In my household, mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re an essential comfort food. I often test so-called “better-for-you” recipes, but no dish gets that same kind of enthusiastic response at the dinner table. Recently, however, I discovered a tip on TikTok that completely changed how I cook mashed potatoes—and I might never go back.
The tip came from creator Jourdyn (@jeauxp), who recommended a pretty simple, but brilliant twist: boil your potatoes in chicken stock instead of water. I gave it a shot, and despite my skepticism, it was incredibly tasty.
Cooking the potatoes in a combination of chicken stock and water—as it had skins on—added a subtle richness that I just don’t think is possible when using plain water. The broth blended with my mash lent a savory, almost umami flavor, while the skins incorporated a rustic heartiness of texture that was so inviting. It made me feel like “homemade” mashed potatoes weren’t just a delusional memory from my childhood but had been resurrected.
But I did not stop there. I was on a roll and stirred in some sour cream and fresh chives that made them creamy and tangy, and more aesthetically pleasing. It elevated them to crave-worthy status in just a few seconds—and everyone noticed.
That one TikTok hack did not merely improve my mashed potatoes; it inspired a whole host of new ideas in the kitchen. I found myself trying other small modifications, like adding nutmeg to sautéed spinach and putting a slice of bread in my brown sugar to keep it soft. All small changes, but the pay-off was huge.
So if your basted potato game feels a bit stale, let this be your sign to change up your game. Simmer them in stock. Leave the skins on. Be bold and add some interesting mix-ins. Sometimes your new favorite recipe is just an unexpected twist away.
