Make Ahead Party Mashed Potatoes Food

HOMEMADE MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Scrub potatoes. Leave skins on, if desired, or peel thinly and remove eyes. Cut into large pieces. Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan; add potato pieces. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook covered 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Shake pan gently over low heat to dry potatoes.
• Heat milk, whipping cream, butter, salt and pepper in 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted. Measure out 1/4 cup of the milk mixture; cover and refrigerate.
• Add remaining milk mixture in small amounts to potatoes in medium bowl, mashing with potato masher or electric mixer after each addition. (Amount of milk needed to make potatoes smooth and fluffy depends on kind of potatoes used.) Beat vigorously until potatoes are light and fluffy.
• Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Spoon potatoes into casserole; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, heat oven to 350°F. Reheat reserved milk mixture in microwave. Then pour milk mixture over potatoes. Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are hot. Just before serving, stir potatoes.
• ALTERNATE METHOD: Only have one oven and need to bake all your sides at the same temperature? You also can reheat these at 325°F. When ready to bake, heat oven to 325°F. Reheat reserved milk mixture in microwave. Then pour milk mixture over potatoes. Bake uncovered 60 to 65 minutes or until potatoes are hot. Just before serving, stir potatoes.

CREAMY MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F and adjust an oven rack to the middle position.
• Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (alternatively, you can place them on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet). Bake until very soft, 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. (Err on the side of overcooking rather than undercooking them.)
• Remove the potatoes from the oven. While they are still hot, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using an oven mitt or a folded kitchen towel to hold the hot potatoes, scoop out all of the flesh from each potato half into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (*see note below on using a potato ricer, food mill or hand-held electric mixer). The flesh near the skin gets a little tough, so be sure to leave it behind. Break the cooked potato flesh down into small pieces using a potato masher, fork, or rubber spatula. Beat on low speed until completely smooth and no lumps remain, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. (Note: it's important to mash the potatoes while they are still hot, otherwise you'll end up with lumps.)
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream and 6 tablespoons of the butter to a simmer.
• Remove the bowl from the mixer stand and, using a large rubber spatula, gradually fold in the hot cream and butter mixture. It will take a few minutes to mix it all in; keep folding until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, then taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large microwave-safe bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap (the bowl should be large enough that the potatoes don't touch the plastic wrap). Refrigerate for up to 2 days. (DO NOT FREEZE)
• To reheat, use the tip of a knife to poke about 10 holes in the plastic wrap, and microwave at medium-high (75 percent) power until the potatoes are hot, about 14 minutes, stirring halfway through the reheating time. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and sprinkle with the chives. Serve hot.
• Notes: For perfectly smooth potatoes, pass the potato flesh through a potato ricer or food mill before adding them to the mixer. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand-held electric mixer. If you don't have an electric mixer, pass the potatoes through a food mill or potato ricer and then whip by hand with a wooden spoon.

DO-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes, peel or don't peel. Cut into large chunks and place in a very large pot with plenty of headroom. Fill with water to cover and then add a few extra inches of water; salt the water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Adjust heat and vigorously simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 20 minutes or until done.
• Meanwhile, warm 3 cups (720 ml) of the milk (or half and half if you want richer mashed potatoes) with the 1/2 cup (113 g) of butter.
• Butter the inside of your slow cooker at this time, as well.
• Drain well in a colander. Return potatoes to the pot over low heat and toss them around a few times to dry out a bit.
• If you are going to mash with a hand-held potato masher you will proceed right in the pot. If you are going to use a ricer or food mill, you will do that right in the slow cooker.
• Using Hand-Held Potato Masher: Use a potato masher to begin mashing the potatoes right in the cooking pot, adding the warmed milk and melted butter. Add additional milk if necessary and keep mashing to achieve desired texture. You want them a little looser than usual, as they will dry out a tad in the slow cooker. Taste and season well with salt and pepper. Transfer to slow cooker. Dot potatoes with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Cover the slow cooker and set on warm for up to 4 hours.
• Using Ricer or Food Mill: Place ricer or food mill over slow cooker. Add potatoes to ricer or food mill and press potatoes into slow cooker. Clean out skins from food mill as you go. Once all the potatoes are in the slow cooker, add warmed milk and melted butter and use a balloon whisk to bring everything together. Add additional milk if needed, whisking it in well. You want the mashed potatoes little looser than usual, as they will dry out a tad in the slow cooker. Taste and season to taste with salt and pepper. Dot potatoes with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Cover the slow cooker and set on warm for up to 4 hours.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES (RESTAURANT TRICK)

Steps:

• Peel and cut the potatoes into large chunks.
• Bring a pot of water to the boil, then add the potatoes. Cook for 20 minutes until soft and starting to fall apart.
• Drain then tip back into the pot placed over the stove (turned off). Allow to steam dry for a few minutes.
• Mash to your taste. Do NOT use a hand held mixer, blender or food processor - it will activate the starches in the potatoes and make it gluey.
• To make ahead, transfer to a bowl and cover with cling wrap, pressing onto the potato to remove as much air as possible. Refrigerate up to 2 days until required.
• On the day of, place the cream and butter in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn the stove off but leave the pot on the stove. Add the potatoes and stir into the cream.
• If you want to make your potatoes creamier, push them to the side, add more cream/milk, turn the stove on, bring to a simmer then stir.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives, a drizzle of olive oil and pepper.

MAKE-AHEAD POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven or large kettle; cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. , Drain potatoes and place in a bowl; mash. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, onion and salt; stir until smooth and the cream cheese and butter are melted. Spread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , Melt the remaining butter; drizzle over the potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate or bake immediately, covered, at 350° for 40 minutes; uncover and bake 20 minutes longer. If potatoes are made ahead and refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 15-20 minutes. Drain. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add potatoes; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in butter, seasonings and, if desired, chives. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. microwave-safe dish. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before heating. Microwave, uncovered, on high 10 minutes, stirring once. Stir in milk. Microwave until heated through, about 5 minutes.

PARTY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Boil potatoes until tender and then drain.
• Using a potato masher, or hand mixer, mash the potatoes with the butter until well blended.
• Add remaining ingredients and continue mixing and mashing until blended throughout, with a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate.
• If serving later, reheat in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until heated through.

MAKE AHEAD PARTY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• 1. Peel and boil potatoes, mash. Add rest of ingredients. Top with paprika, or parsley . Keep in refrigerator til ready to bring them to your gathering, or just heat the next day for a dinner party, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. It makes your prep work so much easier.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Lightly scrub the potatoes. Put them in a large stockpot, fill with cold water to cover by about 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a strong simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender in the center, 50 to 55 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander in the sink. Let cool enough so that you can handle them, about 10 minutes. It is important that the potatoes do not cool too much because they will mash more easily when hot.
• Meanwhile, add the butter to the same pot that you used to cook the potatoes (no need to clean it). Melt completely over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Heat 3/4 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl until steaming and set aside.
• Holding the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel, gently peel the skins off with a paring knife. Quarter the potatoes and put them in the pot along with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy (see Cook's Note).
• Add the cream and stir until combined. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon the mashed potatoes into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup cream. Stir until combined, making sure there are no pools of cream at bottom of the baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently stir the mashed potatoes. Cover again and continue to bake until the potatoes are hot and steamy, 20 to 25 minutes more. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To reheat frozen mashed potatoes: Thaw the potatoes completely in the refrigerator and cook according to the same directions as refrigerated potatoes but do not add cream. The potatoes might seem watery at first but will thicken as they heat up.
• Transfer the hot mashed potatoes to a large bowl for serving.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a saucepan; add water to cover and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 25 minutes or until pototoes are tender.
• Drain.
• Peel potatoes; place in a large mixing bowl, and mash with a potato masher.
• Add 2 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, sour cream, milk and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
• Mix until all ingredients are blended.
• Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 12X8X2-inch baking dish.
• Brush top of mixture with melted butter; sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate.
• If refrigerated, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Bake at 350F, uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot.

MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, and mash.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion salt, and pepper. Transfer to a large casserole dish.
• Cover, and bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven.

MAKE AHEAD PARTY MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 13x9-inch oven safe casserole with no-stick cooking spray; set aside. Heat water, butter, garlic salt and onion salt to boiling in a 6 quart Dutch oven. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, milk and sour cream, stirring until cream cheese is dissolved.
• Stir in potato flakes, mixing until all ingredients are well combined. Spread mashed potato mixture into prepared pan.
• Sprinkle with paprika and bake 1 hour or until bubbling around edges and golden brown.