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A close-up of fluffy Creamy Mashed Potatoes in a blue and white bowl, garnished with melted butter and fresh chopped parsley.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Make Ahead)

Prepare creamy mashed potatoes ahead of time for a stress-free holiday meal or special gathering. This recipe offers tips for making, storing, and reheating them to perfection.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 10 side dishes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 319

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 4 lbs russet potatoes about 12 medium, peeled
  • 1 1/4 cups hot milk use 1 to 1 1/4 cups, whole milk recommended
  • 16 Tbsp unsalted butter 2 sticks, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, sea salt recommended
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley or chives finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Stand mixer
  • Whisk attachment
  • Heat-safe airtight container
  • Freezer-safe container

Method
 

  1. Peel and rinse the potatoes. Cut them in half if they are very large. Remove any small knots from the potatoes.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook, partially covered, until they are easily pierced with a knife. This will take about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Do not overcook them.
  3. Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to the bowl of your stand mixer.
  4. Using the whisk attachment, lightly mash the potatoes by hand to break them up. Then, fit the mixer with the whisk attachment. Start on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed. Slowly drizzle in 1 to 1 1/4 cups of hot milk until you reach your desired texture.
  5. With the mixer still running, add the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, waiting a few seconds between each addition. The potatoes will become whipped and fluffy.
  6. Finally, add the salt and mix to combine. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  7. To store, cool the mashed potatoes completely. Pack them in a heat-safe, airtight container for refrigeration (up to 5 days) or a freezer-safe container for freezing (up to 1 month).
  8. To reheat, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them on the stove, in a 350°F oven, or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of milk and a bit of butter to restore their texture. Avoid overmixing.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 19g

Notes

Making mashed potatoes ahead of time allows you to focus on other dishes during busy holiday meals. Ensure you cool them completely before storing to maintain quality. Reheating with a little extra milk and butter will help bring back their creamy consistency.

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