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Simple and effective methods on How to Thicken Mashed Potatoes so you do not ruin your homemade mashed potatoes. These are our preferred methods to get dinner on the table quickly.
My family loves having mashed potatoes as a Side Dish. But what ruins a good bowl of mashed potatoes is when it is to thin. These methods are perfect for when you are trying to get dinner on the table but don’t want to comprise the taste of your potatoes.
The only thing that these do is thicken your soupy mashed potatoes. Some of these methods don’t even require additional ingredients. Therefore, anyone can do it with very little effort.
Use a Thickening Agent
One way to thicken your mashed potatoes is with a thickening agent. You can use either cornstarch, flour, or powdered milk. Our preferred choice is cornstarch as it doesn’t change the taste of the potatoes. Flour can make the potatoes have a chalky taste.
Just add cornstarch or flour one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Add Dehydrated Potatoes
If you have dehydrated potatoes, add in about a tablespoon to your mashed potatoes until your desired consistency. This is a great option as it really gives your potatoes a smooth consistency and it is a great thickening power.
Heat on the Stove Top
The perfect option if you do not want to add any additional ingredients is to heat on the stove top. Place your mashed potatoes in a pan on the stove. Cook on medium low heat. Leave uncovered and stir about every minute so potatoes do not stick to the bottom and until your mashed potatoes thicken.
Bake in a Shallow Dish
Another option that is great if you have the time, is to place your mashed potatoes in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees uncovered in the oven to remove excess moisture. Let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until you reach you desired consistency.
Heat in the Microwave
If you have a small amount of potatoes that you are trying to thicken, try putting the potatoes in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl. Heat the runny potatoes up for 1-2 minutes then take out of the microwave and stir.
Continue doing so until your desired thickness.
Add additional cooked potatoes
If you have additional potatoes, cook them until they have reached super soft. Then mash them a little and then add them to your bowl of potatoes. Keep adding cooked potatoes until your mashed potatoes have thickened up.
Add Parmesan Cheese
Cheese can be added to your potatoes to thicken them up. This of course changes the flavor of the potatoes but it really does enhance the taste. Parmesan cheese is one of my favorite ways to thicken them up and it taste great too.
Use your cheese grater and add in some cheese.
Try one of our Mashed Potato Recipes
1. Best Mashed Potatoes
2. Ranch Mashed Potatoes
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
4. Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
5. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
6. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
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If any of these tips help, please let us know which one you tried! We love hearing from you.
How to Thicken Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mashed Potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch, Flour or Powdered Milk
Instructions
- Slowly add cornstarch, flour or powdered milk to your runny mashed potatoes, 1 tablespoon at a time
- Stir the potatoes together. And add another tablespoon until they have thickened to your desired thickness.
Recipe Notes
- Using the right kind of potatoes. Yukon Gold Potatoes is the preferred potatoes but you can also use russet potatoes.
- Don’t over cook the potatoes. Once you can pierce the potatoes with a fork they are done.
- When adding liquid gradually add it. This ensure that you don’t add to much.
