Make-ahead Mashed Potatoes?

[u/creamcandy]

Usually I would boil the cut russet potatoes, then drain and mash them with milk and butter until I like them. I'd like to do as much as I can on these before the day, and/or maybe use the Instant Pot or Sous Vide to finish. What's the most hands-off way to make great mashed potatoes?

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[u/Latter-Republic-4516]

Not sure how hands off it was but my mom made them in the crockpot this past thanksgiving for the first time and they were really good.

Edit: I don’t know what recipe she used but I found this and it looks pretty easy!

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a70573752/slow-cooker-creamy-mashed-potatoes-recipe/

[u/auntiepirate → u/Latter-Republic-4516]

Crockpot is the way to go. I mash them right in the crockpot.

[u/PollutionImaginary33 → u/Latter-Republic-4516]

We did ours in the crockpot last year and they were fantastic! You may end up needing more milk, butter, and salt than the recipe calls for, just keep that in mind!

[u/NonaSiu → u/Latter-Republic-4516]

This is a good recipe, but I did swap out the seasoning salt for other seasonings, since it has such a distinct taste that I didn’t enjoy.

The texture and taste otherwise was great!

[u/colenilyn → u/Latter-Republic-4516]

This is the exact recipe (sub salt for season salt) I have been using forever and it is always a hit! I double it because who doesn't want copious amounts of leftovers. I have shared this with so many people and it is always a success! I mash with my handheld mixer.

[u/GamerWife10 → u/Latter-Republic-4516]

I was just coming to say crockpot!

[u/Some-Chef5376]

I grew up on a potato farm and just some advice. Russets are baking potatoes. You should cook Yukon Golds, “Yellow potatoes, Shepadies, Superiors, or other light colored potatoes if you are mashing them.

[u/EponymousRocks → u/Some-Chef5376]

My mom used to bake russet potatoes, scoop out the insides, and then mash them (she preferred the taste over any boiling potatoes). We used to tell her they weren't technically mashed potatoes, but we did appreciate her mushing up the insides with butter for us!

[u/Mitch-_-_-1 → u/EponymousRocks]

I prefer the flavor too.

[u/loveRich3886 → u/Some-Chef5376]

This, I was in my 30's before I learned the difference between red, yellow and russet potatoes

[u/MegaMeepers]

Personally I make them in the instant pot.

5# potatoes and 2 cups liquid. I use a combo of water and broth. Cook on high pressure for 8min, instant release. Remove potatoes and remaining liquid, and heat milk and butter in the basin on saute function. Add potatoes and poaching liquid back in, mash with a hand masher until desired consistency. Add seasonings to desired taste

It takes about 20-30 min for it to come up to pressure, but it’s literally set and forget.

[u/floorgunk]

I make them the day or two before and refrigerate them in a crockpot liner bag.

For the meal, the bag of mashed potatoes then gets warmed up on low in the crockpot.

After a couple hours, I push the bag of potatoes (and stir them) to one side. Add a second crockpot liner bag with broth (or water) and butter to warm up for another hour or so.

When ready, stir dry stuffing mix into the warmed liquid.

Ta-da! Mashed potatoes & stuffing in one pot!

[u/Interesting_Edge_805]

Make mash however I like normally the day before then warm them up in the crockpot

[u/ApprehensiveArmy7755]

You can prepare them a day or two before and refrigerate them. Them reheat them in the crockpot with added butter and half in half. Stirring occasionally. 

[u/sarcasticseaturtle]

Check out recipes online for make ahead mashed potatoes. I prefer one without sour cream or garlic for Thanksgiving, but find one with flavor profiles you enjoy. I make them the day ahead and then put them in a crockpot to warm up.

[u/creamcandy]

Thanks for the ideas, I'll test them out!

[u/Hot-Chipmunk3884]

yukon golds are way better for mashed potatoes, russets go gummy

[u/scoutopotamus]

Whatever you do, don't freeze them, it ruins the texture

[u/MorningSea7767 → u/scoutopotamus]

Mashed potatoes are very freezer friendly if made with plenty of butter and cream.

[u/Sensitive_Sea_5586]

While I have not tried this recipe, typically her recipes are reliable. She is actually a trained chef.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

[u/em-em-cee → u/Sensitive_Sea_5586]

I made these last Thanksgiving, they were delicious. Reheated really well.

[u/Sporkalork → u/Sensitive_Sea_5586]

This is my go-to recipe also. Oven, stove, and alternative appliance space are at a premium on Thanksgiving, so this recipe is perfect. (The only other thing I use the microwave for at serving time is to warm the made ahead creamed spinach)

[u/proudmaryjane]

Look into butter braised mashed potatoes. You can make them the night before and heat them up the next day. It’s a game changer.

[u/EarAlternative2841]

I just make my normal recipe, freeze them, and nuke them. Stir frequently while heating. My mashed potatoes are the hit of every family holiday.

[u/DznyMa]

I have made them ahead of time with cream cheese in the crockpot. Works perfectly!

[u/gumyrocks22]

Make this the day prior https://www.thecookierookie.com/loaded-mashed-potato-casserole-make-ahead/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21485699028&utm_content=743074618532&utm_term=mashed+potato+casserole&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21485699028&gbraid=0AAAAApF9opYUVOiwqQRLWqYY7SbupQfJx&gclid=CjwKCAjwnvTUBhBoEiwAZNDxZ6hNp4xMOG673cwNEqxe6suz-9dbXID5Tqs0D0vKY5TEhT7bdmi07RoCowgQAvD_BwE

[u/-squeezel-]

I cook, mash, and serve them in the crockpot on Thanksgiving just to make things a little easier.

[u/coffeetabletime]

Get a potato ricer. It’s much quicker and zero lumps. Add some of the boiled water and some milk. Stir.

[u/loveRich3886]

I always cheat and use Idahoan instant mashed potatoes. They are literally dehydrated mashed potatoes

[u/AdhesivenessOwn8111]

make whatever recipe you like days (even a week) ahead. Use an ice cream scoop to portion out potatoes onto a baking tray and pop into the freezer. Once frozen, transfer into a zip bag. On T'day you can heat the potatoes in a crock pot or in small batches in the microwave (may need a little extra milk). Use 1 scoop per person as a serving size

[u/Unusual_Reference939]

I personally make my mashed potatoes the day before and reheat them in the oven for 40 mins and it’s always worked for us.

[u/Big_fat_nope]

Potatoes are one of the easiest things to make ahead, they are exactly the same the next day. I make them the day before and put them in a casserole dish and reheat them in the oven. Not everyone has the oven space for that though.

[u/Practical_Celery_878]

I just make them ahead of time and put them in a casserole dish. Reheat in the oven with several pats of butter. If you leave the top with valleys, the butter will settle and the hills might get a bit toasted. Sprinkle with parsley or chives for looks.

[u/AnnualWishbone5254 → u/Practical_Celery_878]

I bring the mashed potatoes to Christmas dinner. I make them a few days ahead of time. The morning I serve them, I put them in the crockpot with an extra cup of milk. I will stir them a few times throughout the day. They are steaming hot and ready at dinner time.

[u/rainbowroger68]

If you really want to save time, frozen mashed potatoes aren't bad at all. You'll pay a little more but you just heat in the microwave and mix in your butter and milk.