Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These Creamy Mashed Potatoes have been my favorite mashed potato recipe since forever. Literally. My mom has been making these as far back as I can recall. And they're still hands down the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. I love the secret ingredient of green onions, they add that sweet spice and a slight crunch. Plus, making them the night before allows the flavors to really marry and intensify! When you make the night before you save yourself lots of time in the kitchen.

Make Ahead

Literally, the best thing in the world is being over-prepared for a holiday lunch or dinner, right? Well, these mashed potatoes are whipped up the day before. You can eat them right away if you must, but refrigerating overnight gives them this indescribable texture and taste. I just love it! I simply pull them out while the oven heats up and then pop them in there for about 40 minutes until they're super hot all the way through. Smooth, hot mashed potatoes really make your meal.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes - or Yukon Gold
• Cream cheese - at room temperature
• Sour cream
• Unsalted butter - at room temperature
• Large eggs - beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions
• Paprika to sprinkle on top - optional but adds a great pop of flavor and looks really pretty

Holiday Potatoes

I make these every year for Easter. They are a delightful combination with honeyed ham and a side of green beans. Plus, we always host Easter at our house, so making these ahead of time is a life saver!

Obviously mashed potatoes are a total necessity for Thanksgiving, and let me tell you, these potatoes really elevate the typically bland turkey. I wish you could scoop your little mitts right into this picture and taste how amazing these mashed potatoes really are!

Christmas dinner is a big deal around our house. We like to mix it up with our main dish, but I always make these potatoes. Again because I can make them the day before and that only makes them more delicious and makes my life easier! Win, win!

Instructions

To make these mashed potatoes, you'll need about 45 minutes and 1 pot. I'm all about minimal dishes folks.

Peel and cut potatoes into 2" pieces.

Boil enough water to cover potatoes and give them room to dance around. Once boiling, put your potatoes in and let them cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Drain water and return potatoes to pot.

Now, I like to use my Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer (I love this thing! It's lasted forever and works great!) to start breaking down the cooked potatoes for about a minute.

Add the cream cheese, sour cream, butter and salt and mix on medium speed until fully combined and only small lumps remain.

Stir in the green onions for that awesome pop of flavor! And then you're done!

Pour into your casserole dish and cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

When you're ready to scarf these down, heat the oven to 350°F and bring the potatoes out of the fridge (if refrigerated) and allow to start coming to room temp.

Heat uncovered on middle rack for 40-45 minutes until piping hot all the way through the center. ENJOY!

Low Calorie Mashed Potato Option

If you're feeling like all the creamy goodness is a bit heavy, it's really easy to cut back on the calories without sacrificing flavor! Simply purchase the low fat cream cheese and sour cream! Easy! Both of those cut the fat by about two thirds. So then these mashed potatoes become a side dish you can indulge in without any guilt!