Refrigerator Potatoes
Refrigerator potatoes are creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a hint of onion salt, perfect for make-ahead meals and served chilled or warm as a comforting side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes with salt until tender, then mash.
- Add cream cheese, onion salt, salt, pepper, and margarine to the mashed potatoes.
- Beat the mixture until fluffy.
- Allow to cool, then cover and refrigerate.
- Keeps up to 2 weeks in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. You can also add garlic powder or fresh herbs like chives for added flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked potatoes or instant potato flakes. For a unique twist, try adding shredded cheese to the mixture, which pairs beautifully with Snappy Cheese Ball.
Serving Suggestions
These Refrigerator Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a potluck spread. They also pair well with American recipes like meatloaf or fried chicken. For a unique appetizer, shape them into small balls and serve with toothpicks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also add a splash of milk or a pat of butter when reheating for extra creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Refrigerator Potatoes contains roughly 706 calories, with 8g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 freeze the mashed potatoes?
While it's not recommended to freeze these mashed potatoes due to the cream cheese, you can freeze plain mashed potatoes for up to 3 months. If you do freeze them, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding cream cheese and seasonings after thawing.
How can I make these potatoes healthier?
To make these Refrigerator Potatoes healthier, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese. You can also decrease the amount of added salt and incorporate steamed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I serve with Refrigerator Potatoes?
Refrigerator Potatoes are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They pair well with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and can accompany a fresh vegetable medley. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a garden salad or as a side to your favorite American recipes like barbecue ribs.
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).