For many people, mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a warm, familiar comfort food that brings everyone together around the table. Whether they accompany a juicy roast, crispy fried chicken, or a hearty meatloaf, mashed potatoes often steal the show with their creamy texture and buttery flavor. But what if your usual way of making mashed potatoes is holding you back from truly unlocking their full potential? A viral TikTok hack may have just the answer, and it’s surprisingly simple.
Comedian and TikTok personality Jourdyn Parks, known on the platform as @jeauxp, has captured the attention of food lovers everywhere with her twist on the traditional mashed potato recipe. Her method challenges the long-standing habit of boiling potatoes in plain water and instead calls for something more flavorful—stock. According to Parks, swapping water for stock when boiling potatoes is a game-changer that can completely elevate your mashed potato experience. Her advice? Don’t just cook your potatoes—infuse them with flavor.
Speaking with BuzzFeed after her TikTok hack gained traction in 2021, Parks shared her thoughts: “I know you can boil your potatoes in water. 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.” Her point struck a chord with home cooks, many of whom began rethinking their approach. After all, why stick to bland water when stock could add depth and richness with almost no extra effort?
The process behind this hack is straightforward but delivers a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Parks begins by thoroughly washing her potatoes and rubbing them with avocado oil, which she prefers for its health benefits and subtle taste. She usually keeps the skins on for extra texture and rustic appeal, but peeling is also a valid option depending on personal preference. After halving the potatoes, she places them into a large pot and adds a cup of water, a pinch of sea salt, and enough stock—chicken, beef, or vegetable—to completely cover the potatoes. This mix simmers until the potatoes are fork-tender and infused with the savory essence of the stock.
In her viral video, which has garnered thousands of likes and shares, Parks claims that boiling potatoes in stock not only infuses them with flavor but also creates a creamier, more cohesive texture. “They’ll be delicious,” she promises, and many of her followers seem to agree. People across the internet began experimenting with her method, eager to see if the taste lived up to the hype.
Food enthusiasts and home cooks put the hack to the test, conducting side-by-side comparisons of potatoes boiled in stock versus those boiled in water. The results? Astonishing. The stock-boiled potatoes consistently delivered a richer, more complex flavor. They didn’t need much—if any—additional seasoning, making them a standout dish all on their own. In contrast, the water-boiled potatoes tasted noticeably blander and had a slightly grainier texture. The difference in taste and mouthfeel was clear: stock made the mashed potatoes smoother, creamier, and far more flavorful.
Inspired by the success of the hack, many people have started taking it even further. Some are adding sour cream and chopped chives for a tangy finish, while others include a splash of heavy cream or even a pinch of nutmeg to warm up the flavors. The possibilities are endless, and the stock-boiling method provides the perfect base for creative twists. Even those who prefer the rustic texture of skin-on mashed potatoes have found that this method enhances both the flavor and the appearance of their dish.
Parks credits her grandmother for teaching her this clever tip, which explains why it feels like a well-kept family secret finally being shared with the world. In many ways, it’s a reminder of how small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference. The stock-boiling technique not only intensifies flavor but also transforms mashed potatoes into a main attraction rather than just a supporting side.
If you’ve ever felt your mashed potatoes were lacking that extra something—or if you’re simply looking to impress your guests at your next dinner gathering—consider giving this method a try. Stock is widely available, and you can choose between chicken, beef, or vegetable varieties depending on your preference or dietary needs. Each one brings its own distinct flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish to complement your main course.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require any special equipment or expensive ingredients—just a swap of water for stock. Yet the result feels gourmet, like something you might enjoy at a fine-dining restaurant or a family holiday feast. It’s a small upgrade with big rewards, one that might just become your new go-to method for making mashed potatoes.
So why settle for bland and boring when you can serve up bold, flavorful mashed potatoes that everyone will rave about? Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this simple change could take your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary. Give it a try and discover how one small tweak can make a beloved classic even better.
