Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes (Pioneer Woman)

If there is anything stressful about Thanksgiving dinner, it has to be the last 30 minutes when you are mashing potatoes, whisking gravy, and making sure 4-8 side dishes are heated to the proper temperature.  Serving everything hot and at the same time is nothing short of a Christmas miracle... okay, well a Thanksgiving miracle.  Last year I decided to try make ahead mash potatoes from Ree Drummond, aka, the Pioneer Woman, aka my hero.  They actually turned out fantastic.  Best part is, there is still time this year for you to plan and make these a day or two before Thanksgiving and have one less thing to do during that crazy 30 minute crunch time.

Actual shot of my 1st attempt of The Pioneer Woman's delectable mashed potatoes last year

She has a very thorough step by step pictorial on how to make these babies, so I won't reinvent the wheel, just click here for the how to.  The only thing I changed was that I used Russet potatoes and an electric mixer to mash them instead of a hand masher.  Once they are done put them in a large pan, cover, and keep them in the fridge until the big day.  Genius I tell you.

By the way, safety warning here: She also recommends putting pats of butter on top of your potatoes just before warming them up, but the first year I made these, my pan happened to be so packed full that the butter melted right off the top and started burning on the bottom of the oven.  Let's just say there was a moment of black smoke billowing from the oven and some freezing cold doors and windows were quickly opened at one point at our Thanksgiving that first year...and nothing screams failure like smoke billowing from your oven on the most important dinner of the year with all of your siblings there to mock you, and your sister-in-law shivering from the cold. Thank goodness these potatoes were so good, the 2-alarm smoke fiasco was soon forgiven and forgotten.  So if your pan is filled to the brim with taters, I'd wait and put the butter on after it comes out of the oven.  I also sprinkled mine with a bit of paprika for some added color.  Also I am happy to report that last year I pulled these off flawlessly to rave reviews!  Redemption!

These potatoes were creamy, delicious, and the perfect traditional side to go with your holiday meal.  The only difference was I just popped them in with the other sides and had a chance to sip some cider and chat with the family. What a novel idea!