How to Make Instant Potatoes Better: a few simple ways to make your bag or boxed mashed potatoes taste like they’re made from scratch. Creamy, fluffy, and so easy!
If you’re a 90s kid like me, then you’ve probably enjoyed boxed potatoes a time or two. Now, instant potatoes have come a LONG way since then, and I genuinely enjoy them as-is, but today, we’re making them even better with a few simple additions.
How do you make Instant Potatoes better?
These 4 easy tricks are sure to make that instant potato mix taste like made-from-scratch mash.
- Ditch the water. Instant mash potatoes need boiling water to cook them. Replacing the water with vegetable broth is a quick and easy way to add instant flavor.
- Add cream and butter. Everyone knows that the best homemade mashed potatoes are made with warm cream and melted butter, so why not add that to your boxed potatoes?
- Stir in boursin. Boursin cheese not only adds tons of flavors (I like their garlic and herb variety), but it also adds an insane creaminess.
- Season. Even throwing in a dash or two of salt and pepper goes a long way, but feel free to add your favorite potato spices in (paprika, rosemary, thyme, etc.).
Ingredients
- Cream – or half-and-half or milk. I’d suggest cream or half-and-half for the richness flavor and creamiest texture, but regular milk will work as well.
- Butter – unsalted or salted butter is fine. You may be able to get away with a high quality olive oil, but be sure you like the flavor of it, because it will be prominent!
- Broth – use vegetable broth to keep these potatoes vegetarian or use chicken broth!
- Instant Mashed Potatoes – we used 1 (8 oz) bag Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes, but any boxed or bagged mix should be just fine, although, you may need slightly more or less liquid depending on the brand.
- Boursin Cheese – you’ll need 2 (5.3 oz) boxes. I love using Boursin, because you can find it at any grocery store and it’s such a quick and easy way to add creaminess and flavor. We used the garlic and herb variety, but any Boursin cheese will work. Not a Boursin fan? Use 1 (8 oz) block softened cream cheese and 1/4 – 1/2 cup sour cream. I’d then use some garlic and herbs to spruce it up a bit too like garlic powder and onion powder.
- Seasonings: Salt and Pepper – because Boursin has so much flavor already, we felt these potatoes only needed a bit of salt and pepper, but feel free to add your favorite seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, rosemary, thyme, etc.
How to make
- Bring broth to a boil in a large bowl in the microwave, then add in potatoes, cream, and butter.
- Gently fluff with a fork, then stir in boursin cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve and enjoy!
Variations and topping suggestions
- Use another flavor of potato. I’d recommend sticking with Idahoan, because I’ve used them for years, they’re affordable, you can find them anywhere, and they’re delicious. We used their buttery homestyle variety, but you could try using their roasted garlic, four cheese, etc. Results may vary if another brand of potatoes is used.
- Swap the boursin. Try a different flavor of boursin: shallot and chive, truffle, etc. Or use cream cheese and sour cream instead!
- Add toppings. Shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onion, chives, etc. would all be delicious on top of mashed potatoes. Toasted panko would add a nice crunch.
What to serve with instant mashed potatoes
I love serving these potatoes with a holiday protein (ham or turkey are my favorites) and other easy holiday sides!
- Crockpot Ham
- Ham with Pineapple Sauce
- Corn Casserole
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Sausage Stuffing
- Pear, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecan Salad
- Rhodes Rolls (How to Make Frozen Rolls Better)
How to store
Leftover potatoes will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1 month.
To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge, if frozen, then heat in the microwave adding a splash of cream to re-moisten, if necessary.
– Jennifer
How to Make Instant Potatoes Better
How to Make Instant Potatoes Better: a few simple ways to make your bag or boxed mashed potatoes taste like they’re made from scratch. Creamy, fluffy, and so easy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 people
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half or whole milk, plus more to thin, if necessary
- ½ cup unsalted butter sliced into 8 pats
- 2 cups broth vegetable or chicken
- 1 (8 oz) bag instant mashed potatoes we used Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes*
- 2 (5.3 oz) boxes Boursin cheese we used the Garlic & Herb variety
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste, if desired
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place cream/milk and butter into a large microwave safe measuring cup and heat until the cream is warm and the butter has melted. Set aside.
- Place broth into a large microwave safe bowl and bring to a boil in the microwave. Once boiling, carefully remove from the microwave, sprinkle on instant potatoes, then pour in warm cream/butter.
- Use a fork to gently fluff and stir everything together.
- Once combined, crumble in Boursin, season with salt and pepper, then gently stir until the Boursin has melted.
- Stir in more cream, if necessary, until desired consistency is reached, taste and re-season, then enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:5 Days
Freezer:1 Month
Reheat:Thaw, if frozen, then microwave until warm
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
Notes
*Results may vary if another brand of potatoes is used.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
How to Make Instant Potatoes Better
Amount Per Serving (1 scoop)
Calories 462 Calories from Fat 342
% Daily Value*
Fat 38g58%
Saturated Fat 25g156%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 103mg34%
Sodium 580mg25%
Potassium 344mg10%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 1309IU26%
Vitamin C 23mg28%
Calcium 57mg6%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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