Best 20 Make Ahead Potatoes Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, and mash.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large casserole dish.
• Cover, and bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add potatoes; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in butter, seasonings and, if desired, chives. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before heating. Microwave, uncovered, on high 10 minutes, stirring once. Stir in milk. Microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large stockpot, fill with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let cool enough so that you can handle them, about 10 minutes. It is important that the potatoes do not cool too much because they will mash more easily when hot.
• Meanwhile, add the butter to the same pot that you used to cook the potatoes (no need to clean it). Melt completely over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Heat 3/4 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until steaming and set aside.
• Holding the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, gently peel the skins off with a paring knife. Quarter the potatoes and put them in the pot along with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy (see Cook's Note).
• Add the cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream. Stir until combined, making sure there are no pools of cream at bottom of the baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently stir the mashed potatoes. Cover again and continue to bake until the potatoes are hot and steamy, 20 to 25 minutes more. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: Thaw the potatoes completely in the refrigerator and cook according to the same directions as refrigerated potatoes but do not add cream. The potatoes might seem watery at first but will thicken as they heat up.
• Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to a large bowl for serving.

TO DIE FOR MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Boil potatoes until tender.
• Beat softened cream cheese and sour cream in mixing bowl.
• Add hot potatoes and beat until smooth, adding small amounts of milk as needed.
• Add butter, chives, salt, pepper and onion powder and beat until well-mixed.
• Add garlic, green onions, and marjoram and beat until well-mixed.
• Pour into either casserole dish or crockpot.
• Dot with additional butter and sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake for 25 minutes in 350°F oven or cook on low in crockpot for 2-3 hours. If cooked in crockpot, add a few additional drops of butter and stir, just before serving.
• Sprinkle with Bacon Bits or crumpled bacon just before serving.
• NOTE: Can be refrigerated overnight in either casserole dish or crockpot.

MAKE-AHEAD TWICE-BAKED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Wash potatoes and pat dry.
• Place potatoes, not touching, on a large baking sheet.
• You may need two baking sheets.
• Spray potatoes generously with non-stick cooking spray.
• Sprinkle outside of potatoes with a little salt.
• Bake 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until potatoes "give" when gently squeezed, indicating they are done.
• In large mixing bowl, add butter, cream cheese, salt and pepper and mix well.
• With a serrated knife, cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise, being careful to leave skins unbroken.
• With large spoon, scoop out the inside of potatoes, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the inside of the skin.
• Place potato skin shells, skin side down, on the baking sheet used to bake the potatoes.
• Put scooped out potato in mixing bowl as you remove it and mix to combine with butter mixture, adding skim milk as needed to make potatoes the consistency of slightly stiff mashed potatoes.
• You may need a little more or less milk to get the final desired consistency.
• Using the palm of your hand to support the potato shell while filling, spoon and press potato mixture into each half potato shell.
• Return filled shell to baking sheet.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese and pat cheese to make it adhere to the potatoes.
• TO SERVE IMMEDIATELY: Return baking pan of potatoes to oven and bake about 15-25 minutes until potatoes are hot and cheese is melted.
• TO FREEZE FOR LATER USE: Cover potatoes with plastic wrap and place baking sheet in freezer, leaving several hours until potatoes are completely frozen.
• Remove potatoes from freezer and wrap each potato in a resealable plastic sandwich bag.
• Place wrapped potatoes into one or more gallon resealable freezer bags.
• Store in freezer for up to 3 months.
• TO COOK FROZEN POTATOES: Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Place potatoes on baking sheet and loosely cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake about 45 minutes.
• Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or more until potatoes are hot.
• Do not over bake.
• This method keeps the potato skins firm and crisp.
• If time is short, place potatoes in microwave and cook on high about 10 minutes.
• Remove and then place in 350°F oven to finish cooking.
• IN A BIG HURRY: These potatoes can be completely heated from frozen state in the microwave, heating them just until they are hot.
• Potato skins will be softer than if cooked in the oven.
• OR, they can be defrosted in the microwave and reheated, uncovered, in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until hot.

MAKE-AHEAD POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven or large kettle; cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. , Drain potatoes and place in a bowl; mash. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, onion and salt; stir until smooth and the cream cheese and butter are melted. Spread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , Melt the remaining butter; drizzle over the potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate or bake immediately, covered, at 350° for 40 minutes; uncover and bake 20 minutes longer. If potatoes are made ahead and refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

CREAMY MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain., Drain potatoes; return to pan. Mash potatoes, gradually adding cream cheese, sour cream and butter. Stir in milk and seasonings. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with cheese, green onions and bacon. Refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until heated through.

MAKE-AHEAD SLOW COOKER MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain water and place pot with potatoes back over medium heat until potatoes are dry, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Mash potatoes using a hand mixer until smooth. Stir in cream cheese, half-and-half, egg whites, chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend well.
• Spray a slow cooker insert with nonstick spray and add mashed potato mixture. Cut 1/2 cup butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and add to potatoes.
• Cook on Low for 2 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice during the cook time. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup of butter 1 tablespoon at a time and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

HOMEMADE MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Scrub potatoes. Leave skins on, if desired, or peel thinly and remove eyes. Cut into large pieces. Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan; add potato pieces. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook covered 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Shake pan gently over low heat to dry potatoes.
• Heat milk, whipping cream, butter, salt and pepper in 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted. Measure out 1/4 cup of the milk mixture; cover and refrigerate.
• Add remaining milk mixture in small amounts to potatoes in medium bowl, mashing with potato masher or electric mixer after each addition. (Amount of milk needed to make potatoes smooth and fluffy depends on kind of potatoes used.) Beat vigorously until potatoes are light and fluffy.
• Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Spoon potatoes into casserole; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, heat oven to 350°F. Reheat reserved milk mixture in microwave. Then pour milk mixture over potatoes. Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are hot. Just before serving, stir potatoes.
• ALTERNATE METHOD: Only have one oven and need to bake all your sides at the same temperature? You also can reheat these at 325°F. When ready to bake, heat oven to 325°F. Reheat reserved milk mixture in microwave. Then pour milk mixture over potatoes. Bake uncovered 60 to 65 minutes or until potatoes are hot. Just before serving, stir potatoes.

MAKE-AHEAD SCALLOPED POTATOES

Steps:

• In two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes, layer potatoes and onions. Combine the flour, soup and milk until blended; pour over each baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until potatoes are tender. Uncover; cool for 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Bake at 325° for 30-40 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese; bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

CLASSIC MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain., In a large bowl, mash potatoes with cream cheese. Combine the egg whites, sour cream, onion powder, salt and pepper; stir into potatoes until blended. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Drizzle with butter. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover and bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160°.

CREAMY MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large pan with water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender when pierced with a thin-bladed knife, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Heat half and half in microwave.
• 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 standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.) Stir in half and half and a sprinkling of salt (or beat, if using mixer) until smooth and fluffy. (Can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.)
• 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 with plastic wrap. Keep warm until serving time.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a saucepan; add water to cover and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25 minutes or until pototoes are tender.
• Drain.
• Peel potatoes; place in a large mixing bowl, and mash with a potato masher.
• Add 2 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
• Mix until all ingredients are blended.
• Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 12X8X2-inch baking dish.
• Brush top of mixture with melted butter; sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate.
• If refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Bake at 350F, uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in cold water to cover by 1". Add a large handful of salt (water should taste briny, like the ocean) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender but not crumbly, 30-40 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to warm pot to dry (off heat).
• Meanwhile, heat 2/3 cup cream and 2/3 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium until just about to simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to add to potatoes.
• Pass hot potatoes and butter through ricer into a large bowl (this will help combine them quickly; most of the skins should stay behind but pick out any small pieces that get through if you want); season generously with salt. Mix with a potato masher until butter is melted and combined.
• Mixing constantly, gradually add warm cream mixture to potatoes, then mix in sour cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
• Do Ahead
• Potatoes can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. To serve, transfer potatoes to a small pot and add 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1/3 cup whole milk; reheat over medium-low, stirring often to prevent scorching.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• Butter and cream cheese should be allowed to soften at room temperature for ease of use. Leaving them on the counter while you peel the potatoes should be sufficient.
• Peel potatoes, rinse, and cut into large chunks. Place in a large stockpot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes and boil till tender.
• While potatoes boil, blend 1 1/3 cup butter with the cream cheese. (This is best done in a stand mixer.) Add sour cream and mix well. Set aside.
• Chop green onions, and refrigerate in a ziplock bag till serving time.
• Drain cooked potatoes and mash or whip to your liking (I like them super smooth, but some people prefer them lumpy.).
• Add the dairy blend to the potatoes and mix well. You can either do this in your stock pot, or divide it up into more manageable portions.
• Once it's all mixed, load it into your crockpot and whack it into the fridge.
• On serving day, dot the top of the potatoes with the remaining butter. Put the crockpot on low setting for 2-3 hours or until heated thru, then turn down to 'keep warm' setting (if your crockpot has one) till dinner time.
• Can be served directly from the crockpot for buffet, or divvied up into serving dishes for family style dining.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES FOR CROCK POT

Steps:

• Boil peeled potatoes until tender.
• Beat sour cream and cream cheese together.
• Add hot potatoes and beat until smooth.
• Add butter, chives, salt and pepper to taste.
• Place in greased two quart casserole.
• Dot with butter and sprinkle paprika on top.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
• Serves 8-10.
• NOTE****this recipe can be made the day before dinner and refrigerated in crock pot.
• Then, on the serving day, just turn on crock pot at low setting and cook potatoes for about 2-3 hours, to be ready when the rest of the dinner is ready.
• You may add more butter, cream cheese or sour cream depending upon the consistency you prefer.

MAKE AHEAD GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes and garlic in medium saucepan with enough (salted if desired) water to cover.
• Cover and heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 20 minutes).
• Drain and shake potatoes to dry over low heat.
• Mash potatoes and garlic in pan until lump free (my personal preference is to use a potato ricer).
• Heat rest of ingredients stirring over low heat until butter melts.
• Reserve 1/4 C of mixture.
• Add rest of milk mix in small amounts stirring after each addition until light and fluffy (amount needed depends on type of potato used).
• Grease a 2 quart casserole and spoon in potatoes.
• Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Heat oven to 350.
• Pour reserved milk mixture over potatoes and bake uncovered 40-45 minutes or until hot.
• Stir before serving.

MAKE-AHEAD SOUR CREAM AND CHIVE MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray; set aside. In 4-quart Dutch oven, place potatoes; add enough water just to cover potatoes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Shake potatoes in Dutch oven over low heat to dry.
• Mash potatoes until no lumps remain. Add cream cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper; mix until well blended. Spoon into pan. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours. (To bake immediately, drizzle with butter and bake 30 minutes, adding onions for last 15 minutes of baking.)
• Heat oven to 350°F. Drizzle butter over potatoes. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle onions over potatoes. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes longer or until potatoes are hot.

COMPANY'S COMING MAKE -AHEAD POTATOES

Steps:

• Cover potatoes with water in lg pot.
• Cook until tender.
• Drain and mash.
• Add sour cream, cream cheese, and 3 T butter; mix well, add salt.
• Spoon into 11x7 baking dish.
• Melt 1 T butter; drizzle over potatoes.
• Bake, covered, at 350* for 30 minutes.
• Uncover and bake 10 minutes more.

MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a 6-qt saucepan; add enough water to cover potatoes. Heat to boiling over high heat; reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 15 to 18 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash potatoes in saucepan with potato masher or elecric mixer on low speed.
• Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese with elecric mixer on low speed until smooth. Beat in sour cream and garlic salt.
• Heat oven to 350. Stir cheese mixture into mashed potatoes until well blended. If potatoes are too still, stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. Spoon into ungreased 13X9 inch glass baking dish.
• (If not baking right away, cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before ready to bake and then bake as directed.).
• Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and top is lightly browned. Sprinkle with paprika and chives.