Savory Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes
These Savory Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes are a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Originating from a memorable Thanksgiving Day, when a friend surprised us with this comforting side dish after bringing home our second son in 1991, these mashed potatoes have become an essential part of our Thanksgiving feast. They are creamy, rich, and indulgently loaded with flavors that elevate your holiday dinner. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare them up to a week in advance and simply heat them right before serving—just when you need to focus on carving the turkey and perfecting the gravy. Your guests will surely love this luscious addition to the table, so get ready for compliments all around!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
5 lbs (peeled and quartered)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
onion or garlic salt
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
2-4 tablespoons (melted, plus more for greasing and serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and quartering the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, approximately 25-30 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the pot to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
3
Using a potato masher or a stand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth while incorporating the softened cream cheese, sour cream, onion or garlic salt, salt, pepper, and butter until fully combined and creamy.
4
Generously grease a large casserole dish with butter. Spoon the mashed potato mixture into the dish, smoothing the top for an even finish.
5
At this point, you may store the dish in the refrigerator for up to a week until you're ready to serve. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the mashed potatoes for 30-45 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish until warm.
6
Before serving, add a dollop of melted butter on top of the mashed potatoes and give it a gentle stir to combine. Transfer the loaded mashed potatoes to a large serving bowl and adorn with additional butter for an inviting touch.
7
Make sure to keep extra copies of the recipe handy, as friends and family will undoubtedly ask for it!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes.
What is the history behind this mashed potato recipe?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, originally shared by a friend in 1991.
How many pounds of potatoes do I need?
You will need 5 lbs of potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before cooking?
The potatoes should be peeled and quartered.
What is the recommended boiling time for the potatoes?
Cook the potatoes for approximately 25-30 minutes until they are tender.
Should I start the potatoes in hot or cold water?
You should cover the potatoes with cold, salted water before bringing them to a boil.
What should I do after draining the cooked potatoes?
Return them to the pot to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
What tools can I use to mash the potatoes?
You can use either a potato masher or a stand mixer.
How much cream cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
No, the cream cheese should be softened before being incorporated.
How much sour cream should be added?
Add 1 cup of sour cream to the mixture.
What types of salt are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of onion or garlic salt and 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
How much pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much butter goes into the potato mixture?
Use 2-4 tablespoons of melted butter inside the mixture.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Generously grease a large casserole dish with butter before adding the potatoes.
Can I make these mashed potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What temperature is used to reheat the potatoes in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to reheat the dish in the oven?
Bake the mashed potatoes for 30-45 minutes until heated through.
Is there an alternative to oven reheating?
Yes, you can microwave the dish until it is warm.
What is the final step before serving the potatoes?
Add a dollop of melted butter on top, give it a gentle stir, and adorn with additional butter.
Are these potatoes considered a holiday dish?
Yes, they are described as an essential part of a Thanksgiving feast.
What is the texture of these mashed potatoes?
They are described as creamy, rich, and luscious.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients.
Can I use garlic salt instead of onion salt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either onion salt or garlic salt based on preference.
Should the potatoes be smooth or chunky?
The instructions recommend mashing them until they are smooth.
How should the top of the potatoes look in the casserole dish?
You should smooth the top for an even finish.
Is the water salted for boiling?
Yes, the potatoes should be boiled in salted water.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is noted that guests will love this addition and likely ask for the recipe.
What should I do with the extra butter at serving?
Adorn the serving bowl with extra butter for an inviting touch.
Why is the make-ahead feature helpful for Thanksgiving?
It allows you to focus on carving the turkey and perfecting the gravy right before serving.