2. Boil in Chicken Broth (or Stock)
Infuses potatoes with savory umami from the start
Creates a flavorful cooking liquid you can use for mashing (no watery results!)
Works with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
🍲 Ratio: Use ½ broth + ½ water to control saltiness—or go full broth for maximum flavor.
3. Reserve the Cooking Liquid
After draining, save ½–1 cup of the starchy broth
Use it to adjust consistency while mashing—no more dry or soupy potatoes!
🧈 How to Make Broth-Boiled Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, scrubbed (skins on)
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil (optional, for rubbing skins)
4 tbsp butter
½ cup reserved broth (for mashing)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: sour cream, chives, roasted garlic, Parmesan
Instructions
Cut potatoes in half; rub with oil (optional).
In a pot, combine broth, water, and potatoes. Bring to a boil.
Simmer 15–20 mins until fork-tender.
Drain, reserving ½–1 cup cooking liquid.
Mash with butter, reserved broth, salt, and pepper.
Fold in extras like sour cream or chives for tang and color.
✨ For extra luxury: Stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or a drizzle of truffle oil.
🥄 Why This Method Wins
Traditional Method
Broth + Skins Method
Bland base flavor
Deep, savory umami from the start
Nutrients lost in water
Nutrients retained in skins + broth
Requires more dairy to taste rich
Naturally flavorful—less butter needed
Uniform, sometimes gluey texture
Rustic, hearty, satisfying mouthfeel
💬 Final Thought
Great mashed potatoes aren’t about fancy tools—they’re about smart choices from the very first step.
By swapping water for broth and embracing the skins, you’re not just making a side dish.
You’re creating a flavor foundation that turns humble spuds into something memorable.
So next time you boil potatoes, ask yourself:
“Why waste this chance to build flavor?”
Your family might just ask, “What did you do differently? These are amazing!”
“The best upgrades aren’t complicated—they’re simmered right in.”
Have you tried boiling potatoes in broth? What’s your favorite mash add-in? Share your twist below—we’re all perfecting our potatoes together! 🥔✨