There’s no denying mashed potatoes are an absolute favorite when it comes to side dishes. They’re even the most popular side for Thanksgiving in at least 10 states, and for good reason. They’re creamy, delicious and no doubt make every meal a hundred times better.
I mean, come on. How can you look at a dish of garlic mashed potatoes and not devour them instantly?
Now, if you’ve been boiling your mashed potatoes in boring old water this whole time, we’re here to tell you that there’s a better way. TikTok user Jourdyn Parks has the inside scoop on how to make our mashed potatoes the greatest dish on the planet.
How Should We Be Making Our Mashed Potatoes?
Jourdyn, who goes by the handle @jeauxp on TikTok, explains that regular water isn’t enough to make our potatoes as delicious as they could be. While some may use a little salt here and here, there’s an important ingredient that a lot of us have not been using.
The secret ingredient is… chicken stock! Well, that or chicken broth. Really, whatever you have on hand. She explains that water and salt just aren’t enough to really bring out the flavor in the potatoes. But chicken stock (or broth) can really give the potatoes a kick in the delectable direction—the kind of direction we’d like to follow!
She also mentions the fact that she rubs avocado oil on the outside of her potato skins after washing them. She them cuts her potatoes into halves. If you like the skin on in your mashed potatoes, give this a shot. Otherwise, peeling them as normal requires no oil.
It’s Just That Easy!
Jourdyn’s routine is so simple. Wash your potatoes, rub them with avocado oil (skin on), boil chicken stock or chicken broth, add some water and salt and boil away. Trust me, they’ll be some of the greatest mashed potatoes you’ll ever have. You’ll never go back to regular water again!
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
My family loves this decadent homestyle recipe of buttermilk, potatoes and butter. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this creamy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan
Yukon Golds are great for mashed potatoes because of their buttery flavor and low moisture content. They easily absorb the warm milk or melted butter you add to your spuds. —Brittany Jackson, Seymour, Wisconsin
These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
For special occasions (like my husband’s birthday dinners), I mash potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan. It's divine comfort food. —Jo Ann Burrington, Osceola, Indiana
Here’s a family favorite for Christmas Day dinner. Whether I’m serving a main course of ham or turkey, everyone wants a big scoop of Parmesan mashed potatoes alongside.—Rosemary Janz, Concord, North Carolina
Who doesn’t love fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes? Make them even better with sharp cheddar cheese. To get them really creamy, my mother's secret was to add whipping cream instead of half-and-half. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
I think mashed potatoes are a little bland—so I came up with my own version, adding cheese, garlic and rosemary. — Dawn Miller, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Having always wanted a career in writing, Melany couldn't have found a better place than Taste of Home to begin. When she's not scribbling in her notebook or working at her computer, she can be found experimenting with new recipes or relaxing with a book and her cats.