Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

I have been waiting almost a year to share my 2018 Thanksgiving recipes. 🙂

These mashed potatoes were so delicious, my son is planning to make them himself this year as his contribution to the feast. (…and to ensure that they make it back on the menu!) He has also requested scalloped potatoes.

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appétit, contributed by Chris Morocco. I prepared the potatoes in advance, earlier in the day, and kept them warm in a slow-cooker until the rest of the meal was ready to be served.

The beauty of this recipe is that the potatoes can be made up to TWO days before Thanksgiving. The finished dish can be gently reheated with just a little more dairy. The science behind this is that because the butterfat coats the potato starches, it prevents them from becoming sticky or gummy. If you are apprehensive to make this dish so far in advance, the potatoes can be prepared through step 6 (riced) and the remaining steps can be completed just prior to serving.

Yield: 8 servings

• 4 lb. medium Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed
• Kosher salt
• 2/3 to 1 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 to 1 cup whole milk
• 1 1/4 cups (2½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• freshly ground black pepper

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in cold water to cover by 1″.
2. Add a large handful of salt (water should taste briny, like the ocean) and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender but not crumbly, 30–40 minutes.
4. Drain and return potatoes to warm pot to dry (off heat).
5. Meanwhile, heat 2/3 cup cream and 2/3 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium until just about to simmer. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to add to potatoes.
6. Pass hot potatoes and butter through ricer into a large bowl (this will help combine them quickly; most of the skins should stay behind but pick out any small pieces that get through if you want); season generously with salt.
7. Mix with a potato masher until butter is melted and combined.
8. Mixing constantly, gradually add warm cream mixture to potatoes, then mix in sour cream.
9. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Do Ahead: Potatoes can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. To serve, transfer potatoes to a pot and add 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1/3 cup whole milk; reheat over medium-low, stirring often to prevent scorching.

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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