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Who doesn't love a good bowl of mashed potatoes? They're the perfect comfort food, and a staple at any family gathering. But let's be honest, cooking them can be a hassle. Between peeling, boiling, mashing, and seasoning, it can take up a lot of time and effort. That's why I'm excited to share with you my secret to stress-free mashed potatoes: making them ahead of time - and in casserole form!
Yes, you heard me right. You can make mashed potatoes ahead of time and still have them taste fresh and delicious. Not only does this save you time on the day of your event, but it also allows you to focus on other dishes that need to be prepared. Plus, you won't have to worry about your mashed potatoes getting cold while you finish up the rest of the meal.
So, how do you make ahead mashed potatoes? There are a few different methods out there, and I've tried them all. From storing them in the fridge to freezing them, each method has its pros and cons. But don't worry, I've done the research for you and I'm here to share my favorite techniques. Get ready to impress your guests with perfectly creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes, without the stress! Looking for something on the sweeter side? Try this sweet potato casserole!
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Why You're Going to Love this Recipe
This recipe is more like a mashed potato casserole. We're adding lots of goodness to the pan, and then baking it off just before serving.
Make it Ahead: There are so many things to do when it comes to entertaining. Make the majority of this dish ahead of time, pop it in the freezer, and then bake it in the oven just before dinner time, and you're good to go.
Creamy Perfection: Mashed potatoes reach a new level with the addition of roasted garlic, offering a nuanced and rich flavor profile.
Luxurious Texture: The inclusion of crème fraiche adds a velvety and indulgent texture, ensuring each bite is a delight to the senses.
Richness Unleashed: Butter is the secret ingredient for a luscious quality, creating a mash that's both comforting and decadent.
Indulgent Moisture: Heavy cream contributes to the overall creaminess, providing a moist and sumptuous consistency that sets this dish apart.
Baked Brilliance: The final touch involves baking the concoction in an 8x8 pan, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify while achieving a golden perfection.
Parmesan Crown: A generous layer of grated Parmesan crowns the dish, forming a crispy, savory crust that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
The Spud Selection
What potato should you be using? It depends.
First and foremost, you want to choose a potato that is high in starch. Starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds, are perfect for making mashed potatoes because they break down easily and create a fluffy, creamy texture. Waxy potatoes, like Red or New Potatoes, are not ideal for mashed potatoes because they hold their shape better and can result in a gummy texture. For a different spin on a potato dish, try these potatoes au gratin.
Another thing to consider is the size of the potatoes. Larger potatoes can be harder to cook evenly, which can result in some potatoes being overcooked and some being undercooked. This can affect the texture of your mashed potatoes. So, it's best to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size, and to cut them into even pieces before boiling. My personal fav is the Yukon Gold. I just love the extremely creamy texture and sweet flavor.
Boiling the Buds
That's right, cold water. None of this boiling water nonsense. Just pop those spuds in a pot, cover them with cold water, and bring them to a boil.
Once they're boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer until they're fork-tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. And don't forget to add some salt to the water. Not too much, mind you. Just enough to give the potatoes some flavor.
Ingredients
5 medium potatoes: Provide a hearty base, contributing to the dish's satisfying texture and comforting flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste by bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and balancing the richness of other ingredients.
1 head of roasted garlic: Infuses a deep, mellow garlic flavor, elevating the dish with a savory and aromatic profile.
¼ cup butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that makes the mashed potatoes irresistibly indulgent.
1 cup creme fraiche: Elevates the creaminess, imparting a tangy and velvety quality that sets these mashed potatoes apart.
¼ cup grated parmesan: Introduces a nutty and savory element, contributing to the overall depth of flavor and providing a delightful crust when baked.
½ cup heavy cream: Enhances the creaminess and moisture, ensuring the mashed potatoes are decadently smooth and satisfying.
Making Make-Ahead Potatoes
These potatoes can be made up to 2 days in advance, and kept in the fridge. Bake them off for 30-45 minutes before serving, and they're good to go!
Roast Garlic:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves.
Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 mins until cloves are soft and golden.
Prepare Potatoes:
Peel and chop 5 medium potatoes into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Boil Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, ensuring they're cooked through but not mushy.
Rice Potatoes:
Use a potato ricer for a smooth texture, incorporating the boiled potatoes into a fluffy mash.
Combine Ingredients:
Add ¼ cup butter, the roasted garlic (squeeze out the cloves), 1 cup creme fraiche, and ½ cup heavy cream.
Mix thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer to Pan:
Transfer the mashed potatoes into an 8x8 baking pan, spreading them evenly.
Top with Parmesan:
Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 mins or until the top is golden and the potatoes are heated through.
Day Ahead Instructions
- Prepare Until Baking:
- Follow the recipe up to the point of transferring the mashed potatoes to the baking pan.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bring to Room Temperature:
- About 1-2 hours before baking, take the mashed potatoes out of the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Top with Parmesan Before Baking:
- Just before baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top for that perfect golden crust.
- Bake as Directed:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the mashed potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the top is golden.
Variations
The flavor on these potatoes is already to die for, and really, goes with anything. But if you're looking to kick it up a notch, try these:
Herb-infused Bliss:
Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives for a fragrant and garden-fresh twist.
Truffle Elegance:
Drizzle truffle oil into the mashed potatoes and top with a sprinkle of truffle salt for a sophisticated flavor profile. Honestly, truffle makes everything better.
Bacon and Cheddar Delight:
Fold in crispy bacon bits and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a savory, indulgent treat.
Caramelized Onion:
Incorporate sweet, caramelized onions into the mash for a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes.
Spicy Garlic Kick:
Add a kick with crushed red pepper flakes and roasted spicy garlic for a bold and zesty variation.
Loaded Baked Potato Magic:
Include sour cream, chopped green onions, and a touch of ranch seasoning for a mashed version of a loaded baked potato.
Sun-dried Tomato Mediterranean Twist:
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired delight.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Roast chicken: Mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a juicy roast chicken. The creamy potatoes complement the crispy skin and tender meat.
- Meatloaf: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing. The potatoes help soak up the rich tomato sauce and add a creamy texture to the dish.
- Grilled steak: Mashed potatoes are a great side dish for a hearty steak dinner. The creamy potatoes help balance out the bold flavors of the meat.
- Roasted vegetables: Mashed potatoes can also be paired with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly meal. The creamy potatoes provide a nice contrast to the crispy, caramelized veggies.
Pro Tips and Tricks:
Perfectly Creamy Potatoes:
Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest texture when mashed.
Roasting Garlic Intensity:
Adjust the roasting time for garlic to control the intensity. Longer roasting yields a milder flavor.
Butter Temperature Matters:
Ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing to seamlessly incorporate it into the mashed potatoes.
Creme Fraiche Finesse:
Opt for full-fat creme fraiche for a richer and silkier consistency in your mashed potatoes.
Fluffiness with Ricing:
Use a potato ricer for the fluffiest potatoes, avoiding overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
Cheese Melting Technique:
For a gooey cheese layer, mix half of the Parmesan into the mashed potatoes and sprinkle the rest on top before baking.
Golden Parmesan Crust:
Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra golden and crispy Parmesan crust.
Advance Prep Convenience:
Roast garlic and boil potatoes ahead, assembling the casserole just before baking for a time-saving option.
Seasoning Savvy:
Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the process to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful result.
Serve with Style:
Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of truffle oil before serving to elevate the presentation and aroma.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish - but with the amount of dairy in it, there's always a chance the potatoes will separate, and the texture might be off. Here are some tips on how to avoid it!
Cool Completely: Allow the mashed potato casserole to cool completely before freezing to maintain its texture.
Portion Control: Consider dividing the casserole into individual portions or desired serving sizes before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
Thawing Process: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen mashed potato casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven to maintain its original texture.
Avoid Dairy Separation: Freezing may cause slight separation in dairy-based dishes. Stir the thawed casserole well to recombine any separated ingredients.
Best Consumed Within: While frozen mashed potatoes can last for a few months, it's best to consume them within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
More Amazing Sides to Try
📖 Recipe
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Equipment
- Potato Ricer you can also make with a potato masher, but the ricer gives a great consistency.
Ingredients
- 5 medium potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 head garlic
- drizzle olive oil
- ¼ C butter room temperature
- 1 C crème fraiche or mascarpone cheese
- ½ C heavy cream
- ¼ C parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 mins until soft and golden. Squeeze out the cloves.
- In a large pot, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain.
- Rice the boiled potatoes for a fluffy texture.
- In a large bowl, mix the riced potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, crème fraiche, and heavy cream. Season with salt to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to an 8x8 baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 mins or until the top is golden and the potatoes are heated through.
Video
Notes
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the mashed potatoes up to the point of baking, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bring to room temperature before baking for a stress-free meal.
- Customization: Experiment with flavor variations like herbs, truffle oil, or different cheese options to suit your taste.
- Garnish Options: Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving.
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy kick, add more Parmesan or mix in additional varieties like sharp cheddar.
- Texture Tip: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest mashed texture.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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