Day Before Mashed Potatoes

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Creamy, make-ahead mashed potatoes with rich cream cheese, butter, and seasonings, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, appealing to comfort food lovers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs. Potatoes
  • 8 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 Pint Whipping Cream
  • 1 Stick Butter
  • 1 Tsp. Seasoned Salt
  • 1 Tsp. Garlic Salt
  • 1 Tsp. Onion Powder

Instructions

  1. Cook potatoes until soft and prepare as mashed potatoes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients: cream cheese, whipping cream, butter, seasoned salt, garlic salt, and onion powder.
  3. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra creaminess, consider substituting sour cream for some of the whipping cream. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor. If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of boiling them. Make sure to season to taste, as the saltiness can vary depending on the butter and cream cheese brands.

Serving Suggestions

These mashed potatoes are perfect alongside roasted meats or stews, making them a great side for holiday meals. Consider pairing them with dishes like a savory turkey or a beef pot roast. They also complement vegetarian recipes beautifully, like a hearty vegetable casserole, for a satisfying meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Day Before Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 2739 calories, with 40g protein, 363g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

2739 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.1g 80% DV
Total Fat 126.4g 100% DV
Carbs 363g 100% DV
Fiber 34.8g 100% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 565.9mg 25% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 69mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 236.8mcg 26% DV
Vitamin C 135.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 5% DV
Calcium 252.1mg 19% DV
Iron 7.9mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, these mashed potatoes are designed to be made a day in advance. Just prepare them and store in the refrigerator, covered. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat as directed.

What type of potatoes should I use for the best flavor?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for mashed potatoes due to their creamy texture. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor, which enhances the dish. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't yield the same smooth consistency.

Can I freeze the mashed potatoes for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the mashed potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Note that texture may change slightly after freezing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →