Creamy Make-Ahead Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes
These Creamy Make-Ahead Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfectly suited for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Based on a cherished recipe passed down through generations, this dish features a delightful blend of rich cream cheese and tangy sour cream, creating a velvety texture that complements any meal. With the option to customize the herbs and spices to your liking, this recipe is adaptable to please even the pickiest eaters. Make a large batch in advance, and enjoy the leftovers the next day as hearty warmth beckons at the breakfast table. With the balance of flavors from fresh or dried rosemary and garlic, these potatoes don’t just taste delicious; they bring everyone together around the table. Plus, you can prepare them up to three days before serving, making it an ideal dish for busy cooks!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
4-5 lbs (Scrubbed and optionally peeled)
Cream Cheese
8 oz (Softened)
Sour Cream
1 cup (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Garlic Cloves
2-3 (Minced (roasting optional))
Fresh Rosemary
3-4 tbsp (Chopped (or 1-2 tbsp dried))
Dried Rosemary
1 tbsp (N/A)
Parsley Flakes
1 tbsp (N/A)
Garlic Powder
1 tbsp (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly under running water. If desired, peel the potatoes for a smoother texture.
2
Fill a large pot with water, add the scrubbed (and peeled, if applicable) potatoes, and bring to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for approximately 30 minutes or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
4
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher until they reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Incorporate the softened cream cheese and sour cream into the mashed potatoes, mixing thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
6
Add the minced garlic and rosemary (fresh or dried) along with any additional herbs, spices, or seasonings you prefer, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
7
For a chunky style, leave the potatoes as is. If you prefer them smooth, use an electric mixer to whip them until they reach your desired creaminess.
8
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish and cover them with foil. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to reheat.
9
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Bake the covered potatoes for about 40 minutes or until heated through. You may also reheat them in the microwave or a crockpot, but the oven method yields the best results.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
30g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Make-Ahead Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes?
They are a velvety comfort food dish featuring potatoes blended with cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and rosemary, designed to be prepared in advance.
Can I make these mashed potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to three days before you plan to serve it.
What makes these mashed potatoes creamy?
The combination of 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture.
How many pounds of potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 lbs of potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. You can peel them for a smoother texture or leave the skins on for a different consistency.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 30 minutes or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh or dried rosemary, parsley flakes, and garlic powder.
How much garlic is required?
You should use 2-3 minced garlic cloves, though roasting them first is an optional step for added flavor.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1-2 tbsp of dried rosemary as a substitute for 3-4 tbsp of fresh chopped rosemary.
How do I achieve a smooth texture?
For a smooth and whipped consistency, use an electric mixer to whip the potatoes after mashing.
How do I make chunky mashed potatoes?
If you prefer a chunky style, simply mash the potatoes with a hand masher and do not use an electric mixer.
What is the best way to reheat these potatoes?
The best results come from baking them covered in the oven at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes.
Can I reheat these in a microwave?
Yes, these potatoes can be reheated in the microwave if you are in a hurry.
Can I use a crockpot for reheating?
Yes, a crockpot is a valid option for reheating these make-ahead potatoes.
How should I store the potatoes before serving?
Transfer them to a baking dish, cover with foil, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 4g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, its make-ahead nature and classic flavor profile make it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving and family gatherings.
Can I customize the seasonings?
Absolutely. You can add any additional herbs, spices, or seasonings you prefer to suit your taste.
How much cream cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 8 oz of cream cheese, which should be softened for easier mixing.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream.
What temperature should the oven be for reheating?
Preheat your oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (175-190 degrees Celsius).
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of pot should I use to cook the potatoes?
Use a large pot filled with enough water to fully submerge the potatoes.
Are these potatoes good for leftovers?
Yes, they make for a hearty and warm breakfast or side dish the following day.
Do I add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to taste during the mashing process.
Can I use garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 tbsp of garlic powder along with fresh minced cloves.
How much parsley is included?
The recipe includes 1 tbsp of parsley flakes.
Can I prepare this if I am a busy cook?
Yes, because it can be made up to three days early, it is designed specifically for busy schedules.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to thoroughly scrub the potatoes under running water.
How long do the potatoes bake when reheating?
They should bake for about 40 minutes or until they are heated through.