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I know what you’re thinking: Make the mashed potatoes AND gravy ahead of time—up to several days before the big day? Like serve leftovers for the biggest best meal of the year? You have got to be kidding.

Well yes, that is exactly what I am suggesting and will be doing myself, but let me be clear—this is not leftovers. What you are about to learn is so amazing—and I’m not talking about only the recipes, but also the how-tos and full instructions. This has the potential to completely transform your Thanksgiving dinner prep by moving the two big last-minute tedious kitchen tasks—mashed potatoes and gravy—from the last minute to days ahead.

You gotta’ trust me on this. Once ready to serve, the flavors will have melded in ways you could have not predicted.

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

(Full printable recipe card follows)

You can make these fool-proof mashed potatoes several days before you will be serving them. Don’t worry. No one will ever detect your secret. In fact, fabulous mashed potatoes just might become your signature dish.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (see recipe card notes)
• 2 (3-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ground black pepper, to taste
• butter, chives, or green onions for optional garnish

Instructions

Several days ahead …

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large cubes.
2. Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water and set over high heat. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
3. Drain. Move potatoes to a large bowl and mash using a potato masher or standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
4. Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, onion salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is well incorporated.
5. Transfer to a large casserole dish for oven method, or to slow cooker inner removable pot. Cover and refrigerate.

On serving day…

Oven method

On the day of serving, remove potatoes from the refrigerator and allow to stand for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 F (165 C). Bake covered casserole in the preheated oven for 35-50 minutes, depending on the size and shape of the dish. Garnish as desired. Serve hot.

Slow cooker method

Four to 6 hours before mealtime, move the slow cooker pot holding the mashed potatoes to the slow cooker unit. Set to Low. Cover. Stir every 2 hours or so. Once thoroughly heated through, move the slow cooker to Warm. Garnish as desired. Serve hot.

 

 

Make-Ahead Gravy

(Full printable recipe card follows)

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
• ground black pepper,to taste
• Turkey (chicken, beef)  drippings

Instructions

Several days ahead…

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over med-high heat.
• Whisk in the flour until well incorporated
• Cook, whisking frequently until this roux is golden brown or about 10 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock and whisk until combined.
• Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until the gravy is thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground pepper.
• Cool then refrigerate in an airtight container.

On serving day

1. Transfer refrigerated gravy to saucepan set over low heat.
2. Pour turkey drippings into a fat separator (or measuring cup and spoon off the fat),
3. Add the drippings to the gravy.
4. Stir until well combined and hot.
5. Pour into a gravy boat and serve.

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