To Die for Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes π₯π₯
Description:
These mashed potatoes are not just any mashed potatoes – they are the BEST mashed potatoes EVER! What’s even better? They are incredibly user-friendly because you can prepare them the night before, making them perfect for those busy days or special occasions when you need a convenient yet delicious side dish. Once you’ve tasted these creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes, you’ll never want to make them any other way. They are so good that people will be begging you for the recipe every time you serve them. Not only are they fantastic on their own, but they also make a stellar filling for twice-baked potatoes. And here’s a little secret: if you’re short on time, you can even start with pre-cooked mashed potatoes, add a few extra ingredients from this recipe, stir, and reheat them in the microwave for a dish that tastes almost as good as homemade! My personal favorite way to prepare these mashed potatoes is in the crockpot, where they develop an unparalleled depth of flavor and irresistibly creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 8 potatoes π₯
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 – 1 cup bacon bits or crumbled bacon π₯
- Additional butter for topping
- Paprika for sprinkling
- Milk (as needed)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 373
- Fat Content: 21.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 61.5mg
- Sodium Content: 615.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 40.4g
- Fiber Content: 5g
- Sugar Content: 3.8g
- Protein Content: 6.9g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boil potatoes until tender: Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft and easily pierced. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly. |
| 2 | Prepare the creamy base: While the potatoes are boiling, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined. This creamy base will add richness and tanginess to the mashed potatoes, elevating their flavor to the next level. |
| 3 | Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, add them to the mixing bowl with the creamy base. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy, adding small amounts of milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The creamy base will blend seamlessly with the hot potatoes, creating a luscious texture that is sure to please your taste buds. |
| 4 | Incorporate the seasonings: Next, add the butter, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the mashed potatoes. Beat or stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These seasonings will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the mashed potatoes, making them utterly irresistible. |
| 5 | Add aromatic ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic, finely chopped green onion, and dried marjoram to the mashed potatoes. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the dish with savory notes and a delightful herbal fragrance, taking the flavor to a whole new level of deliciousness. |
| 6 | Choose your cooking method: At this point, you have a choice of cooking methods. You can either transfer the mashed potatoes to a casserole dish for baking in the oven, or you can opt for the crockpot method for ultimate convenience and flavor. |
| 7 | Bake or slow cook: If baking, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased casserole dish, dot the top with additional butter, and sprinkle with paprika for a beautiful finishing touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top. If using the crockpot method, simply transfer the mashed potatoes to the crockpot, dot with additional butter, and sprinkle with paprika. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in mashed potatoes that are creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. |
| 8 | Serve and enjoy: Once the mashed potatoes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Sprinkle with bacon bits or crumbled bacon just before serving for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. These mashed potatoes are perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Enjoy them hot, straight from the oven or crockpot, and savor every creamy, delicious bite. |
| 9 | Make ahead: These mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight in either a casserole dish or crockpot. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake or slow cook. This make-ahead option makes meal prep a breeze and allows you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. |
Recipe Notes:
- Cooking in the crockpot: The crockpot method is highly recommended for maximum flavor and convenience. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in mashed potatoes that are creamy, rich, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s a hands-off cooking method that frees up valuable oven space, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and add-ins to suit your personal preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of garlic, onion powder, or bacon according to your taste. Get creative and make these mashed potatoes your own!
- Serve with your favorite dishes: These mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of main dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or your favorite vegetarian entree for a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love.
Conclusion:
These To Die for Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are truly a game-changer in the world of side dishes. Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly convenient, they are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, planning a weeknight dinner, or simply craving comfort food, these mashed potatoes are the perfect choice. Prepare them the night before for ultimate convenience, or whip them up on the spot for a quick and delicious side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With their irresistible flavor and creamy texture, these mashed potatoes are bound to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy! π΄π₯
