If you want a side dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for prepping in advance, the Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish combines the comforting smoothness of classic mashed potatoes with a delightful Italian twist, thanks to garlic, onions, and that magical Italian dressing mix. It’s rich, buttery, and delightfully easy to make ahead, allowing those crispy golden tops to shine when you’re ready to serve. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday meal, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and irresistible taste to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor and creamy texture. Each component plays a special role—from the russet potatoes that deliver the silky base to the cream cheese and butter adding luscious richness, and the Italian seasoning that gives it that signature flair.
- Russet potatoes (5 pounds): Starchy and perfect for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Medium onion (1, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, smashed and minced): Brings a savory kick that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Creates a velvety, rich texture that makes the potatoes ultra creamy.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Enhances flavor and adds that essential buttery smoothness.
- Dry Italian dressing mix (2 packets for the potatoes, plus 1 tablespoon for topping): The secret seasoning that brings an herby, tangy punch.
- Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1-3 teaspoons for topping): Optional, but fantastic for adding an inviting crispy crust.
How to Make Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into chunks about 1 to 2 inches in size—that way, they cook evenly and quickly. While you’re doing this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once your potatoes, chopped onion, and garlic go into the pot, turn the heat up high until it reaches a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer. Let everything cook until the potatoes are tender—usually about 15 to 20 minutes—which is essential for that perfect creamy mash.
Step 2: Drain and Prepare the Mixture
Once tender, drain the potatoes, onions, and garlic thoroughly. You want to avoid any excess water in your mash for maximum creaminess. Then, add the cream cheese, salted butter, two packets of dry Italian dressing mix, and a teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base directly into the drained potatoes. These ingredients combine to give the dish its unbeatable richness and robust Italian flavor.
Step 3: Mash and Season
Grab your hand mixer and beat the potato mixture for around two minutes. This creates a smooth, creamy consistency without overworking the potatoes—a key to great texture. Be sure to taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. This part lets you make the recipe your own.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your luscious mashed potatoes into a 3-quart casserole dish (a 9×13 inch pan works perfectly and gives you plenty of crispy edges). Use a spoon to create waves and divots on the surface—this texture invites that delicious topping to crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle on a tablespoon of dry Italian dressing mix for an extra burst of flavor and a nice golden crunch. If you prefer, mix in some Italian seasoning for a herby twist—both methods work wonderfully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the top—once it’s golden and crispy to your preference, your creamy, comforting Italian mashed potatoes are ready to wow your guests.
How to Serve Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper add a pretty fresh finish. For an even richer touch, a small pat of butter melting over the top right out of the oven brings that extra comforting vibe. These little touches make each serving inviting and photo-worthy.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes are the perfect partner for a variety of mains. Imagine pairing them with roasted chicken, Italian sausage, or even a cozy pot roast. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables bring freshness that balances the creamy indulgence of the mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate presentation? Serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets topped with crispy fried onions or parmesan cheese. Or turn it into a stuffed baked potato by scooping the mashed blend into baked potato skins and baking until the edges crisp up. This recipe’s versatility means you can have fun with your presentation every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about the Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how well it stores. Just let the dish cool completely before covering it tightly and refrigerating. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of flexibility for busy days ahead.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious potatoes for longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy thawing, and remember creamy mashed potatoes freeze beautifully, especially with the cream cheese and butter helping keep the texture rich and smooth.
Reheating
Reheat your mashed potatoes in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore their creaminess. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a slightly buttery taste and smoother texture. Just note that the consistency might be a bit different.
Is the Italian dressing mix just for flavor, or does it affect texture?
The dry Italian dressing mix primarily adds flavor with its blend of herbs and spices. It doesn’t impact the texture directly but helps create the unique Italian flair that makes this recipe stand out.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base with a vegetable bouillon or broth alternative to keep it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping on the mashed potatoes?
Creating waves and divots on the surface of the mashed potatoes before sprinkling the Italian seasoning and baking is key to achieving a lovely crispy top. The dry Italian dressing mix in the topping also caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Can I prepare this recipe entirely in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate the casserole. When ready to serve, bake it until the topping is perfectly crispy. This makes it a fantastic dish for busy gatherings or holidays.
Final Thoughts
This Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly brings together comfort and flair in a way that’s simple yet impressive. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and also makes your life easier by planning ahead. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful way to add a little extra love to your meals and definitely becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes combine the comforting creaminess of classic mashed potatoes with the bold flavors of Italian seasoning. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, this recipe features tender potatoes blended with cream cheese, butter, and a zesty Italian dressing mix, then baked to achieve a crispy, flavorful topping. Easy to prepare in advance and bake right before serving, these mashed potatoes will be a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 2 (0.7 ounce) packets dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
Topping
- 1 tablespoon dry Italian dressing mix (for topping)
- 1–3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat while peeling and chopping the potatoes into 1 or 2-inch chunks.
- Chop Aromatics: Chop the onion and mince the smashed garlic cloves.
- Cook Potatoes and Aromatics: Add the potatoes, onion, and garlic to the pot of water (even if it isn’t boiling yet). Keep the heat on high until it starts boiling, then reduce to a medium simmer.
- Simmer until Tender: Boil for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Preheat Oven: While potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Drain Potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes and aromatics thoroughly.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and add cream cheese, butter, 2 packets of Italian dressing mix, and chicken base.
- Mix Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer to beat the potatoes, cream cheese, and seasonings until creamy and well blended, about 2 minutes.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust with salt and pepper if desired.
- Transfer to Casserole: Pour the creamy mashed potatoes into a 3-quart casserole dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well for a crispy top).
- Create Texture: Use a spoon to make waves and divots on the surface of the potatoes to encourage crispy edges.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the top. If unavailable, substitute with Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until the top forms a golden, crispy layer.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken base with a vegetable bouillon.
- These mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning on top depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for easiest mashing and fluffiest texture.
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their high starch content and creamy mash.
