Time Saving Tuesday Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes…A Thanksgiving Staple!

I’ve come to realize from living in different areas of the country and talking to people from others, that holiday food is regional.  In the northeast, “filling” (made from white bread) is served with their turkey.  In the south, it’s cornbread dressing. In the Pacific northwest, the dressing is often made with dried cranberries or other fruit.  But one dish seems to be served by everyone….Mashed Potatoes!

Today, I’m not sharing a recipe for how to make Mashed Potatoes but instead a time-saving tip for making them ahead and getting them to the table warm and creamy.  

If your family is like ours, you have TONS of side dishes and casseroles for the big Thanksgiving meal. Getting them all hot and ready and on the table at the same time can often prove to be a bit of a juggling act.  What needs to go into the oven first?  What will stay hot longer?  How many things can I get in that little oven at the same time?  When is that turkey going to be done!?  

Wouldn’t it be great to get at least one thing done and out-of-the-way?  Well, you can… 

Did you know Mashed Potatoes can be made ahead and kept warm in the crock pot until ready to serve?  I learned this simple tip several years ago.  For me it was one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” moments.

Simply prepare your creamy, fluffy Mashed Potatoes earlier in the day

Put them in your crock pot, turn it on the “warm” setting, put it somewhere out-of-the-way, and go on with your other dishes

When you’re ready to serve, just give them a quick stir and they’re ready to go!  

What’s your best Time Saving Holiday Tip?