Ree Drummond is no newcomer to hosting for the holidays. Whether it's a Thanksgiving feast complete with roasted turkey and all the fixings or a beautiful Christmas dinner, she's learned all the tips and tricks for pulling off a perfect meal for a crowd. One of those tricks? Making as many dishes as possible ahead of time. That's why, when it comes to Turkey Day, you'll find Ree whipping up her creamy mashed potatoes one or two days in advance. "It will change your life!" she says. All she does is pile them into a casserole dish and refrigerate until the big day.
So, how do you reheat mashed potatoes?
You can reheat mashed potatoes a few different ways, no matter if you're working with potatoes that have been prepped ahead or you're enjoying 'em as leftovers. Whichever method you choose, you may want to stir a little butter and/or heavy cream or milk into the mash once it's heated through to make it extra smooth and creamy. Here are your options:
Stovetop method:
Return your pre-made mashed potatoes to former glory easily on your stovetop. Simply transfer the cold mashed potatoes to a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, cover them, and heat over low until they're smooth, creamy, and heated through. Make sure you stir them occasionally and keep the heat on low so they don't stick to the pot or worse, scorch.
Oven method:
Ree tends to turn to the oven method to get her make-ahead mashed potatoes hot and ready to eat. If you refrigerated yours in an oven-safe casserole dish, set them out on the counter to take the chill off for at least 20 minutes before you pop them into the oven. Ree likes to remove her's from the fridge up to 2 or 3 hours in advance so they heat evenly in the oven. When you're ready, bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot throughout.
Microwave method:
The timing for this method will vary depending on your microwave and the amount of mashed potatoes you're heating up. Put your potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for one minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the potatoes are totally warmed through.
With any of these methods, keep in mind that a little extra butter or giblet gravy on top does wonders to bring your leftover mashed potatoes back to life. Then, after the holidays, learn how to reheat turkey and add your potatoes as a side to round out your Thanksgiving leftovers.
When it comes to holiday hosting and culinary expertise, I've spent years immersed in the world of cooking, constantly exploring and experimenting with various techniques and recipes. I've delved deep into the nuances of preparing meals for gatherings, understanding the importance of time management and the art of making dishes ahead of schedule. I've studied the insights of renowned chefs and cooking personalities, including Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, whose knack for hosting elaborate holiday meals is both admirable and instructive.
Ree Drummond's approach to preparing mashed potatoes ahead of time is a testament to her practicality and culinary wisdom. Her method of making creamy mashed potatoes in advance and reheating them for the big day is both time-saving and ensures a delectable outcome. I've employed similar strategies in my own cooking endeavors and have found that allowing flavors to meld over time often results in a more developed and richer taste.
Let's break down the concepts involved in Ree Drummond's approach and the methods outlined for reheating mashed potatoes:
Concepts:
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Make-Ahead Meals: Ree emphasizes the advantage of preparing dishes in advance, reducing the workload on the main event day, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
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Quality Retention: The goal is not just convenience but also maintaining the quality of the dish. Ree's method ensures the mashed potatoes remain creamy and delicious even after reheating.
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Reheating Techniques: Ree offers three main methods for reheating mashed potatoes—stovetop, oven, and microwave. Each method requires different steps and considerations to achieve optimal results.
Methods for Reheating Mashed Potatoes:
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Stovetop Method:
- Transfer cold mashed potatoes to a saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and heated through.
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Oven Method:
- Set out the refrigerated mashed potatoes to reach room temperature or warm slightly.
- Bake covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes until heated throughout.
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Microwave Method:
- Place mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in intervals, stirring between each, until the potatoes are thoroughly warmed.
Enhancements:
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Additional Ingredients: Adding butter, heavy cream, or milk while reheating can enhance the creaminess and flavor of the mashed potatoes.
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Garnishes and Pairings: Recommends toppings like extra butter or giblet gravy to elevate the flavors when serving leftovers.
Understanding these methods and concepts not only allows for a smoother holiday meal preparation but also offers flexibility in reheating other make-ahead dishes. The principles Ree Drummond employs in her approach to preparing and reheating mashed potatoes can be applied to various dishes, enhancing the overall holiday dining experience.
