5 Tips to Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Taste Delicious

Instant mashed potatoes are a quick and convenient side dish for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. However, their taste can sometimes be underwhelming and lacking in flavor. Fear not, as there are several simple ways to elevate the taste of your instant mashed potatoes without too much effort.

Firstly, try adding some herbs and spices to your mashed potatoes. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary will give your potatoes an extra boost of flavor. Be sure to add these ingredients in small increments, tasting as you go to make sure you don’t overpower the dish. Additionally, adding a dollop of sour cream, butter or cream cheese can give your mashed potatoes a creamy texture and add a touch of richness that will make them more enjoyable. Read on to discover more tips on how to make instant mashed potatoes taste better.

10 Ways to Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Taste Better

Instant mashed potatoes are an excellent way to make a quick and easy side dish for any meal. But, let’s face it, they can often be bland and lack the creamy, buttery taste we love in traditional mashed potatoes. So, how can you elevate them to the next level? In this article, we’ll discuss 10 ways to make instant mashed potatoes taste better.

1. Use Chicken or Vegetable Broth Instead of Water

One way to add more flavor to your instant mashed potatoes is to substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the water. This method will give your mashed potatoes a richer and more savory taste. Just be sure to check the package instructions and adjust the amount of liquid you use accordingly.

2. Add Garlic or Onion Powder

Garlic and onion powder are great additions to instant mashed potatoes. These spices can help enhance the flavor and add a delicious kick to your dish. Add a tablespoon or two to the mashed potatoes and mix well before serving.

3. Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can add a pop of flavor to your instant mashed potatoes. Chop up a small handful of your favorite herbs and mix them into the mashed potatoes for an extra burst of freshness.

4. Add Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes? Try adding your favorite cheese to the instant mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar, parmesan or even cream cheese can work well.

5. Use Sour Cream Instead of Milk

Sour cream is a great substitute for milk in instant mashed potatoes. It adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture that can take the dish to the next level. Just be careful not to overdo it and end up with too much sour cream.

6. Add Bacon Bits or Crumbled Bacon

Bacon makes everything better, right? Adding crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon to your instant mashed potatoes can add a savory and smoky flavor to the dish.

7. Roast and Add Garlic

Roasting garlic can bring out its natural sweetness and add a delicious flavor to your mashed potatoes. Simply toss a head of garlic in some olive oil and roast it in the oven for about 30 minutes. Then, squeeze the cloves into your mashed potatoes and mix well.

8. Add Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are sweet, savory, and delicious. Adding these to your instant mashed potatoes can take the flavor to the next level. Slice an onion thinly and cook it in some butter until it turns golden brown and caramelized. Add it to your mashed potatoes and mix well.

9. Add Butter

Butter is a key ingredient in making traditional mashed potatoes, and it can also enhance the flavor of instant mashed potatoes. Add a tablespoon or two of butter to the mashed potatoes and mix well for a creamier texture and richer flavor.

10. Season with Salt and Pepper

Finally, don’t forget to season your mashed potatoes with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning can bring out the flavors and make your dish taste more delicious. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

In conclusion, instant mashed potatoes don’t have to be bland and boring. With these 10 tips, you can elevate your dish to a whole new level of flavor. Try one or more of these suggestions next time you make instant mashed potatoes, and enjoy the delicious results!

10 Ways to Enhance the Flavor of Instant Mashed Potatoes

If you find yourself with a box of instant mashed potatoes, you may be wondering how to spruce them up to make them taste better. Luckily, there are several simple and tasty ways to turn this humble side dish into a crowd-pleaser. Here are ten ideas to get you started:

1. Mix in Some Cheese

Adding cheese to your instant mashed potatoes will not only enhance their flavor, but it will also make them creamier. Classic choices include cheddar and Parmesan, but feel free to experiment with different types, such as feta or goat cheese.

2. Add Some Butter or Margarine

Butter is a staple ingredient used to enhance the flavor of mashed potatoes, and instant mashed potatoes are no exception. Adding butter or margarine to your dish adds richness and depth of flavor. You may also opt for a whipped butter or flavored butter, such as garlic or herb butter, which adds a unique taste to the dish.

3. Incorporate Some Garlic

Garlic is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen that can add a robust kick to almost any savory dish. Adding garlic to your instant mashed potatoes is an easy way to add some extra flavor and depth to the dish. You can use fresh garlic or garlic powder, which can be more convenient and have a longer shelf life.

4. Sprinkle in Some Herbs

Fresh or dry herbs can add a unique and flavorful layer to instant mashed potatoes. Popular herb options include rosemary, thyme, chives, parsley, and sage. Use the herbs to add subtle hints of flavor to the dish or go bold by adding a generous amount of herbs to make the flavors pop.

5. Enhance with Some Onion

Adding onions to your instant mashed potatoes will give them a natural sweetness and a savory flavor boost. Consider incorporating green onions, caramelized onions, or shallots. You can also try sprinkling onion powder into the mix to get the flavor without having to chop up a fresh onion.

6. Include Some Sour Cream

Sour cream is a great ingredient to make instant mashed potatoes creamier and add some tanginess to the dish. Adding sour cream is also an excellent way to balance out a sweeter ingredient such as caramelized onions.

7. Try Some Mustard

Adding mustard to your instant mashed potatoes may sound strange, but the sourness and complexity of flavors make it an excellent choice. Dijon mustard can add a spicy kick to the dish, while whole-grain mustard can add some texture.

8. Use Chicken, Pork, or Beef Broth

Substituting water for broth when mixing instant mashed potatoes is a simple way to enhance the flavor of the dish. Chicken, pork, or beef broth can add a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.

9. Incorporate Some Bacon

Bacon is a favorite ingredient in many savory dishes, and incorporating it into instant mashed potatoes is no exception. Adding some crumbled bacon to the dish can add smoky, savory flavors that are sure to delight.

10. Garnish with Some Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can be chopped and used to top your instant mashed potatoes dish. These garnishes not only add some pop of color to the dish, but they can also provide a fresh, bright flavor to complement the creamy mashed potatoes.

In conclusion, the humble instant mashed potatoes can be spruced up with these simple and easy-to-find ingredients. Experiment with these ingredients to create your own unique flavor and transform your instant mashed potatoes into a tasty and delicious side dish.

Ways to Add Flavor and Enhance the Taste of Instant Mashed Potatoes

Instant mashed potatoes are quick and easy to make, but sometimes they lack flavor. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform this convenience food into a dish that tastes like it was made from scratch. Here are some easy ways to add flavor and enhance the taste of your instant mashed potatoes.

1. Add Additional Seasonings

One of the easiest ways to amp up the flavor of your instant mashed potatoes is to add additional seasonings. You can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You can also add a touch of salt and pepper or even some dried herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary. Additionally, you can add a kick of spice by adding chili powder, cumin, or red pepper flakes.

Mixing in grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or bacon bits can also add an extra kick to your mashed potatoes bit. You can also substitute the milk with sour cream or heavy cream to make the flavor even richer.

2. Add Vegetables and Herbs

Another way to add flavor and nutrition to your instant mashed potatoes is to add some vegetables and herbs. You can mix in cooked carrots, peas, or even spinach to your mashed potatoes. Do not limit yourself to just one vegetable and herb combination, as it can introduce different flavors and offer a more colorful appearance.

You can also consider mixing green onions, cilantro, or fresh thyme while looking for a fresh, earthy taste. You can also add a spoonful of sundried tomatoes or green olives to give a flavorful tang.

3. Use a Combination of Milk and Butter

Many people use milk as an ingredient when making instant mashed potatoes. However, using a mixture of milk and butter can help to enhance the flavor further. Melt some butter in a pan over low heat, and slowly pour in a cup of whole milk. Add this mixture to the mashed potatoes, and combine it until it reaches your desired consistency.

You may also stir in a spoonful of cream cheese, which makes the mixture creamier, or may opt for low-fat milk for a more health-conscious option.

4. Add Gravy or Sauce

Instant mashed potatoes can be served with different gravy and sauce options to enhance the flavor. You can browse through multiple gravy recipes to find something that best suits your taste buds. You can choose between beef, chicken, mushroom, or onion gravy, or even serve it with a side dish like gravy over roasted vegetables.

Alternatively, you may also add rich tomato sauce, hot pepper sauces, or even BBQ sauce for a twist in flavor to entice and excite your taste buds.

5. Toasted Bread Crumbs

To get a unique texture and layer of flavor to your instant mashed potatoes, try adding some toasted bread crumbs. Adding a crispy topping can bring out a unique texture. Take bread crumbs and toast on a non-stick pan or use a toaster until well-browned.

Mix in with the mashed potatoes and bake until crispy and golden. You can also add a touch of herbs, grated cheese, or bacon bits to bring out an earthy, flavorful tone.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways you can make your instant mashed potatoes taste better. You can experiment with different seasonings, vegetables, and herbs or try different techniques like adding gravy or bread crumbs to make it more flavorful and appetizing. It’s all about utilizing and combining different flavors to create something that best suits your taste buds. With these tips, you can turn mundane instant mashed potatoes into a delicious, mouth-watering side dish for any occasion.

Time to Enjoy Your Tastier Instant Mashed Potatoes

Now that you have learned some easy tricks to make instant mashed potatoes taste better, it’s time to put them into action. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can turn a plain and boring side dish into a delicious and crave-worthy comfort food. Thanks for reading this article, and we hope you enjoyed it and found it useful. Don’t forget to come back to our site for more cooking tips and recipes to enhance your culinary skills. Happy cooking!