By Cynthia Ewer on
freezer garlic mashed potatoes

A little-known trick to calm holiday cooking stress? Make-ahead dishes for the freezer. Cooked and stored ahead of time, freezer side dishes free up time for the holiday cook.

But can you get perfect creamy texture ... from frozen potatoes? Potatoes look watery before freezing, but the water will be absorbed as they bake.

While it is possible to substitute russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes yield a more flavorful dish.

Yield
15 Servings
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Instructions

Peel potatoes and cut into 2-inch chunks. Place in 5- to 6-quart pan.

Add water to cover, bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pan.

Mash potatoes with a potato masher until light and dry. Stir in cheese and milk. Mash until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cool potatoes to room temperature. Divide potatoes into 8- to 9-inch oven safe casserole dishes. Cover with foil; freeze.

Reheat covered at 375 degrees, 40 minutes for thawed potatoes, 90 minutes straight from freezer.

Holiday Recipes
Side Dish Recipes
Source

Adapted from a recipe in Sunset Magazine