Mashed potatoes have long been a beloved staple on dinner tables across America. For many, they are more than just a side dish—they are a source of comfort, nostalgia, and the perfect companion to a variety of meals. Whether paired with roasted meats, served as part of a holiday feast, or simply enjoyed as a warm and satisfying dish, mashed potatoes hold a special place in people’s hearts. But what if you’ve been making them the wrong way all along?

A viral TikTok hack suggests that your traditional method of boiling potatoes in plain water might be preventing you from unlocking their full potential. Instead, food lovers and home cooks are now turning to a simple yet game-changing trick: boiling potatoes in stock rather than water. This method, which has taken social media by storm, promises to infuse the potatoes with deeper flavor, creating a more elevated and indulgent dish.

The buzz around this technique started when TikTok user Jourdyn Parks, known as @jeauxp, shared her unique take on preparing mashed potatoes. Parks’ approach challenges the standard practice of using plain water and instead encourages cooks to use a flavorful stock—whether chicken, beef, or vegetable—to enhance the taste from the very first step.

“I know you can boil your potatoes in water,” Parks explained in an interview with BuzzFeed after her video gained widespread attention in 2021. “In fact, it’s probably the most common way. I just can’t figure out why you’d choose to when stock and broth are options.”

The concept is simple yet transformative. The traditional method of boiling potatoes in water relies on seasoning and added ingredients later in the process, but by starting with a flavorful liquid, every bite of mashed potatoes becomes more robust and satisfying. The result is a dish that no longer requires excessive butter, salt, or cream to make it stand out—because the flavor is already built in.

The Step-by-Step Process

Parks’ technique begins with a crucial step: preparing the potatoes properly before they even hit the pot. She starts by thoroughly washing them and then rubbing them with avocado oil. While she prefers to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, peeling them is an option for those who prefer a smoother consistency.

Once the potatoes are halved, they go into a pot with a small amount of water—just enough to help distribute heat evenly—a pinch of sea salt, and enough stock to fully submerge them. Whether you opt for chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, the key is to ensure the potatoes absorb as much of the liquid’s flavor as possible while they cook.

As the potatoes boil, they take on the richness of the stock, eliminating the need for extra seasoning. Parks emphasizes that this method not only enhances flavor but also creates a creamier, smoother consistency. “They’ll be delicious,” she confidently states in her viral video, which has since garnered thousands of likes and shares from curious food lovers eager to try the hack for themselves.

Putting the Stock-Boiled Potato Hack to the Test

The internet, of course, is full of food hacks, but not all of them live up to the hype. To determine whether this trick was truly revolutionary, multiple food enthusiasts and home cooks decided to put it to the test with side-by-side comparisons.

In these experiments, one batch of potatoes was boiled in chicken stock, while another was boiled in plain water. The results were striking. The stock-boiled potatoes had a noticeably richer and deeper flavor, while the water-boiled batch lacked that same complexity. Even more impressively, the texture of the stock-boiled potatoes was significantly smoother and creamier, whereas the water-boiled version turned out slightly grainy in comparison.

The difference was undeniable: the stock-boiled potatoes didn’t need as much butter or seasoning to be flavorful. In fact, they were so well-seasoned straight from the pot that they could be served with minimal additional ingredients and still taste like a well-crafted dish.

Elevating Mashed Potatoes with Creative Twists

Parks’ method has not only revolutionized the way people cook mashed potatoes but has also inspired home cooks to get creative with additional ingredients. Those looking to elevate their dish even further have found that adding a touch of sour cream, a splash of heavy cream, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg can enhance the depth of flavor.

For those who love a rustic texture, keeping the potato skins on not only adds visual appeal but also brings a slightly earthy note to the dish. Meanwhile, incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley can introduce an extra layer of freshness. Some adventurous cooks have even experimented with different types of stocks—mushroom stock for a more umami-rich experience, or a combination of chicken and beef stock for a uniquely complex taste.

A Family Tradition Worth Passing Down

Interestingly, Parks credits her grandmother for introducing her to this technique, which explains why it carries a certain time-honored wisdom. Many traditional recipes rely on stock as a base for soups and stews, so it makes sense that the same principle would apply to potatoes.

Unlike modern cooking fads that come and go, the stock-boiling method is built on a simple, logical foundation: if you want more flavor in your food, start with more flavorful ingredients. It’s an easy tweak that transforms mashed potatoes from a simple side dish into the star of the meal.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

If you’re looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, this hack is worth a try. Instead of reaching for the salt shaker and extra butter to compensate for blandness, consider making a fundamental change to the way you cook your potatoes. By swapping out plain water for stock, you can elevate your dish effortlessly while maintaining all the creamy goodness you love.

No matter which type of stock you choose—chicken, beef, vegetable, or even homemade—this small adjustment could be the secret to making mashed potatoes that your family and friends will rave about.

Why settle for bland when you can enjoy bold, flavorful mashed potatoes? Next time you’re in the kitchen, give this trick a try and experience firsthand how a simple change can make all the difference.