Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

4.6
(114)
85 Reviews
12 Photos

Make-ahead mashed potatoes are a great option for the holidays. You can do nearly everything — boil, peel, and mash; stir in milk and salt — up to two days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.

Submitted by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson
Updated on October 7, 2022
close up view of mashed potatoes with butter in a wooden bowl
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
10
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds russet (Idaho) potatoes, scrubbed but unpeeled

  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half

  • salt to taste

  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.

  2. Heat half-and-half in the microwave until just warm.

  3. Process unpeeled potatoes through a food mill into a medium bowl. (Or, using a potholder, peel and drop them into a bowl. Puree using a potato masher or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Stir in warm half-and-half and salt (or beat, if using a mixer) until smooth and fluffy. Cool, cover, and refrigerate potatoes in a microwave-safe, airtight container for up to 2 days.

  4. Thirty minutes before serving, microwave until warm. Transfer to a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir in butter to melt. Cover and keep warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

213 Calories
11g Fat
25g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 213
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 72mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 57mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 623mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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