12 Delicious Day Before Mashed Potatoes Recipes

Potatoes, the ultimate comfort food, take center stage in our roundup of 12 Delicious Day Before Mashed Potatoes Recipes. Whether you’re prepping for a hectic week or simply craving that creamy, buttery goodness, we’ve got you covered with make-ahead magic that saves time without skimping on flavor. Dive in to discover how these spuds can transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort!

Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Rich, creamy garlic and herb mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic that never disappoints. Ready in under 30 minutes, this side dish pairs perfectly with any main.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced

Instructions

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Tip: Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add the minced garlic, softened butter, warm heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Tip: For extra creaminess, use a potato ricer.
5. Fold in the fresh chives and rosemary until evenly distributed. Tip: Fresh herbs add brightness; don’t skip them.

Fluffy and flavorful, these mashed potatoes are a standout side. Serve them topped with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Comfort food at its finest, these creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes are a must-try for any home cook. Perfectly smooth with a rich, cheesy flavor, they’re a side dish that steals the show.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Tip: Let them sit for a minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add the softened butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Tip: Use a potato ricer for the creamiest texture.
5. Gradually mix in the warm heavy cream until fully incorporated.
6. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Tip: For extra flavor, reserve some Parmesan for garnish.
7. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.

Silky smooth with a bold Parmesan kick, these mashed potatoes are a decadent side. Try topping with crispy bacon bits or chives for an extra layer of flavor.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Whip up a comfort classic that never fails to satisfy. Loaded mashed potatoes with bacon and cheese are the ultimate side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Tip: Start with cold water for even cooking.
3. Drain potatoes well and return to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add warmed heavy cream and softened butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Tip: Warm cream prevents the potatoes from becoming gluey.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and sliced green onions. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Tip: For extra flavor, reserve some bacon and green onions for garnish.

Golden and creamy, these loaded mashed potatoes are rich with the smoky crunch of bacon and the sharpness of cheddar. Serve them piping hot with a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Versatile and velvety, buttermilk mashed potatoes are a creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Their tangy richness elevates the humble potato to new heights.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and softened
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Tip: Let them sit for a minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add the softened butter to the potatoes. Mash until the butter is fully incorporated.
5. Gradually pour in the buttermilk, continuing to mash until the desired creaminess is achieved. Tip: Warm the buttermilk slightly to prevent the potatoes from cooling down too much.
6. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mash once more to combine. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, but remember the buttermilk adds tanginess.

These buttermilk mashed potatoes boast a luxuriously smooth texture and a subtly tangy flavor. Serve them topped with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chives for an extra touch of elegance.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Nothing beats the creamy, comforting embrace of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines simplicity with deep, savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 head of garlic, roasted until golden and fragrant
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 tsp sea salt, finely ground
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden.
2. While garlic roasts, boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
3. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash into a paste.
4. Return potatoes to the pot. Add butter, warm cream, garlic paste, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash potatoes to desired consistency. For extra creaminess, use a hand mixer on low speed.
6. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.

The roasted garlic adds a mellow sweetness, transforming the potatoes into a velvety, flavorful side. Try topping with crispy fried onions for added texture.

Chive and Onion Mashed Potatoes

Unlock the creamy, comforting goodness of mashed potatoes with a flavorful twist. This dish combines the smooth texture of potatoes with the sharp, fresh flavors of chives and onions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt, finely ground
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender. Tip: Start checking at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add the softened butter to the potatoes. Mash until the butter is fully incorporated. Tip: For extra creaminess, mash while the potatoes are still hot.
5. Gradually add the warmed milk, continuing to mash until the desired consistency is reached. Tip: Add milk in small amounts to control texture.
6. Stir in the fresh chives, green onions, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.

Golden flecks of chives and onions dot these velvety mashed potatoes, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve alongside roasted meats or as a base for a savory gravy.

Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes

A classic side dish gets a flavorful upgrade with these Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes. Perfect for any meal, they’re creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herb flavor.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth. Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, pass them through a ricer.
5. Add the warmed milk, sour cream, and softened butter to the potatoes. Stir until fully incorporated.
6. Fold in the chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Tip: Reserve some chives for garnish for a pop of color.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Tip: For a richer flavor, add more butter or sour cream to taste.
Dive into these mashed potatoes for their velvety texture and balanced flavors. Serve them alongside roasted meats or as a base for a hearty stew.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Yearning for comfort food that hits the spot? Cheesy mashed potatoes deliver creamy, indulgent goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Place quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer potatoes for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Tip: Start checking at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
3. Drain potatoes well. Return them to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add softened butter to the potatoes. Mash until butter is fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add warmed milk, continuing to mash until desired consistency is reached. Tip: Warm milk prevents the potatoes from becoming gluey.
6. Stir in grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Tip: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Expect velvety smooth potatoes with a rich, cheesy flavor. Serve topped with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added decadence.

Rustic Skin-On Mashed Potatoes

Keep it simple with these Rustic Skin-On Mashed Potatoes, a dish that celebrates texture and flavor without unnecessary complexity.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Place quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Drain potatoes well, then return them to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate any excess water.
4. Add softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Mash with a potato masher until desired consistency is reached.
5. Gradually stir in warmed milk until the mixture is creamy but still rustic.
6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Unleash the creamy yet chunky texture of these potatoes, perfect alongside a hearty roast or as a base for your favorite gravy. Their garlicky, buttery flavor makes them a standout side dish any day of the week.

Sweet Potato Mash with Marshmallow Topping

Perfect for cozy nights, this sweet potato mash with marshmallow topping combines creamy textures with a sweet, gooey finish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Mash until smooth.
4. Add softened butter, warm heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Transfer the mash to a baking dish. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
6. Cover the surface with mini marshmallows.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
8. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Kitchen tip: For extra flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. The mash will have a deeper, caramelized taste. Ensure the heavy cream is warm to prevent the mash from cooling down. For a crispier topping, broil the marshmallows for the last 2 minutes.

Key to this dish is the contrast between the velvety sweet potato base and the molten marshmallow layer. Serve it as a side or a decadent dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Just when you thought mashed potatoes couldn’t get any better, caramelized onions come into play. This dish combines creamy comfort with a sweet, deep flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp finely ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Tip: Lower heat if onions are browning too quickly.
2. Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, warm the milk before adding.
4. Fold in caramelized onions until evenly distributed. Tip: Reserve some onions for garnish for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
5. Serve immediately. The mashed potatoes are velvety with bursts of sweet, caramelized onion. Try topping with crispy bacon bits for a savory contrast.

Spicy Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes

Gather around for a dish that turns the humble mashed potato into a bold, spicy side. Spicy Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes bring heat and comfort in every bite, perfect for those who love a little kick.

Ingredients

– 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
– 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
– 1 tsp salt, finely ground
– 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
4. Add the softened butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth.
5. Gradually stir in the warmed heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Fold in the diced jalapenos, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, but remember the jalapenos will add more heat as the dish sits.
The result is a creamy, fluffy texture with a spicy jalapeno kick that lingers. Serve alongside grilled meats or as a bold base for a loaded potato bowl.

Conclusion

Outstanding! This roundup of 12 delicious day-before mashed potatoes recipes is your ticket to stress-free holiday cooking. Each recipe promises to save you time without sacrificing flavor. We’d love to hear which one becomes your go-to—drop a comment below! Don’t forget to share the love (and these recipes) by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!