The Reason Why You Should Not Boil Mashed Potatoes in Water – And What to Do Instead

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food—creamy, fluffy, and rich. But did you know that boiling potatoes in water might be ruining your mash?

Most people assume that boiling potatoes in plain water is the best way to soften them before mashing, but this drains them of flavor and leads to a watery, bland texture. If you want next-level mashed potatoes, there’s a better way to cook them.

In this article, we’ll explain why boiling in water is a mistake, what happens to your potatoes in the process, and the best alternative cooking method for the creamiest mashed potatoes ever.

Why You Should NOT Boil Potatoes in Water for Mashed Potatoes

When you boil potatoes in plain water, you are making three critical mistakes:

1️⃣ Loss of Flavor: Potatoes are like sponges—they absorb water but lose their natural starches and flavor. Boiling them in water dilutes their taste, making them bland.

2️⃣ Excess Water Makes Them Gummy: When mashed, overly wet potatoes become gluey instead of fluffy. Too much moisture ruins the texture.

3️⃣ Nutrient Loss: Many of the vitamins and minerals (like potassium and vitamin C) leach out into the water, meaning you’re losing nutritional value.

So, what’s the best alternative? Boiling in milk, cream, or broth instead of water!

The Best Way to Cook Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

Instead of boiling in water, try simmering your potatoes in a flavorful liquid like milk, heavy cream, or broth. This method locks in flavor, keeps them rich, and results in the creamiest mash ever.

The Perfect Method: Cooking Potatoes in Milk & Butter

This is the technique many professional chefs swear by—it gives mashed potatoes a restaurant-quality taste and texture.

Ingredients:

✔ 2 pounds (about 4 large) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
✔ 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
✔ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
✔ 2 cloves garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
✔ 1 teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Cutting them into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Milk & Butter

In a large pot, add the milk, butter, and garlic (if using).
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes in the Milk Mixture

Add the potatoes directly into the warm milk and butter mixture.
Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently until they are fork-tender (about 20–25 minutes).
Avoid boiling too hard—this prevents scorching and keeps the potatoes from absorbing too much liquid.

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