Transforming instant mashed potatoes into a dish that tastes like it was made from scratch is easier than you might think.
With a few clever tricks, you can elevate your instant mashed potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are ten tips to help you achieve that homemade flavor.
Use Chicken or Vegetable Broth Instead of Water
One simple swap can make a world of difference: replace the water with chicken or vegetable broth. This change infuses the potatoes with a rich, savory flavor that plain water simply cannot provide, making your potatoes taste like they’ve been simmering on the stove for hours.
Recipe:
- Replace the water called for on the instant mashed potato package with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.
Add Cream Cheese or Sour Cream
Incorporating a bit of cream cheese or sour cream can make your mashed potatoes incredibly creamy and tangy. The cream cheese adds a smooth, rich texture, while sour cream gives a slight tanginess, enhancing the flavors in a way that mimics traditional mashed potatoes. These ingredients also help to thicken the potatoes, making them more similar to those made from scratch.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese or sour cream for every 4 servings of potatoes.
Stir in Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic can dramatically improve the taste profile of your instant mashed potatoes. To roast garlic, bake a whole bulb at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes until soft. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and stir them into your potatoes. The sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic adds a gourmet touch that’s hard to beat.
Recipe:
- Roast a whole bulb of garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F, wrap the garlic bulb in foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes until soft.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions and stir in the roasted garlic.
Mix in Real Butter
For the best flavor, use real butter in your mashed potatoes. Margarine or other substitutes don’t provide the same richness and creamy taste. Using real butter helps achieve that homemade flavor and texture. Make sure to add the butter while the potatoes are still hot so it melts evenly throughout the dish.
Recipe:
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Stir in 2-4 tablespoons of real butter for every 4 servings of potatoes.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh herbs like chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary can bring a burst of flavor and a touch of freshness to your mashed potatoes. Chop the herbs finely and stir them in just before serving. Not only do they add taste, but they also make the dish look more appealing with their vibrant colors.
Recipe:
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Finely chop fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of chopped herbs for every 4 servings of potatoes just before serving.
Add Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
Instead of just water or milk powder, use whole milk or, better yet, heavy cream. This makes the mashed potatoes richer and creamier, closely resembling homemade mashed potatoes. The higher fat content in these dairy products contributes to a smooth and luscious texture.
Recipe:
- Replace the water called for on the instant mashed potato package with an equal amount of whole milk or heavy cream.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package instructions.
Blend in Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese can turn ordinary instant mashed potatoes into a cheesy, flavorful delight. Grate some sharp cheddar cheese and mix it in while the potatoes are still hot, allowing it to melt and blend smoothly. This addition gives the potatoes a comforting, homemade taste.
Recipe:
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Grate 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese for every 4 servings of potatoes.
- Stir in the cheese while the potatoes are still hot, allowing it to melt and blend smoothly.
Season Well with Salt and Pepper
Proper seasoning is crucial to making instant mashed potatoes taste like they were made from scratch. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. Sometimes, a simple seasoning adjustment can make a huge difference in the final product.
Recipe:
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Top with Crispy Bacon Bits
For a crunchy, savory addition, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over your mashed potatoes. Cook bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon complements the creamy potatoes, adding a homemade touch.
Recipe:
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the mashed potatoes before serving.
Fold in Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions bring a sweet, rich flavor to instant mashed potatoes, making them taste more complex and homemade. To caramelize onions, cook them slowly over low heat with a bit of butter until they turn golden brown and sweet. Fold these into your mashed potatoes for a delicious, gourmet upgrade.
Recipe:
- Slice 2 onions thinly.
- Cook the onions slowly over low heat with a bit of butter until they turn golden brown and sweet, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package instructions.
- Fold the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes.
Pro Chef Tips
For those seeking to take their instant mashed potatoes even further, these pro chef tips can help elevate your dish to restaurant-quality:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Infuse the Liquid | Infusing your liquid with herbs or spices can add an extra layer of flavor. Heat your broth or milk with garlic cloves, bay leaves, or thyme sprigs, then strain before adding to the potatoes. |
| Use a Potato Ricer | Even though you’re starting with instant potatoes, using a potato ricer can give them a fluffier texture. Prepare the instant potatoes as directed, then push them through a ricer for an airy consistency. |
| Finish with Truffle Oil | A small amount of truffle oil drizzled over your finished mashed potatoes can add a luxurious and earthy aroma, making the dish feel gourmet. |
| Incorporate Variety of Cheeses | Mixing different cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or blue cheese with your cheddar can add complexity and depth to the flavor profile of your mashed potatoes. |
| Add a Touch of Mustard | A teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred into the potatoes can add a subtle tang and complexity that elevates the overall flavor without overpowering the dish. |