Mashed potatoes are a beloved comfort food for many—creamy, buttery, and often the star of the dinner table. However, if you’ve always boiled your potatoes in plain water, you may be missing out on a simple trick that can elevate your mashed potatoes to a whole new level. A viral TikTok hack, shared by comedian Jourdyn Parks (@jeauxp), has foodies everywhere rethinking their approach to this classic dish.

The secret? Boiling your potatoes in stock, rather than plain water. While this may sound like a small change, it’s one that could make all the difference in both the flavor and texture of your mashed potatoes.

The Hack That’s Changing the Way We Make Mashed Potatoes

Jourdyn Parks introduced the idea in 2021, and it quickly gained popularity across social media. According to Parks, boiling your potatoes in stock—whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetable stock—adds a depth of flavor that plain water just can’t provide. She argues that while it’s common to boil potatoes in water, there’s no reason to choose water when you have stock at your disposal.

“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,” Parks explained in an interview with BuzzFeed after her TikTok hack went viral.

How It Works

The method itself is simple but surprisingly transformative. First, Parks starts by washing her potatoes and rubbing them with avocado oil. While she leaves the skins on for added texture, you can also peel the potatoes if you prefer. Once the potatoes are ready, she halves them and places them in a pot with a cup of water, a pinch of sea salt, and enough stock to cover the potatoes.

The key to this hack lies in the stock. Boiling potatoes in stock not only infuses them with rich, savory flavors but also results in a creamier texture once mashed. According to Parks, this method makes the potatoes “delicious” and enhances their overall taste, eliminating the need for excessive seasoning after mashing.

Putting the Hack to the Test

Naturally, food enthusiasts wanted to see if Parks’ hack really lived up to the hype. So, they tried a side-by-side test: boiling one batch of potatoes in chicken stock and another batch in plain water. The results were eye-opening.

The stock-boiled potatoes had a noticeably richer, more robust flavor compared to the water-boiled batch. Not only did they taste more flavorful, but their texture was much creamier as well. In fact, even without any extra seasoning, the stock-boiled potatoes stood out as a flavorful, cohesive side dish that could complement just about any main course.

Creative Twists to Take Your Mashed Potatoes Even Further

Once people discovered the magic of boiling potatoes in stock, they started experimenting with even more creative ways to elevate their mashed potatoes. Adding ingredients like sour cream, chives, a splash of heavy cream, or even a pinch of nutmeg can take the flavor to the next level. For those who love rustic mashed potatoes, leaving the skins on can also add both texture and visual appeal, making the dish even more satisfying.

Parks credits her grandmother for teaching her this secret, and it’s clear why it has been passed down through generations. By boiling potatoes in stock, you’re not just enhancing the flavor—you’re turning mashed potatoes into a dish worthy of center stage at any meal.

Why You Should Try This Hack

If you’re tired of your mashed potatoes tasting a little too bland or watery, this simple swap could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Whether you choose chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, this small substitution can transform your potatoes into something extraordinary. The next time you make mashed potatoes, consider boiling them in stock instead of water. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor and creamy texture that this simple trick can bring.

Ready to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes?

Now that you know the secret to perfect mashed potatoes, why settle for plain when you can have bold, flavorful potatoes that will have everyone at the table asking for more? Give it a try at your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or even just a weeknight meal. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

So, the next time you’re making mashed potatoes, don’t forget to swap out that plain water for stock. It’s a small change that can make a big impact—and who doesn’t love a delicious, flavor-packed mashed potato dish?