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Creamy Make-Ahead Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole

creamy make-ahead garlic mashed potato casserole - featured image

This creamy make-ahead garlic mashed potato casserole is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius with half the effort. It is rich, forgiving, and actually gets better with time, perfect for holidays or big gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 whole heads garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted for topping
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more for the water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top quarter off each head of garlic, exposing the cloves. Place each head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt. Wrap foil tightly around each head. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze cloves out of skins and mash into a paste with a fork. Set aside.
  2. While garlic roasts, place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add a generous tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain potatoes in a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat for about 30 seconds to dry it out. Return potatoes to the hot, dry pot and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking occasionally, to allow excess steam to escape.
  4. Remove pot from heat. Add 6 tablespoons butter, cream cheese, and roasted garlic paste. Mash until butter and cream cheese are fully melted and incorporated. Add sour cream and warm milk; stir gently until combined. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Pour over potato mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until evenly distributed.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread potato mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing directly onto surface) and then foil. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove plastic wrap and foil. Brush top with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until heated through and top is golden brown in spots. If baking from frozen, add 15 to 20 minutes to baking time.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Warm dairy ingredients before adding to potatoes. Season the boiling water generously. Let casserole rest after baking for best texture. If casserole seems dry after reheating, drizzle with warm milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potato casserole, make-ahead mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, creamy mashed potatoes, potato casserole, Thanksgiving side dish