Nothing says Thanksgiving comfort food quite like a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes! These creamy Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are rich, buttery and perfectly fluffy without being runny. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, heavy cream and sour cream, they’re a delicious holiday side dish that’s easy to prepare for a crowd.

The best part? You can make them ahead of time and simply reheat them before Thanksgiving dinner. Less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday!

Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 15–20 generous servings

Ingredients

• 10 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1½ cups unsalted butter (3 sticks)
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed (add more as needed, a little at a time)
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, to start, plus additional salt for boiling water
• ½ teaspoon black or white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Additional melted butter for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 2-inch chunks.
2. Boil the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large stockpot or divide between two pots. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and generously salt the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–25 minutes or until fork-tender.
3. Drain thoroughly. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
4. Warm the butter and cream. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm the heavy cream separately or alongside the butter without allowing it to boil.
5. Mash the potatoes. Using a potato masher or potato ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy.
6. Add the butter and cream. Gently fold in the melted butter. Gradually add the warm heavy cream, stirring gently until the potatoes are thick, fluffy and creamy. Add more cream only if needed to reach your desired consistency.
7. Add the sour cream and seasonings. Gently fold in the sour cream, kosher salt, pepper and optional garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Serve. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large serving bowl and drizzle with additional melted butter if desired. Serve warm.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These mashed potatoes can be made up to 1 day ahead, making Thanksgiving dinner preparation so much easier!

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed.
2. Transfer to two buttered 9×13-inch baking dishes.
3. Allow to cool briefly, then cover and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
4. When ready to serve, cover the dishes with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for approximately 45–60 minutes, or until the potatoes reach 165°F in the center. Larger or deeper portions may take longer.
5. Stir gently halfway through reheating. If needed, add a small splash of warm heavy cream to restore their creamy consistency.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes. Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for mashed potatoes.
• Don’t add too much cream. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if necessary. The potatoes should be thick and fluffy, not runny.
• Drain thoroughly. Removing excess water prevents watery mashed potatoes.
• Warm the dairy. Warm butter and cream incorporate more easily into hot potatoes.
• Avoid overmixing. Never use a blender or food processor, which can make mashed potatoes gummy.
• Keep them warm. If preparing shortly before dinner, keep the potatoes covered in a warm serving dish until ready to serve. For longer holding, keep them at 140°F or hotter.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of warm cream if needed. Heat leftovers thoroughly to 165°F.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving, based on 20 servings:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 5g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients and serving sizes.

---

The Perfect Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dish

Whether you’re hosting a big family Thanksgiving or bringing a side dish to a holiday gathering, these creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re simple, comforting and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Serve them alongside roasted turkey, homemade gravy, stuffing and all your favorite Thanksgiving sides. And don’t forget to make a little extra because everyone always comes back for seconds!

Find more easy family recipes and holiday favorites at TexasGirlCooks.com.