Here's a recipe for mashed potatoes made with sour cream:
  1. Boil potatoes until fork tender
  2. Drain potatoes and place in a bowl
  3. Add sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper
  4. Whip until smooth
  5. Garnish with fresh chives and serve 
    \"\"
    Fed & Fit
    Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream - Fed & Fit
    Sep 16, 2021
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab

Show more
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Gordon Ramsay's mashed potatoes are known for their richness and flavor. He typically adds butter, heavy cream, and sometimes crème fraîche to his mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent texture. Additionally, he often incorporates roasted garlic or chives for extra flavor."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why are my homemade mashed potatoes gummy?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"
Mashed potatoes can become gummy when too much starch is released from the potatoes, which can happen from overcooking, overmashing, or using certain tools:
  • Overcooking: Can cause too much gelled starch to seep out of the potato cells
  • Overmashing: Can be caused by handling the potatoes too much or using a food processor or blender that mixes too aggressively
  • Using certain tools: Food processors and blenders can overmash potatoes and result in a starchy consistency 
    \"\"
    POPSUGAR
    How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | POPSUGAR Food
    Nov 9, 2022
    \"\"
    The Kitchn
    8 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mashed Potatoes - The Kitchn
    Oct 19, 2023 — Overworking the potatoes. When potatoes are mashed, starch is released. The mo...
    \"\"
    America's Test Kitchen
    How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | Cook's Illustrated
    Nov 30, 2023
Here are some tips to avoid gummy mashed potatoes:
  • Boil the potatoes until they're soft but not yet dissolving
  • Steam off any remaining moisture after cooking
  • Mash the potatoes while they're dry but still hot
  • Use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a food processor or blender
  • If you do use an electric mixer, add butter and milk toward the beginning of mixing and stop as soon as the potatoes are smooth 
    \"\"
    POPSUGAR
    How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | POPSUGAR Food
    Nov 9, 2022
    \"\"
    The Kitchn
    8 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mashed Potatoes - The Kitchn
    Oct 19, 2023 — Overworking the potatoes. When potatoes are mashed, starch is released. The mo...
    \"\"
    EatingWell
    6 Mistakes That Ruin Mashed Potatoes (and How to Fix Them)
    Oct 24, 2023 — The lesson here? Don't overmix the potatoes! For mashed potatoes that are smoo...
    \"\"
    TikTok
    Mashed potatoes should NOT go in the blender or food processor. A p...
    Aug 2, 2022 — 🥔 Mashed potatoes should NOT go in the blender or food processor. A potato mash...
If your mashed potatoes do turn out gummy, you can try drizzling 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the dish and gently folding it into the potatoes. You can repeat the process with another tablespoon of butter. 
\"\"
America's Test Kitchen
How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | Cook's Illustrated
Nov 30, 2023
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab

Show more
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why do people put an egg in their mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is cream cheese or sour cream better in mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the mashed potatoes fluffy. Cream Cheese: This adds a bit of creaminess without being too overpowering."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What ruins mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Soupy, watery mashed potatoes usually happen because the cooked potatoes were cut into pieces that were too small, weren't drained well enough, or were overcooked."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does Rachael Ray use to mash potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Mash potatoes with half-and-half or milk using a potato masher. Add in the cream cheese and smash until the cheese melts into the potatoes. Add chives or scallions. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Should you rinse potatoes before mashing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We don't recommend rinsing potatoes after boiling and before mashing. Rinsing removes much of the starch from the potatoes, which you want to keep for this dish."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Should you heat milk for mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"
Yes, you should warm milk before adding it to mashed potatoes to make them creamier and fluffier. Cold milk doesn't absorb as well into hot potatoes and can also cool them down. Warm dairy also requires less stirring. 
\"\"
Southern Living
10 Mistakes You're Making With Mashed Potatoes
Oct 17, 2023
\"\"
The Kitchn
Always Follow This One Tiny Tip for the Best Mashed Potatoes | The Kitchn
Nov 20, 2022
Here are some tips for warming milk for mashed potatoes:
  • Temperature
    Warm the milk to at least room temperature, or until the butter melts if you're adding it.
  • Method
    You can warm the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave in a glass measuring cup.
  • When to add
    Add the warm milk to the potatoes while they're still warm so the flavors can meld together properly. You can slowly add the milk mixture while mashing with a potato masher or blending with a mixer. 
    \"\"
    Southern Living
    10 Mistakes You're Making With Mashed Potatoes
    Oct 17, 2023
    \"\"
    The Kitchn
    Always Follow This One Tiny Tip for the Best Mashed Potatoes | The Kitchn
    Nov 20, 2022
    \"\"
    Kathleen Flinn
    Recipe: Perfect Mashed Potatoes - Cook Fearless from Kathleen Flinn
    Oct 22, 2020 — Add them to a pan of cold water and then bring to a gentle boil. Cook until th...
    \"\"
    Allrecipes
    Basic Mashed Potatoes Recipe (with Video) - Allrecipes
    Jun 11, 2024 — Heat the milk: Heat the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter is melt...
You can also try adding cold butter to hot potatoes so it melts and distributes the fat and milk solids evenly. For an even butterier taste, you can heat the milk and butter separately and add the melted butter first. 
\"\"
Southern Living
10 Mistakes You're Making With Mashed Potatoes
Oct 17, 2023
\"\"
Food52
A Genius Trick for More Buttery-Tasting Mashed Potatoes
May 11, 2016 — However, using the same quantity of milk and butter, but heating them separate...
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab

Show more
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What should you avoid when making mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"
Here are some things to avoid when making mashed potatoes:
  • Not peeling
    Peeling potatoes can result in a smoother texture, but it's not necessary. If you prefer potato skins, you can leave them on.
  • Salting the water
    Potatoes absorb water and salt while cooking, so it's difficult to predict how salty the final dish will be. Instead, you can add salt while mixing and taste as you go.
  • Waterlogging
    Excess water can make mashed potatoes soupy, so make sure to drain the potatoes well after cooking. You can then return the potatoes to the hot pot to evaporate any remaining water.
  • Using the wrong potato
    Starchy potatoes like russet or yukon gold work best for mashed potatoes, while waxy potatoes like red or white are not ideal.
  • Overworking
    Overmixing mashed potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in a gummy or pasty texture. Instead, you can mash the potatoes through a ricer for smoother results, or use a hand-held masher for chunkier mashed potatoes. 
    \"\"
    EatingWell
    6 Mistakes That Ruin Mashed Potatoes (and How to Fix Them)
    Oct 24, 2023 — Plenty of people recommend salting the water you're using to cook your potatoe...
    \"\"
    BuzzFeed
    13 Mashed Potato Mistakes Everybody Makes (And How To Avoid Them)
    Nov 16, 2017 — Excess water is one way to ruin a perfect mash. A simple way to get around tha...
    \"\"
    Good Housekeeping
    Best Potatoes for Mashing - Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes
    Nov 6, 2020 — 4. Under-draining the potatoes Make sure to drain well after cooking to avoid a...
    \"\"
    EatingWell
    5 Tips for Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
    Aug 17, 2021 — Tip #4: Don't Overmix the Potatoes Even if you've picked the right potatoes, o...
    \"\"
    Kitchn
    Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe (with Bacon!)
    We recommend peeling the potatoes for a mash with a smoother texture. But if you really lo...
    \"\"
    Southern Living
    Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    Nov 16, 2023 — Don't Overmix The Potatoes Our number one tip when making mashed potatoes is t...
    \"\"
    HelloFresh
    Potato Recipes - Potato Dishes
    When making mashed potatoes, we'd highly recommend using a starchy potato, like russet or ...
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab

Show more
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do restaurants make mashed potatoes to order?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Restaurants prepare the potatoes ahead by boiling and mashing just the potato, then just before serving, it is mixed into boiling cream (or milk or even broth or a combination thereof) to reheat it and make it nice and creamy."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why do you put vinegar in mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The addition of a mildly acidic vinegar to a starchy veggie like potatoes not only deepens the flavor profile, but it also helps to tenderize the tubers."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the purpose of sour cream in cooking?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Sour cream adds moisture without thinning your batter the same way that a liquid would. That fact that sour cream delivers moisture without further thinning out a batter results in a cake with a very tender, very fine crumb."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is milk or sour cream better for mashed potatoes?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Use whole milk for the creamiest results. Sour cream – Technically, this ingredient is optional. If you skip it, the recipe will still come out great. But for the best mashed potatoes, I highly recommend folding it in!"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What makes a better mashed potato?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Want to go the extra mile? Add sour cream and scallions for sour-cream-and-onion vibes. Mix in slow-roasted garlic cloves to make garlic mashed potatoes, or infuse the cream with fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Top your mash with crispy potato skins or a puddling slab of butter (now that's comfort food)."}}]}}

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS loaded with bacon, cheese, and onions are perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers! Put those leftover potatoes to good use and fry up some cheesy mashed potato bites. These loaded mashed potato balls make the ultimate appetizer or side dish!

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the perfect way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving. Fry up some loaded mashed potato bites filled with cheese, bacon, and onions!

These Fried Mashed Potato Balls are coming at you in honor of all those Thanksgiving leftovers. I hope everyone had a fabulous and filling holiday like we did. I’m still stuffed! We had SO MUCH FOOD (Thanks Mom!) and now have SO MANY leftovers. Just the way I like it.

But now…what to even do with those leftovers? There are tons of recipes out there detailing what to do with all that extra turkey, but what about the other stuff? This year we had gobs and gobs (gobbles and gobbles?) of mashed potatoes, and I knew just what I wanted to do with them. Turn them into deep fried mashed potato bites, of course!

These Loaded Mashed Potato Balls are the ultimate appetizer or side dish, and the perfect cheesy way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Just because Thanksgiving is over doesn’t mean we can’t still eat amazing food!

Deep Fried Mashed Potato Balls are the best way to use up leftover potatoes from Thanksgiving.

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

Cheesy Mashed Potato Bites

It’s no secret I’m a HUGE cheese lover, and these Fried Mashed Potato Balls are simply LOADED with cheese. Use good quality shredded cheese, it makes all the difference!

Whether it’s baking a hearty cheese casserole in the winter, grilling up a cheeseburger in the summer, or sharing snacks after school, cheese makes every meal and every moment better. I know it does with these Loaded Mashed Potato Bites. That chunk of cheese in the middle of each bite is just too heavenly!

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Loaded Mashed Potato Balls

These Deep Fried Loaded Mashed Potato Balls take leftovers from drab to fab in just minutes, and they are SO EASY. to make. Yes, your hands will get a bit dirty, but it’s VERY worth it. When you bite into that cheesy goodness, I know you’ll agree!

What’s in these fried mashed potato balls?

  • Lots and lots of cheese!
  • Bacon
  • Onions
  • Mashed Potatoes (use leftovers or make the mashed potatoes ahead of time)

You really can’t go wrong with these amazing cheesy mashed potato bites! Just like loaded mashed potatoes or a loaded baked potato, but in a deep fried ball. How can you resist, the combination of cheese, potatoes, and bacon? I know I can’t!

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

How to Make Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Deep frying anything sounds intimidating, but these fried mashed potato balls are simple. Start with your leftover mashed potatoes, mix in all the extras (bacon, cheese, onions), scoop the potatoes into balls, dip them in breadcrumbs, then fry them up in a large pot or dutch oven on the stove top.

To fry them, just drop the loaded mashed potato balls into hot oil for about 2-3 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to remove them.

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

I hope you had a delicious Thanksgiving filled with friends, family, and amazing food! Now, on to CHRISTMAS!

Watch the Video and See the recipe card below for details on how to make Loaded Fried Mashed Potato Balls. Enjoy!

If you like these mashed potato bites, try these other potato recipes:

  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Fried Potato Cakes
  • Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
  • Perfect Baked Potato Recipe
  • Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
  • Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Recipe

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

4.72 from 49 votes

Author: Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 20 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Serves8

Print Rate

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FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS loaded with bacon, cheese, and onions are perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers! Put those leftover potatoes to good use and fry up some cheesy mashed potato bites. These loaded mashed potato balls make the ultimate appetizer or side dish!

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups leftover or pre-prepared mashed potatoes, cold
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko style bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, shredded cheddar, onions, and bacon. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 inch balls, rolling with your hands to create the shape. Push 1 colby jack cube into the center of each ball, and then re roll the mashed potato mixture around it to make it round again. Place on a plate and repeat with the rest of the mashed potatoes. Set in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

  • In a shallow bowl, place the egg. In another shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan, and salt and pepper.

  • Start by dipping each ball into the egg mixture, shaking off the excess, and then rolling in the panko mixture. Pat to make sure the panko adheres well and that the mashed potatoes are fully covered. Set back on the plate and set aside.

  • Heat a large pot or dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil to 375F.

  • Carefully drop in the mashed potato balls 3-4 at a time into the hot oil, allowing them to be fully submerged. Use a slotted spoon to lightly stir as they fry to make sure they don't stick to the bottom or sides of the pot. Fry each for 2-3 minutes or until they are fully browned and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining mashed potato balls until they are all fried.

  • Serve while hot and enjoy!

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 392kcal (20%) Carbohydrates: 23g (8%) Protein: 21g (42%) Fat: 23g (35%) Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) Cholesterol: 85mg (28%) Sodium: 855mg (37%) Potassium: 208mg (6%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 1205IU (24%) Vitamin C: 1.7mg (2%) Calcium: 445mg (45%) Iron: 1.2mg (7%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

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Fried Mashed Potato Balls (Loaded Mashed Potato Bites) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Why do people add sour cream to mashed potatoes? ›

Sour cream adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle tanginess to mashed potatoes that balances the salt and fat. It can also make mashed potatoes slightly thicker. Sour cream is an alternative to the more common milk, cream, and butter combination used to flavor mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes made with sour cream pair well with fatty meats like steak, pot roast, and pulled pork, as well as with rosemary pork tenderloin or salmon. 
Fed & Fit
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream - Fed & Fit
Sep 16, 2021
The Kitchn
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Extra Creamy) - The Kitchn
Sep 25, 2022 — Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed...
Idaho Potato Commission
Mashed Potato Recipes…Milk, Cream, Sour Cream or Buttermilk?
It makes them slightly thicker too. This version makes me think of my Mom's cooking, as sh...
American Home Cook
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes - American Home Cook
Jun 23, 2019 — Ina's addition of just ½ cup of sour cream adds another note that makes a perf...
Here's a recipe for mashed potatoes made with sour cream:
  1. Boil potatoes until fork tender
  2. Drain potatoes and place in a bowl
  3. Add sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper
  4. Whip until smooth
  5. Garnish with fresh chives and serve 
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab
Show more

What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes? ›

Gordon Ramsay's mashed potatoes are known for their richness and flavor. He typically adds butter, heavy cream, and sometimes crème fraîche to his mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent texture. Additionally, he often incorporates roasted garlic or chives for extra flavor.

Why are my homemade mashed potatoes gummy? ›

Mashed potatoes can become gummy when too much starch is released from the potatoes, which can happen from overcooking, overmashing, or using certain tools:
  • Overcooking: Can cause too much gelled starch to seep out of the potato cells
  • Overmashing: Can be caused by handling the potatoes too much or using a food processor or blender that mixes too aggressively
  • Using certain tools: Food processors and blenders can overmash potatoes and result in a starchy consistency 
    POPSUGAR
    How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | POPSUGAR Food
    Nov 9, 2022
    The Kitchn
    8 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mashed Potatoes - The Kitchn
    Oct 19, 2023 — Overworking the potatoes. When potatoes are mashed, starch is released. The mo...
    America's Test Kitchen
    How to Fix Gluey Mashed Potatoes | Cook's Illustrated
    Nov 30, 2023
Here are some tips to avoid gummy mashed potatoes:
  • Boil the potatoes until they're soft but not yet dissolving
  • Steam off any remaining moisture after cooking
  • Mash the potatoes while they're dry but still hot
  • Use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a food processor or blender
  • If you do use an electric mixer, add butter and milk toward the beginning of mixing and stop as soon as the potatoes are smooth 
If your mashed potatoes do turn out gummy, you can try drizzling 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the dish and gently folding it into the potatoes. You can repeat the process with another tablespoon of butter. 
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab
Show more

Why do people put an egg in their mashed potatoes? ›

Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot.

Is cream cheese or sour cream better in mashed potatoes? ›

Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the mashed potatoes fluffy. Cream Cheese: This adds a bit of creaminess without being too overpowering.

What ruins mashed potatoes? ›

Soupy, watery mashed potatoes usually happen because the cooked potatoes were cut into pieces that were too small, weren't drained well enough, or were overcooked.

What does Rachael Ray use to mash potatoes? ›

Mash potatoes with half-and-half or milk using a potato masher. Add in the cream cheese and smash until the cheese melts into the potatoes. Add chives or scallions. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.

Should you rinse potatoes before mashing? ›

We don't recommend rinsing potatoes after boiling and before mashing. Rinsing removes much of the starch from the potatoes, which you want to keep for this dish.

Should you heat milk for mashed potatoes? ›

Yes, you should warm milk before adding it to mashed potatoes to make them creamier and fluffier. Cold milk doesn't absorb as well into hot potatoes and can also cool them down. Warm dairy also requires less stirring. 
Southern Living
10 Mistakes You're Making With Mashed Potatoes
Oct 17, 2023
The Kitchn
Always Follow This One Tiny Tip for the Best Mashed Potatoes | The Kitchn
Nov 20, 2022
Here are some tips for warming milk for mashed potatoes:
  • Temperature
    Warm the milk to at least room temperature, or until the butter melts if you're adding it.
  • Method
    You can warm the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave in a glass measuring cup.
  • When to add
    Add the warm milk to the potatoes while they're still warm so the flavors can meld together properly. You can slowly add the milk mixture while mashing with a potato masher or blending with a mixer. 
You can also try adding cold butter to hot potatoes so it melts and distributes the fat and milk solids evenly. For an even butterier taste, you can heat the milk and butter separately and add the melted butter first. 
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab
Show more

What should you avoid when making mashed potatoes? ›

Here are some things to avoid when making mashed potatoes:
  • Not peeling
    Peeling potatoes can result in a smoother texture, but it's not necessary. If you prefer potato skins, you can leave them on.
  • Salting the water
    Potatoes absorb water and salt while cooking, so it's difficult to predict how salty the final dish will be. Instead, you can add salt while mixing and taste as you go.
  • Waterlogging
    Excess water can make mashed potatoes soupy, so make sure to drain the potatoes well after cooking. You can then return the potatoes to the hot pot to evaporate any remaining water.
  • Using the wrong potato
    Starchy potatoes like russet or yukon gold work best for mashed potatoes, while waxy potatoes like red or white are not ideal.
  • Overworking
    Overmixing mashed potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in a gummy or pasty texture. Instead, you can mash the potatoes through a ricer for smoother results, or use a hand-held masher for chunkier mashed potatoes. 
    EatingWell
    6 Mistakes That Ruin Mashed Potatoes (and How to Fix Them)
    Oct 24, 2023 — Plenty of people recommend salting the water you're using to cook your potatoe...
    BuzzFeed
    13 Mashed Potato Mistakes Everybody Makes (And How To Avoid Them)
    Nov 16, 2017 — Excess water is one way to ruin a perfect mash. A simple way to get around tha...
    Good Housekeeping
    Best Potatoes for Mashing - Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes
    Nov 6, 2020 — 4. Under-draining the potatoes Make sure to drain well after cooking to avoid a...
    EatingWell
    5 Tips for Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
    Aug 17, 2021 — Tip #4: Don't Overmix the Potatoes Even if you've picked the right potatoes, o...
    Kitchn
    Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe (with Bacon!)
    We recommend peeling the potatoes for a mash with a smoother texture. But if you really lo...
    Southern Living
    Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    Nov 16, 2023 — Don't Overmix The Potatoes Our number one tip when making mashed potatoes is t...
    HelloFresh
    Potato Recipes - Potato Dishes
    When making mashed potatoes, we'd highly recommend using a starchy potato, like russet or ...
Generative AI is experimental. Learn moreOpens in new tab
Show more

How do restaurants make mashed potatoes to order? ›

Restaurants prepare the potatoes ahead by boiling and mashing just the potato, then just before serving, it is mixed into boiling cream (or milk or even broth or a combination thereof) to reheat it and make it nice and creamy.

Why do you put vinegar in mashed potatoes? ›

The addition of a mildly acidic vinegar to a starchy veggie like potatoes not only deepens the flavor profile, but it also helps to tenderize the tubers.

What is the purpose of sour cream in cooking? ›

Sour cream adds moisture without thinning your batter the same way that a liquid would. That fact that sour cream delivers moisture without further thinning out a batter results in a cake with a very tender, very fine crumb.

Is milk or sour cream better for mashed potatoes? ›

Use whole milk for the creamiest results. Sour cream – Technically, this ingredient is optional. If you skip it, the recipe will still come out great. But for the best mashed potatoes, I highly recommend folding it in!

What makes a better mashed potato? ›

Want to go the extra mile? Add sour cream and scallions for sour-cream-and-onion vibes. Mix in slow-roasted garlic cloves to make garlic mashed potatoes, or infuse the cream with fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Top your mash with crispy potato skins or a puddling slab of butter (now that's comfort food).

What can I use in mashed potatoes if I don t have sour cream? ›

There are several good dairy options for replacing sour cream, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, crème fraîche, and buttermilk.
  • Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt makes an excellent stand-in for sour cream. ...
  • Cottage cheese. This cheese has a rich history. ...
  • Crème fraîche. Crème fraîche literally means fresh cream. ...
  • Buttermilk.
Nov 8, 2017

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