Classic Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large stockpot, fill with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let cool enough so that you can handle them, about 10 minutes. It is important that the potatoes do not cool too much because they will mash more easily when hot.
• Meanwhile, add the butter to the same pot that you used to cook the potatoes (no need to clean it). Melt completely over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Heat 3/4 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until steaming and set aside.
• Holding the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, gently peel the skins off with a paring knife. Quarter the potatoes and put them in the pot along with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy (see Cook's Note).
• Add the cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream. Stir until combined, making sure there are no pools of cream at bottom of the baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently stir the mashed potatoes. Cover again and continue to bake until the potatoes are hot and steamy, 20 to 25 minutes more. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: Thaw the potatoes completely in the refrigerator and cook according to the same directions as refrigerated potatoes but do not add cream. The potatoes might seem watery at first but will thicken as they heat up.
• Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to a large bowl for serving.

CLASSIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Peel the potatoes, cut them into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large pot of boiling salted water. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return them to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter is melted.
• Using a hand held mixer, break the potatoes up and at low speed slowly add the hot milk/butter mixture to make the potatoes very creamy. Add the sour cream, 2 teaspoons of salt and the pepper and whisk to combine. Serve hot.

CLASSIC MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain., In a large bowl, mash potatoes with cream cheese. Combine the egg whites, sour cream, onion powder, salt and pepper; stir into potatoes until blended. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Drizzle with butter. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160°.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, and mash.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large casserole dish.
• Cover, and bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add potatoes; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in butter, seasonings and, if desired, chives. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before heating. Microwave, uncovered, on high 10 minutes, stirring once. Stir in milk. Microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes.

CLASSIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a medium pot, cover with cold water and add 2 tablespoons salt. Bring just to a simmer and simmer the potatoes, uncovered, until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain.
• Peel the potatoes and return them to the pot (if desired, pass them through a ricer or food mill after peeling). Mash the potatoes with the milk and butter using a fork or potato masher. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt; season with pepper.

CLASSIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes and 2 tablespoons salt in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat cream, milk, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter melts.
• Drain potatoes, and press through a ricer into a large saucepan. (Alternatively, mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.) Pour warmed cream mixture over potatoes in a slow, steady stream, and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a covered bowl over simmering water for up to 2 hours.

MASHED POTATOES AND LEEKS WITH THYME

Steps:

• In an 8-quart kettle combine potatoes with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring water to a boil and simmer potatoes until tender, 35 to 45 minutes.
• While potatoes are cooking, in a heavy skillet cook leeks in 4 tablespoons butter over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in thyme and salt and pepper to taste.
• Drain potatoes in a colander and return to kettle. Dry potatoes over low heat, shaking kettle,1 minute. Cool potatoes just until they can be handled and peel. While potatoes are still warm, force through a ricer into a large bowl. In a small saucepan heat milk and cream until mixture just comes to a boil. Stir leeks and milk mixture into potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Spread potato mixture in a buttered 4-quart shallow baking dish. Chill potato mixture, covered, 1 day.
• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Dot potato mixture with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and bake, covered with foil, in middle of oven until heated through and butter is melted, about 15 minutes.