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Make Ahead Creamy Italian Mashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Chop Aromatics: Chop the onion and mince the smashed garlic cloves.
  3. 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.
  4. Simmer until Tender: Boil for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Preheat Oven: While potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  6. Drain Potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes and aromatics thoroughly.
  7. Add Creamy Ingredients: Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and add cream cheese, butter, 2 packets of Italian dressing mix, and chicken base.
  8. Mix Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer to beat the potatoes, cream cheese, and seasonings until creamy and well blended, about 2 minutes.
  9. Season to Taste: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust with salt and pepper if desired.
  10. 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).
  11. Create Texture: Use a spoon to make waves and divots on the surface of the potatoes to encourage crispy edges.
  12. Add Topping: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the top. If unavailable, substitute with Italian seasoning to your preference.
  13. Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until the top forms a golden, crispy layer.
  14. 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.

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Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/make-ahead-creamy-italian-mashed-potatoes-recipe/