinner is to make these easy make ahead mashed potatoes. Just as creamy and delicious as traditional mashed potatoes, this is a side dish you will make again and again.
CAN I PEEL POTATOES AHEAD OF TIME?
The whole point of making mashed potatoes ahead of time is to save time on a busy cooking day like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Another way to save time is to actually peel the potatoes the day before you plan to use them.
Peel the potatoes you will need for your mashed potatoes and place them in a big bowl or pot and cover them completely with water. Keep the pot in the refrigerator for hours or even overnight.
The water will keep the potatoes from getting brown.
WHICH VARIETY OF POTATOES WORK BEST IN MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES?
There are actually over 200 varieties of potatoes sold in the US. That is a lot of choices when it comes to picking a good potato to cook with.
Different types of potatoes vary in taste, texture, moisture and more. It is important to use the right types of potatoes to get the best results when it comes to mashed potatoes.
The best potatoes to use in this creamy make ahead mashed potato recipe are golden potatoes or russet potatoes. They yield the creamiest and fluffiest results.
CAN I USE A SLOW COOKER?
If you don’t want to make these potatoes in the oven because you are too busy making the stuffing it is totally understandable!
Instead of transferring the mashed potatoes to a baking dish just transfer them to a slow cooker that has been buttered on the inside of the pot. Set the slow cooker to warm and you are done!
When it is time to eat give the potatoes a stir and if needed add some more butter!
INGREDIENTS FOR MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES
This is a classic mashed potato recipe that is full of ingredients to make it creamy, rich and delicious. If you are looking for a “lite” recipe, this is not it, LOL.
- Golden Potatoes (or russet)
- Cream Cheese
- Butter
- Sour Cream
- Half & Half (or whole milk)
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Chives, if desired
HOW TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES AHEAD OF TIME
The beauty of making mashed potatoes ahead of time is that it frees up your time for other last-minute preparations.
STEP ONE: BOIL POTATOES
Start off by peeling your potatoes if you haven’t already. If you are left-handed, be sure to check out this amazing potato peeler that is available in a style just for left-handed individuals!
Chop the potatoes into big chunks and place in a large pot.
Add water to the pot until the potatoes are completely covered.
Place the pot on the stove and turn to medium-high. Bring the potatoes to a boil and boil until they are fork-tender.
When the potatoes are tender, drain the water.
STEP TWO: MASH POTATOES
Use a potato masher or mixer to mash the potatoes until they are almost lump-free.
STEP THREE: ADD INGREDIENTS
Now add the softened cream cheese, softened butter, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes and whisk these ingredients together until smooth.
Add the milk to the mixture and whisk it in.
STEP FOUR: ADD TO BAKING DISH
Now that the mashed potatoes are mixed it is time to add the mixture to a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
STEP FIVE: BAKE
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes with the foil still on.
Remove the foil after 30 minutes and bake an additional 10 minutes so the top gets crispy.
Garnish with finely chopped chives, if desired.
EASY MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES RECIPE
This is such an amazing make-ahead recipe for Christmas dinner. The end result is a mashed potato that has a delightful crispy layer on the top and perfectly fluffy potatoes underneath! YUM!
You can print off the complete ingredients and instructions for these make ahead mashed potatoes via the recipe card below.
Easy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes in the Oven
Ingredients
- 3 lb. Golden Potatoes peeled and cut into chunks (russet potatoes works fine too)
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese softened, ½ block
- 4 tablespoons softened Butter
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Half and Half or Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Chopped Chives if desired
Instructions
- Boil the peeled potatoes till they are fork-tender.
- Mash them with a potato masher till almost lump-free.
- Add the softened cream cheese, butter, sour cream, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper and whisk it until smooth
- Add the milk and whisk it in.
- Pour the mashed potatoes into a 9×13 baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate till ready to serve.
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Bake the mashed potatoes covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil cover and bake for another 10 minutes to crisp up the top.
- Garnish with finely chopped chives if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
If you need some more inspiration for an easy but delicious Christmas dinner be sure to check out these other Christmas dinner recipes.
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