Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
These creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes are the perfect solution for busy holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving! They are rich and fluffy, infused with the delightful tang of sour cream and the creaminess of cream cheese. This recipe allows you to prepare these delicious potatoes up to a week in advance, so when it's time to feast, you can simply pop them in the oven and focus on other dishes. Serve these buttery, flavorful mashed potatoes as the ideal side to your roasted turkey or any hearty main course. With just the right seasoning and a velvety texture, these potatoes will become a staple for your family meals and celebrations alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
5 lbs (peeled and chopped)
cream cheese
6 ounces (softened)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
onion salt
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (for dotting, plus more as needed)
Instructions
1
Peel and chop the russet potatoes into even chunks.
2
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
3
Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained potatoes and mash them until smooth using a potato masher or a hand mixer.
5
Incorporate the softened cream cheese, sour cream, onion salt, salt, pepper, and butter into the mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is fluffy.
6
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
7
Dot the top with additional butter for a rich flavor before covering with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
8
Refrigerate the prepared dish until you're ready to bake, which can be done up to one week in advance.
9
When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mashed potatoes, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main feature of this mashed potato recipe?
This recipe is designed to be made up to a week in advance, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving.
What kind of potatoes are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into even chunks.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
What ingredients provide the creaminess in this dish?
The creaminess comes from a combination of 6 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream.
How much onion salt is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of onion salt.
Can I use a hand mixer to mash the potatoes?
Yes, you can use either a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth.
How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare and refrigerate the mashed potato dish up to one week in advance.
At what temperature should I bake the mashed potatoes?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
Bake the mashed potatoes for 30-45 minutes until they are heated through and golden on top.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the potatoes should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become golden.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
This recipe uses 7 main ingredients: russet potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, onion salt, salt, pepper, and butter.
Why is butter added to the top before baking?
Dotting the top with additional butter adds a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden finish.
How should I store the potatoes before I am ready to bake them?
Transfer them to a lightly greased casserole dish, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
These potatoes are an ideal side dish for roasted turkey or any hearty main course.
Does this recipe contain any spices?
Yes, it is seasoned with onion salt, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I prepare the potatoes before boiling?
You should peel the potatoes and chop them into even chunks so they cook uniformly.
Is the cream cheese added while cold?
The recipe specifies that the cream cheese should be softened before being incorporated into the potatoes.
What should I add to the boiling water?
Add a pinch of salt to the cold water before bringing the potatoes to a boil.
What is the final texture of these potatoes?
The potatoes are described as rich, fluffy, and having a velvety texture.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is characterized as being buttery and flavorful.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream.
How much butter is used for the mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for dotting the top, plus more as needed for the mixture.
Is this recipe low in protein?
Yes, one of the tags associated with this recipe is 'low protein'.
What size should the potato chunks be?
The recipe suggests cutting them into even chunks to ensure consistent cooking.
Should I drain the potatoes after boiling?
Yes, ensure the potatoes are drained well before mashing.
What makes the potatoes 'tangy'?
The delightful tang is provided by the inclusion of sour cream in the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as a staple for family meals and holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to peel and chop the russet potatoes into even chunks.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use this recipe for a large group?
Yes, with 5 lbs of potatoes, it is intended to be a substantial side dish for gatherings.