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Holiday Cooking | November 17, 2011

Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole

What would you say if I told you mashed potatoes are a make ahead dish?? It’s true! This recipe for Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole is a life saver for busy Sunday meals or big holidays like Thanksgiving an Christmas!

This simple recipe for Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole is every cook who is trying to get a meal on the table while juggling several dishes or courses to a meal. Completely made ahead, this mashed potato casserole will make you wonder why you ever waited until the last minute to whip up the potatoes before placing on the dinner table!

Russets are featured in this casserole, which can be made up to 3 days before serving. What?! 3 days before Thanksgiving mashed potatoes can be ready to go?! That is an answer to prayer. FOREVER, it feels like I’m mashing potatoes like a mad woman while trying to keep other dishes hot and ready to go. Those days are gone. Make ahead is where it’s at.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 8 large potatoes I like Russets
  • 8 ounces sour cream at room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temp- low fat or regular (I used regular)
  • 1/2 cup milk or half and half warmed
  • 6 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1-2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and skins split.*
  3. Drain potatoes, peel and place in large bowl. Mash with sour cream, cream cheese, warmed milk, salt, and butter, stirring until butter and cream cheese have melted.
  4. Spread potatoes into greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
  5. Dot top of casserole with butter if desired.
  6. Cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Let refrigerated potatoes sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  8. Bake covered dish at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

Recipe Notes

-*If you have an Instant Pot, place potatoes and 1 cup water into the pot and cook at high pressure or on manual setting for 12 minutes and let pressure natural release for another 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe as directed.
-If you like mix-ins with your potatoes, add some crushed garlic, bacon, cheese, and or chives before baking.
-You may prepare these up to 3 days before serving.

4 thoughts on “Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole

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  1. Linda,
    It serves about 8-10. I made this last weekend, and it served 5 with about an equal amount of leftovers.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!