Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Simplify holiday and weeknight meal prep with this creamy, flavorful make-ahead mashed potatoes recipe—a perfect balance of convenience and indulgence! Featuring fluffy russet potatoes mashed with rich cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of garlic powder, these mashed potatoes are irresistibly smooth and packed with savory goodness. The unique "make-ahead" feature lets you prepare this dish up to three days in advance, saving you time during busy gatherings. Simply reheat in the oven for a hassle-free side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, festive gravies, and more. Topped with optional fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner party where you want a comforting, stress-free option.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 pounds russet potatoes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and cube the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks (about 2 inches).

Step 2

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Step 3

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4

Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Step 5

Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer until smooth.

Step 6

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and combined.

Step 7

Stir the melted butter and cream cheese mixture into the mashed potatoes.

Step 8

Add the sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the potatoes are creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 9

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased oven-safe casserole dish.

Step 10

Let the dish cool completely before covering it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, if making ahead.

Step 11

When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12

Remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 13

Bake the mashed potatoes, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even warming.

Step 14

Garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2380 grams (2380.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3319

Total Fat 161.00g	206%
Saturated Fat 97.80g	489%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 430mg	143%
Sodium 4363mg	190%
Total Carbohydrate 429.00g	156%
Dietary Fiber 32.10g	115%
Total Sugars 46.50g
Protein 72.40g	145%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 870mg	67%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 10561mg	225%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 49.7%