Water adds hydration — but zero depth. The potatoes absorb moisture without absorbing any richness or seasoning.
2. 👶 Kids (and Adults) Miss Out on Nutrition
Boiling in water strips some starches and nutrients — but doesn’t add anything back in.
3. 🍽️ Bland Mash = No Matter How Much Butter You Add
You can drown them in dairy, but if the base is flat — the whole dish falls short.
So what's the better way?
It starts with ditching the water — and reaching for something more flavorful.
🐔 Why Chicken Stock Makes Better Mashed Potatoes
Here’s the science behind the hack:
- Potatoes are like sponges — they soak up whatever liquid they’re boiled in.
- Chicken stock infuses each bite with savory umami , giving your mash a richer, more complex flavor.
- Even store-bought broth adds more taste than saltwater ever could.
Jourdyn’s method is simple:
- Boil peeled, cubed potatoes in chicken stock instead of water
- Keep the ratio around 2 parts broth to 1 part potato
- Let them simmer until tender
- Mash with butter, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a splash of milk
The result?
Golden, rich, deeply savory mashed potatoes that even adults will fight over.
🔪 Step-by-Step: Make Your Mashed Potatoes Like Jourdyn
What You'll Need:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk, cream, or Greek yogurt
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and cube potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Boil in chicken broth until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain potatoes , reserving some broth for extra flavor if desired.
- Mash with butter and milk , then stir in a few spoonfuls of the broth for depth.
- Season well , top with chives or bacon bits, and serve!
💡 Pro tip: For extra-rich results, add a clove of garlic or a bay leaf to the broth while boiling.
🧠 The Science Behind Flavor Infusion
Potatoes naturally absorb liquid as they cook — especially starchy ones like russets.
When you boil them in water:
- They get soft — but bland
- Require more seasoning to compensate
- Lack complexity unless loaded with butter and cheese
But when you use broth, stock, or even vegetable bouillon water :
- The potatoes absorb flavor as they soften
- Less need for heavy toppings
- Texture remains creamy without being overly greasy
It’s a small tweak with big payoff — and it works whether you're making classic mash, garlic mash, or loaded baked potato bites.
📦 Creative Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun twists:
Try a Truffle Oil Version or a Lemon-Herb Style for gourmet flair.
🍲 Broth vs. Stock – Which One Works Best?
While many people use these terms interchangeably, there is a slight difference.
For mashed potatoes, chicken broth is usually best — it’s lighter and blends smoothly.
If you want more body, try bone broth — it adds thickness and protein punch.
🥣 How to Serve Flavor-Packed Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Green beans or steamed broccoli
- As part of a holiday spread
- With gravy or pan drippings
Perfect for family dinners , weeknight meals , or easy freezer-friendly sides !
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Proper storage keeps your mashed potatoes tasting great:
- Refrigerator : Store covered for up to 5 days .
- Freezer : Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months — thaw and reheat gently.
- Make Ahead : Prep and refrigerate — add butter last minute before reheating
Great for batch cooking , leftovers , or meal-prepped lunches !
📈 Monetization Hacks for Bloggers & Content Creators
If you run a food blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, this type of content is perfect for monetization . Here’s how to maximize its earning potential:
1. AdSense Optimization
- Use clear headings and subheadings for better readability.
- Insert ads between sections or after the first 300 words.
- Use high-performing ad units like in-article banners or native display ads .
2. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommend kitchen tools like potato mashers , ricers , or mixing bowls .
- Link to ingredient brands or specialty products (e.g., organic broth, artisan seasonings).
- Earn commissions via Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate.
3. Email List Building
- Offer a free printable recipe card or themed eBook behind an email opt-in.
- Create a “Comfort Side Dishes” series or “Better Mashed Potato Guide” as lead magnets.
4. YouTube & Social Media Strategy
- Film a short-form video showing the step-by-step process (ideal for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts).
- Use keywords like “mashed potatoes with chicken broth,” “TikTok mashed potato hack,” and “better mashed potatoes” in your titles and descriptions.
- Include affiliate links in your description box or pinned comment.
5. Sponsored Content Opportunities
- Pitch this recipe to broth brands, dairy companies, or kitchenware sponsors.
- Showcase branded ingredients or appliances in your photos/videos.
📊 SEO Tips for Maximum Reach
To help your post rank higher in search engines, optimize for these keywords:
- "TikTok mashed potato hack"
- "Mashed potatoes with chicken broth"
- "How to make flavorful mashed potatoes"
- "Better mashed potato recipe"
- "Stop boiling potatoes in water"
- "Flavored mashed potato tips"
Use them naturally throughout your content, especially in:
- Headings
- Image alt text
- Meta descriptions
- Video titles and tags
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken?
A: Yes — and it still gives great flavor boost.
Q: Do I need to peel the potatoes?
A: Not always — Yukon Gold skins are thin enough to leave on.
Q: Why did my potatoes come out too salty?
A: Broth can be high in sodium — reduce added salt or use low-sodium versions.
Q: Can I freeze mashed potatoes made with broth?
A: Yep — they freeze beautifully and reheat easily.
Q: Can I use beef broth?
A: Sure — though flavor will be stronger and heartier.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Switching from water to broth may seem minor — but the difference is night and day.
Once you try mashed potatoes infused with chicken stock , you’ll never look at your old recipe the same way again.
So go ahead, toss those cubes in broth instead of water — and enjoy mashed potatoes that actually taste like something.
Your family will thank you.
And so will your taste buds.