Good homemade mashed potatoes are an essential dinnertime side.

Submerging the potatoes in waterprevents oxidization, a chemical reaction which turns the spuds an unsightly pink-brown color.

If left to soak for too long, smaller pieces of potato will start to break down.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes, c’mon).

If you’re preparing yourmashed potatoes in advance, reheat them on the stove or in the oven.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes

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How To Store Mashed Potatoes

Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They will last three to four days if stored correctly.

Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Add more butter or cream to make them taste fresh and creamy.

But these perfect mashed potatoes are also classic enough to make on any ordinary weeknightserve withroast chickenand sauteed vegetables.

Ingredients

3lbs.Yukon gold potatoes

2tsp.salt, divided

5Tbsp.butter

1/3cuphalf-and-half

1/2cup(4 oz.)

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes potatoes peeled and diced

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Bring cold water, potatoes, and 1 tsp.

salt to a boil in a medium-size Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes potatoes cooked to fork tender

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Cook potatoes for 16 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender and drain.

Melt butter and cream cheese:

Bring potatoes back to Dutch oven.

Cook in Dutch oven until water evaporates and potatoes look dry.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes adding the butter, cream cheese, and half and half to the pan

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

salt to opposite side of Dutch oven.

Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture boils.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes mashing the potatoes

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall