Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead Of Time And Reheat Them?

Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead Of Time And Reheat Them?

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, perfect for everything from holiday dinners to weeknight meals. But what if you don’t have time to make them from scratch on the day you want to serve them? Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them?

The answer is yes! You can make mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them without sacrificing any of their flavor or texture. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make the mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe.
2. Let the mashed potatoes cool completely. This will help them to thicken up and make them easier to reheat.
3. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container.
4. Refrigerate the mashed potatoes for up to 3 days.
5. When you’re ready to serve the mashed potatoes, reheat them over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave, in a saucepan on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker.

Tips for reheating mashed potatoes:

• Reheat the mashed potatoes over low heat. This will help to prevent them from scorching.
• Stir the mashed potatoes occasionally. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan or burning.
• Add a little bit of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes if they’re too thick. This will help to thin them out and make them creamier.
• Don’t overcook the mashed potatoes. Overcooked mashed potatoes will be dry and gluey.

Mashed potato variations:

There are endless ways to customize mashed potatoes. Here are a few of our favorite variations:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the mashed potatoes for a savory twist.
• Cheesy mashed potatoes: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes for a cheesy indulgence.
• Herb mashed potatoes: Add a tablespoon of your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, to the mashed potatoes for an aromatic boost.
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes: Roast a head of garlic and then add the roasted cloves to the mashed potatoes for a rich, garlicky flavor.

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

A: Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. To freeze mashed potatoes, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve the mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them according to the instructions above.

Q: Can I make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker. To make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, add the potatoes, milk, butter, and salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Then, mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.

Q: What are the best mashed potato recipes?

A: There are many great mashed potato recipes out there. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
• Herb Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes