Use Milk or Broth Instead of Water

Instant mashed potatoes are usually mixed with boiling water, but this isn’t mandatory. Instead of water, use milk or broth. Milk, especially buttermilk and half-and-half, will result in creamier mashed potatoes while broth will add more flavor to it and prevent them from tasting bland.

Add Loads of Butter

Butter makes everything taste better and instant mashed potatoes are no different. Simply fold in double the amount of butter compared to what you would use if you made mashed potatoes from scratch. It will result in a silky and creamy texture and much richer flavor.

Garnish with Herbs and Spices

The main knock on instant mashed potatoes is that it tastes bland. This can be easily solved by garnishing it with herbs and spices. Aside from the usual salt and pepper, add chives, parsley, rosemary, red chili flakes, or some garlic powder.

Mix In Some Grated Cheese

Cheese works great with instant mashed potatoes, elevating its taste and texture. Just add some grated parmesan, cheddar, or Monterey Jack while the instant mashed potatoes are still hot, give it a thorough mix, and enjoy a cheesy delight.

The post Top 4 Tips for Upgrading Instant Mashed Potatoes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Choosing Potatoes

Picking the right kind of potato is a crucial step. One of the best choices is the Yukon Gold kind that provides the perfect flavor and consistency. It’s important to peel them before boiling and boil until soft but don’t let them start dissolving. Remove from water and make sure they dry well before moving on to the next step.

Mash By Hand

You’ll get the best texture if you mash the potatoes by hand instead of using a blender. Blenders and food processors will leave you with overmashed potatoes that can’t be fixed. They need to be dry but still hot so work fast.

Add Liquid Gradually

If you add all liquid at once, the potatoes won’t be able to absorb it. There’s also a chance you’ll add more than needed and end up with runny mashed potatoes. It’s better to add it gradually, mash, taste during the process, and stop when you like the result.

The post How to Make the Perfect Mashed Potatoes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Boiling Water

If you’re boiling your potatoes in the water that’s already hot, you’re doing it wrong. Many people do this in the hope it will speed up the process, but the insides of your potatoes may end up undercooked this way.

Potato Pick

Another common mistake people make is using just any potatoes they find. When it comes to mashed potatoes, you should opt for starchy varieties to ensure the fluffy texture this dish is best known for.

Skipping Salt

If you’re not salting your water before boiling your potatoes, now’s the time to start. Potatoes absorb both water and salt, and this is the perfect opportunity to season them and avoid the bland taste.

Using Cold Ingredients

Butter, cream, and milk are usually the main ingredients of mashed potatoes, but you should give them some time to warm up. If you stir them with your potatoes while they’re still cold, they won’t mix so well.

The post Improve Your Mashed Potatoes by Avoiding These Mistakes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Stock

Most people have a whole turkey at their Thanksgiving, and by the end of the night, you might have some left, or you might just have the bones. If you do have bones, you can easily make a stock. All you have to do is boil all the bones in water with any other vegetables and herbs you have left over until the flavor infuses, and you have homemade stock that is super healthy and delicious! You can also add in the meat if you are tired of turkey for a rich broth.

Mashed Potatoes

If you have leftover mashed potatoes but you’re growing tired of them, instead of just reheating them, turn them into mashed potato balls! Combine the potatoes in a bowl with bacon, cheese, onion, and eggs. Mix everything together and shape it into balls. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs and pan-fry them until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

The post Take Thanksgiving Scraps And Create Something New appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Use Milk or Broth Instead of Water

Instant mashed potatoes are usually mixed with boiling water, but this isn’t mandatory. Instead of water, use milk or broth. Milk, especially buttermilk and half-and-half, will result in creamier mashed potatoes while broth will add more flavor to it and prevent them from tasting bland.

Add Loads of Butter

Butter makes everything taste better and instant mashed potatoes are no different. Simply fold in double the amount of butter compared to what you would use if you made mashed potatoes from scratch. It will result in a silky and creamy texture and much richer flavor.

Garnish with Herbs and Spices

The main knock on instant mashed potatoes is that it tastes bland. This can be easily solved by garnishing it with herbs and spices. Aside from the usual salt and pepper, add chives, parsley, rosemary, red chili flakes, or some garlic powder.

Mix In Some Grated Cheese

Cheese works great with instant mashed potatoes, elevating its taste and texture. Just add some grated parmesan, cheddar, or Monterey Jack while the instant mashed potatoes are still hot, give it a thorough mix, and enjoy a cheesy delight.

The post Top 4 Tips for Upgrading Instant Mashed Potatoes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Choosing Potatoes

Picking the right kind of potato is a crucial step. One of the best choices is the Yukon Gold kind that provides the perfect flavor and consistency. It’s important to peel them before boiling and boil until soft but don’t let them start dissolving. Remove from water and make sure they dry well before moving on to the next step.

Mash By Hand

You’ll get the best texture if you mash the potatoes by hand instead of using a blender. Blenders and food processors will leave you with overmashed potatoes that can’t be fixed. They need to be dry but still hot so work fast.

Add Liquid Gradually

If you add all liquid at once, the potatoes won’t be able to absorb it. There’s also a chance you’ll add more than needed and end up with runny mashed potatoes. It’s better to add it gradually, mash, taste during the process, and stop when you like the result.

The post How to Make the Perfect Mashed Potatoes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Boiling Water

If you’re boiling your potatoes in the water that’s already hot, you’re doing it wrong. Many people do this in the hope it will speed up the process, but the insides of your potatoes may end up undercooked this way.

Potato Pick

Another common mistake people make is using just any potatoes they find. When it comes to mashed potatoes, you should opt for starchy varieties to ensure the fluffy texture this dish is best known for.

Skipping Salt

If you’re not salting your water before boiling your potatoes, now’s the time to start. Potatoes absorb both water and salt, and this is the perfect opportunity to season them and avoid the bland taste.

Using Cold Ingredients

Butter, cream, and milk are usually the main ingredients of mashed potatoes, but you should give them some time to warm up. If you stir them with your potatoes while they’re still cold, they won’t mix so well.

The post Improve Your Mashed Potatoes by Avoiding These Mistakes appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Stock

Most people have a whole turkey at their Thanksgiving, and by the end of the night, you might have some left, or you might just have the bones. If you do have bones, you can easily make a stock. All you have to do is boil all the bones in water with any other vegetables and herbs you have left over until the flavor infuses, and you have homemade stock that is super healthy and delicious! You can also add in the meat if you are tired of turkey for a rich broth.

Mashed Potatoes

If you have leftover mashed potatoes but you’re growing tired of them, instead of just reheating them, turn them into mashed potato balls! Combine the potatoes in a bowl with bacon, cheese, onion, and eggs. Mix everything together and shape it into balls. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs and pan-fry them until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

The post Take Thanksgiving Scraps And Create Something New appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.