How to Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

Mashed potatoes are considered by some to be an indispensable part of a holiday menu. With their creamy texture and satisfying taste, mashed potatoes complement a broad range of main dishes. Mashed potatoes can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. Because mashed potatoes will absorb liquids when being stored they will have to be made with more liquid than usual. Any favorite family recipe for mashed potatoes should be adaptable to make ahead as long as this is kept in mind.

The convenience of having a dish ready to go leaves you free to concentrate on enjoying your guests. This recipe is ideal for the first-time host as it allows you to focus on the little extras that make a holiday special.

Things You'll Need

• 6 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Large stockpot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• 1 quart whole milk, room temperature
• 1 pint cream, room temperature
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pint whole buttermilk
• Sea salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Potato masher or ricer
• Large oven-proof casserole
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Place the potatoes in the stockpot and fill with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Continue boiling until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes in a large colander.

3. Transfer the potatoes to the large mixing bowl. Add the milk and butter, incorporating them with the masher or ricer.

4. Add the buttermilk and cream while continuing to mash. Add salt and pepper, tasting for quantity.

5. Transfer mash to casserole and cover with foil. Store refrigerated up to three days.
   Reheat uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until hot in the center.

Tips & Warnings

• The potatoes should be wet when finished mashing to ensure a creamy consistency when reheating.

• Do not overmash or the potatoes will be gummy.

• Add the cloves from a roasted, pureed garlic bulb along with the salt and pepper, if desired.

• This recipe makes enough to feed 12 as a side dish.

References

• mashed potato recipe
• make ahead mashed potatoes

Resources

• The America's Test Kitchen Perfect Vegetable;2004; Brookline, Ma.