For many Americans, mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a warm, comforting reminder of family gatherings, holiday dinners, and cozy nights at home. There’s something about their creamy texture and buttery flavor that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort. But what if we’ve been making mashed potatoes the wrong way all along? What if a simple change in our cooking method could take this beloved dish from good to absolutely unforgettable?

That’s exactly what comedian and TikTok creator Jourdyn Parks, known as @jeauxp, believes. Her viral mashed potato hack has taken social media by storm and challenged home cooks everywhere to rethink their approach to this classic dish. Her secret? Stop boiling your potatoes in plain water and start using flavorful stock instead. It’s a small change that delivers big results—and once you try it, you might never go back to the old method again.

In an interview with BuzzFeed, Parks explained the thinking behind her unconventional tip. “Sure, boiling your potatoes in water is common,” she said. “But why would you do that when you have options like broth and stock that actually bring something to the table?” It’s a valid point. After all, potatoes are like sponges. They soak up the liquid they’re cooked in, so why not make that liquid as flavorful as possible?

The process is surprisingly simple. Parks starts by washing her potatoes thoroughly, then rubbing them with a bit of avocado oil. This helps with browning and adds a subtle richness to the final dish. While she prefers to leave the skins on for texture and visual appeal, you can peel them if you prefer a smoother result. She then cuts the potatoes in half and places them in a pot. Instead of filling the pot with plain water, she adds just one cup of water along with a pinch of sea salt, then tops it off with enough chicken, beef, or vegetable stock to cover the potatoes completely.

This method does two important things. First, it infuses the potatoes with flavor from the inside out. Second, it helps create a creamier texture that makes your mashed potatoes feel like they came straight from a high-end restaurant. Parks explains in her TikTok video that the difference is not only noticeable but game-changing. “They’ll be delicious,” she confidently states—and based on the thousands of likes and shares the video has received, people are inclined to agree.

Of course, plenty of home cooks decided to test the hack for themselves. Curious food lovers have conducted side-by-side taste tests, boiling one batch of potatoes in stock and another in plain water. The results? The stock-boiled potatoes consistently came out on top. They had a deeper, more satisfying flavor and a smoother, creamier consistency. Even without adding butter, cream, or seasonings, these potatoes had a savory taste that stood on its own.

What’s great about this hack is how versatile it is. You can use whatever stock you have on hand—chicken, beef, or vegetable. Each one offers a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize your mashed potatoes to pair perfectly with whatever main course you’re serving. Chicken stock adds a rich, comforting flavor. Beef stock delivers depth and heartiness. Vegetable stock keeps things light and is perfect for vegetarian meals. You can even mix stocks for a unique blend of flavors.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve boiled your potatoes in stock, you can take them even further with creative add-ins. A spoonful of sour cream adds tang and richness. A splash of heavy cream or milk can make them extra decadent. Fresh chopped chives bring brightness and a pop of color. A dash of garlic powder or a tiny bit of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity. Want to go rustic? Leave the skins on and give your mashed potatoes a chunky texture that feels both hearty and homemade.

Parks credits her grandmother for introducing her to this method, which makes perfect sense. Like so many great cooking tips, this one was passed down through generations and refined with love and experience. What’s special about it is that it honors the tradition of comfort food while elevating it into something truly special—something worthy of being the star of your dinner table, not just a sidekick.

So the next time you’re making mashed potatoes, take a moment to consider how you’re boiling them. This one small change—swapping out water for stock—can make all the difference. It’s easy, affordable, and completely transforms the flavor and texture of the dish. No fancy equipment or advanced cooking skills required—just a willingness to try something new.

There’s no reason mashed potatoes should ever be bland. They have the potential to be rich, flavorful, and satisfying, the kind of dish that people remember long after the meal is over. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a regular weeknight dinner, this tip can help you bring your A-game to the table.

At the end of the day, comfort food should never be boring. It should be something that excites your taste buds, warms your soul, and makes you feel good. By simply changing what you boil your potatoes in, you can turn an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary. So give it a try—boil your potatoes in stock, mash them up, and taste the difference for yourself.

You might just find that this small tweak becomes your new go-to method for mashed potatoes. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even inspire someone else to up their game in the kitchen. After all, good food is meant to be shared—and mashed potatoes, when done right, deserve to be celebrated.