Creamy Make-Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your holiday meal with these ultra-creamy, make-ahead mashed potatoes that are perfect for the crock pot. Last Thanksgiving, I crafted this delightful recipe, and it was a crowd-pleaser that saved me precious time in the kitchen. The combination of sour cream and cream cheese makes for an unbelievably smooth texture, while fresh chives add a burst of flavor. Prepare the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them in your crock pot. On the big day, simply set the crock pot to low, and let it work its magic for 2-3 hours. This dish is a wonderful addition to any festive dinner, making it a stress-free and delectable choice for your family's gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium potatoes
8 (peeled and diced)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
butter
4 tablespoons (divided, some for mixing, some for dotting)
chives
1/3 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
additional butter
for dotting (none)
paprika
to sprinkle on top (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into uniform chunks.
2
Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3
While the potatoes are boiling, in a separate bowl, beat together the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
4
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Immediately add the sour cream and cream cheese mixture.
5
Using a hand mixer or potato masher, beat the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
6
Incorporate the butter, chopped chives, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well until everything is combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Dot the top with additional butter and sprinkle paprika generously for an inviting finish.
9
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
10
This dish can be made a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the casserole, then on the day of serving, transfer it to the crock pot and set it on low for 2-3 hours until warm and ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Make-Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes.
How many potatoes are required?
You will need 8 medium potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before boiling?
The potatoes should be peeled and chopped into uniform chunks.
How long should the potatoes boil?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
What dairy products are used to make the potatoes creamy?
This recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream and 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened before being beaten with the sour cream.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
You need 4 tablespoons of butter, which is divided for mixing and dotting on top.
What type of fresh herbs are included?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of chopped fresh chives.
What tools can I use to mash the potatoes?
You can use either a hand mixer or a traditional potato masher.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What seasonings are added to the potato mixture?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
What is sprinkled on top of the dish for finishing?
Paprika is sprinkled generously on top for an inviting finish.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25 minutes or until it is heated through and golden on top.
Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?
Yes, the dish can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
How do I use a crock pot for this recipe?
After refrigerating the casserole, transfer it to a crock pot on the day of serving.
What crock pot setting should I use?
The crock pot should be set to the low setting.
How long do the potatoes stay in the crock pot?
They should be heated in the crock pot for 2 to 3 hours.
What makes these potatoes suitable for holidays?
They are a time-saving, stress-free side dish perfect for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving.
How do you ensure the potatoes are smooth?
Beating the potatoes with a hand mixer after adding the cream cheese and sour cream mixture ensures a smooth texture.
When do I add the butter and chives?
Incorporate the butter and chopped chives after the potatoes have been beaten smooth.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
The 2-quart casserole dish should be greased before transferring the potato mixture.
Do I need to cover the casserole when refrigerating?
Yes, you should cover the casserole before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is there extra butter used on top?
Yes, you dot the top with additional butter before baking or heating.
What is the texture of these mashed potatoes?
The texture is described as ultra-creamy and unbelievably smooth.
Can I use this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is great for large family gatherings.
When should the sour cream and cream cheese be mixed?
Beat them together in a separate bowl while the potatoes are boiling.
What should I do immediately after draining the potatoes?
Immediately return them to the pot and add the sour cream and cream cheese mixture.
How do I smooth the potato mixture in the dish?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the mixture once it is in the casserole dish.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a holiday side dish.