Quick ‘Homestyle’ Instant Mashed Potatoes Using Dried Potato Flakes

Quick ‘Homestyle’ Mashed Potatoes Using Dried Potato Flakes

You’ve seen instant mashed potatoes in the grocery store. In fact, you’ve probably purchased and used them yourself. If you’ve eaten fast food chicken or dined in a cafeteria, you’ve most likely indulged in them too. Dried potato flakes are so convenient, but most packaged versions available at the grocery store are loaded with unnecessary additives and undesirable ingredients. As a chef and Mom, I confess I use the pre-seasoned instant mashed potatoes from time to time. However, I suggest purchasing potato flakes in bulk without seasoning. They are wonderful in a pinch to thicken sauces and soups.

Interesting Culinary Fact: potato flakes are a good flour substitute that thickens soups and sauces while making the end product a gluten free meal.

And with a little bit of technique and some fresh herbs and or garlic, these powdered spuds can be made into a truly addictive version that can be served in place of a classic mashed potato, or a skin-on mashed potato recipe.

Ingredients for Quick ‘Homestyle’ Mashed Potatoes Using Dried Potato Flakes:

• 1/2 C dried potato flakes (aka instant mashed potatoes)

• salt and pepper

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

• 1 C milk or water

• 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk (optional)

• 1 tablespoon of cold butter

Instant Mashed Potato Recipe Video

In this video, Chef Dan demonstrates how to prepare homestyle mashed potatoes at home:

Instructions for Quick ‘Homestyle’ Mashed Potatoes Using Dried Potato Flakes

1. Peel the garlic and smash it with the appropriate knife for this technique (place the knife flat over the top of the clove and bang it with the butt of your hand).

2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a sauté pan or skillet and heat over medium.

3. Add the smashed cloves and sprinkle generously with salt. Sauté quickly till fragrant and brown.

4. Immediately add the water or milk to the pan and bring to a boil. Do not walk away from the stove at this point or you will have a mess. The liquid will boil very quickly.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and turn the stove off. Using a fork or a slotted spoon, remove the garlic and discard.

6. Add the instant mashed potato flakes and stir to ensure that all of the flakes are hydrated in the liquid.

7. Taste the instant mashed potatoes and add the cold butter, cream and season with salt and pepper to your desired taste. Fluff the instant mashed potatoes, stirring with a fork or whisk to incorporate all of your final seasonings. Serve this instant mashed potatoes recipe immediately with a side of sautéed green beans and protein of choice, for example a beef brisket, or some grilled lemon chicken for all you chicken lovers!

There you go, you will have quick ‘homestyle’ mashed potatoes in no time with the help of dried potato flakes! However, if you do have more time on your hands and would like to experiment with different potato recipes I would strongly recommend trying a mashed red potato recipe or if you really want to get cooking go ahead and check out how to make gnocchi using mashed potatoes as well! Also to elevate this side dish, try pairing it with some oven roasted tri-tip steak, pork loin, or any other dish of your choice.