Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
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Say goodbye to last-minute dinner stress with these rich and creamy make-ahead mashed potatoes! Loaded with parmesan cheese and an optional crispy topping, they’re the perfect side dish to prep ahead of time. Trust me, this flavorful mash will have everyone asking for seconds—even if they don’t have room!
Make it a meal and serve this mashed potato casserole with some of our favorite dinner ideas like my slow cooker turkey, pot roast, or meatloaf!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy topping option: Add a crunchy twist with an optional crispy topping for extra texture.
- Crock pot convenience: Made in a slow cooker, so it stays warm until ready to serve—no last-minute stovetop stress!
- Crowd-friendly: Easily doubles to serve a large group, perfect for holidays or gatherings.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep it ahead of time and save yourself the hassle on the day of.
These mashed potatoes are next-level delicious. We’re talking rich, creamy, and loaded with parmesan that gives them this amazing depth of flavor. They’re perfect for any meal, but especially when you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a big holiday dinner. The best part? You can make them ahead of time! Just pop them in the fridge, and when it’s time to eat, warm them up in the oven or crock pot. So, while everyone else is scrambling around, you’re already ahead of the game.
Now, let’s talk about that optional crispy topping. You don’t have to add it, but trust me, it’s so worth it. It brings this incredible crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. Whether you’re serving it with roast chicken, turkey, or a hearty stew, these mashed potatoes are going to be the star of the show. And because you can make them in advance, meal prep is a breeze. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these mashed potatoes made ahead of time. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor that makes this dish so rich and creamy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are buttery and naturally creamy, perfect for mashing. They hold their texture well when made ahead.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Cream cheese: The secret to ultra creamy mashed potatoes with a little tang.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick of warmth that complements the creaminess.
- Green onion: Optional, but it adds a fresh, slightly sharp bite to balance the richness.
- Bread crumbs: If you’re going for the crispy topping, these add a perfect golden crunch.
- Parmesan: The star of the show! It adds a salty, savory element that makes these mashed potatoes extra special.
Tip: When mashing, don’t overwork the potatoes—this helps keep them light and fluffy instead of gluey. Enjoy these with your favorite main dish for a crowd-pleasing side!
Variations and Substitutions
Looking to switch things up or need to make a few substitutions? No problem! This recipe is super flexible, so you can easily adapt it to fit your taste or pantry.
- Swap Yukon Golds for Russets: If you prefer a fluffier texture, go with Russet potatoes. They mash up beautifully and give you that classic mashed potato feel.
- Add garlic: For extra flavor, toss a few cloves of roasted garlic into the mix. It adds a sweet, savory depth that’s irresistible.
- Try sour cream instead of cream cheese: If you want a tangier finish, sub in sour cream. It lightens up the richness a bit while still keeping things creamy.
- Mix in cheddar: If you’re a cheese lover, try adding some shredded cheddar along with the parmesan for an extra cheesy twist.
- Go gluten-free: If you’re skipping the bread crumbs for the crispy topping, try crushed gluten-free crackers or just leave it off entirely for a smooth, creamy finish.
These variations let you customize the recipe to suit your preferences, but no matter how you make it, you’re in for a treat!
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Making these mashed potatoes ahead of time is a breeze! Whether you’re baking them right away or prepping them for later, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect.
- Boil the potatoes: Peel, cut, and cook until fork-tender.
- Mash & season: Mix with butter, cream cheese, green onion, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in the pan: Prepare your dish for baking.
- Top & bake: Add parmesan and breadcrumbs, then bake or refrigerate for later.
- Crock pot option: Need the oven space? You can make these make-ahead mashed potatoes in slow cooker.
Now you’re ready for the full recipe below!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store, let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply bake in the oven at 400°F for 40 minutes or until heated through. You can also warm them up in the crock pot on low for 2-3 hours.
For freezing, transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, or until completely warmed through. Add any toppings just before baking for best results.
These mashed potatoes freeze well, making them a great option for make-ahead meal prep!
Expert Recipe Tips:
Choose the right potato: Yukon Golds are perfect for their creamy texture, but if you like a fluffier consistency, you can mix in some Russet potatoes for balance.
Don’t overwork the potatoes: When mashing, be gentle! Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy, so use a potato masher or ricer for best results.
Warm your ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened or at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cool down the potatoes and make them harder to mash.
Season as you go: Taste the mashed potatoes after mixing in the butter and cream cheese. It’s easier to adjust the salt and pepper before spreading the mixture into the pan.
Make the topping crispy: For an extra crunchy topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes for a fluffier result. You can even mix the two for the best of both worlds.
Absolutely! The parmesan adds a nice salty flavor, but the potatoes will still be rich and creamy without it. The topping is totally optional, so feel free to skip it or add your own twist.
You can make them up to 3 days in advance. Just refrigerate them and bake when ready. For even more convenience, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Be careful not to overmix the potatoes! Use a potato masher or a ricer and mix just until smooth. Avoid using an electric mixer, as it can make the texture gluey.
Yes! If you’re not baking right away, transfer the potatoes to a crock pot on low for 2-3 hours. This is especially handy for keeping them warm for large gatherings.
More Potato Recipes
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Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened, and more for the pan)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan (divided)
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- ⅓ cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter, cream cheese, milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and green onions. If using, stir in ½ cup of parmesan cheese.
- Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasonings as needed. Then, spread them evenly in the greased 9×13 pan.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and breadcrumbs over the potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Make-Ahead
- If making ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, uncover, add the topping, and bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, or until hot and golden.
Crock Pot
- For a crock pot option, spread the mashed potatoes in a greased crock pot vs a pan,. Set to low for 2-3 hours, mixing once halfway through.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
