Why You Shouldn’t Just Boil Mashed Potatoes in Plain Water
In my household, mashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish — they’re practically a food group. My kids ask for them nearly every day, and even though I try to balance their plates with more vegetables, their love for creamy potatoes wins out several nights a week. Truthfully, my husband and I are just as hooked.
The TikTok Hack That Changed Everything
Scrolling through TikTok and Instagram one evening, I came across a clever trick from creator Jourdyn (@jeauxp) that completely transformed the way I make mashed potatoes. Instead of boiling potatoes in plain water, she uses chicken stock — and the difference is remarkable.
Her process starts with another surprise: don’t peel the potatoes. After scrubbing them well and rubbing a little oil on the skins, she simmers them in a mix of chicken stock and water. Once mashed with butter, a splash of the cooking broth, and some black pepper, the potatoes take on a depth of flavor that plain water simply can’t deliver. The skins even add a hearty, rustic touch.
Next-Level Mashed Potatoes
After testing the method myself, I was hooked. The subtle richness from the stock elevated the dish, so I kept experimenting. Inspired by another TikTok foodie, I folded in sour cream and fresh chives for a tangy, colorful upgrade. The result? Mashed potatoes that tasted restaurant-worthy without being complicated.
Beyond Potatoes: More Hacks Worth Trying
The discovery sparked a whole new interest in simple cooking hacks. Now I grate a little nutmeg into sautéed spinach for warmth and depth, and I use a slice of bread to soften hardened brown sugar. These tiny tweaks, many borrowed from TikTok chefs, have completely refreshed my kitchen routine.
What started as a small change — swapping water for stock — ended up teaching me something bigger: sometimes, the simplest switches can take everyday comfort food to a whole new level.