Learn easy ways to upgrade basic mashed potatoes – and methods to make making mashed potatoes easier and more flavorful.8 Mashed Potato Hacks, that you wish you would have known years ago. Repin to save!

When it comes to holiday celebrations – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. – there are two types of families:

  • Families that make the same dishes the same way every year
  • Families that try new recipes and embrace change at the dinner table

Lucky for you, these 8 Mashed Potato Hacks work for traditionalists and innovators alike.

All we’re doing here is making mashed potatoes more delicious and easier to make.

It’s time that humble mashed potatoes got their place in the sun, don’t you agree?

What Kind Of Potatoes Make The Best Mashed Potatoes?

I recommend Yukon Gold potatoes. These soft potatoes make the creamiest, smoothest mashed potatoes.

While Russet potatoes are a popular choice for mashed potatoes, they don’t yield the best potatoes in terms of flavor and texture. Skip them and try Yukon Gold instead.

#8: Don’t Skimp On Add-Ins

When mashing potatoes, don’t skimp on the butter and cream. This is what makes mashed potatoes delicious and decadent. Besides butter and cream, consider adding a bit of:

  • Sour cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Chopped bacon
  • Bacon fat
  • Fresh herbs (see #2 below)

#7: Slow Roast Potatoes With French Onion Soup Mix

So. Much. Flavor.

Get the recipe: French onion roasted potatoes

French onion roasted potatoes. Crispy oven-baked potatoes with an irresistible French onion flavor. Repin to save!

 #6: Cook Potatoes In The Microwave

There is no shame in using your microwave to cook potatoes. This method can save you time when you’ve got a big meal to prepare.

How to make microwave mashed potatoes: Peel 6 Russet potatoes and cut into fourths. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 7 to 10 minutes – depending on your microwave – until fork-tender. Remove from microwave, remove plastic wrap, and allow to sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Proceed with mashing as usual.

#5: Peel Potatoes The Fast Way

#4: Boiling Potatoes? Add Flavor By Cooking Them With a Halved Onion

Place a halved onion (with outer peel removed) in the cooking water while you boil your potatoes. Once the potatoes are fork tender, remove the onion, drain, and mash as usual. This method adds a certain something flavor to mashed potatoes that is hard to place – but is oh so delicious.

#3:  Make Mashed Potatoes In The Crock Pot

Are you making the whole Thanksgiving meal? Save time and sanity by making your mashed potatoes in the crock pot. This method is incredibly easy. As an added bonus, the mashed potatoes are infused with flavor because they are slow cooked with onions and garlic.

Get the recipe: Crock pot mashed potatoes

How to make mashed potatoes in the crock pot

#2: Use Fresh Herbs

If you do one thing different this Thanksgiving, let it be this: Use fresh herbs to flavor your potatoes – as well as the turkey, gravy, and stuffing. This makes a shocking difference in flavor. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Mashed potatoes – Add fresh chives, parsley or scallions
  • Gravy – Add fresh chives, parsley or rosemary
  • Turkey – Before baking, rub turkey with herb butter
  • Stuffing – Add fresh rosemary, sage or parsley

#1: Make Twice-Baked Potatoes In a Muffin Tin

Mashed potatoes take center stage when you make them this way. These potatoes are so full of flavor,  and guests will love getting their own little “cupcake” of mashed potatoes. What’s not to love?

Get the recipe: Twice baked potato “cupcakes”

Twice baked potato cupcakes, from Cheap Recipe Blog

Twice-baked potato cupcakes

Got Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Try One Of These Recipes:

Learn Something? There’s More Where That Came From.

Thank you so much for checking out my 8 Mashed Potato Hacks! If you have more ideas, please share them below. I’d love to hear your ideas and possibly add them to the list.

Don’t forget to pin this post on Pinterest for future reference. And if you want more cheap recipe ideas and money-saving hacks, please like my Facebook page.

Visit Haley @ Cheap Recipe Blog’s profile on Pinterest.