6 Tricks To Fix Bland Mashed Potatoes (Even If You’ve Never Cooked Before)

Have you ever made mashed potatoes only to find them tasting like nothing?

I know that feeling all too well.

Mashed potatoes are a great side dish for many meals, but when they’re bland and boring, it might be time to spice things up!

Here are some ways you can fix your bland mashed potatoes:

Why do my mashed potatoes taste like nothing?

If your potatoes taste like nothing, there are a few things you could be doing wrong.

First, ensure your potatoes have been cooked in salted water.

Potatoes, pasta, or other starchy ingredients, tend to absorb the water they are cooked in.

Therefore, if you only boil your potatoes in plain water, chances are the resulting mashed potatoes will be bland and tasteless.

Or maybe you haven’t seasoned the dish with enough spices and herbs, leading to a flat side dish that seems disappointing.

Don’t worry!

The following section will guide you on spicing up your bland mashed potatoes to keep enjoying them instead of throwing them away.

6 ways to spice up bland mashed potatoes

Here are some common ingredients that can be added to your mashed potatoes to boost the flavor.

The best part is that they are easy to find in any kitchen or can be bought reasonably.

Add salt and pepper

[amazon fields=”B07VYPC2ML” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

This is a classic way to add flavor to mashed potatoes, but don’t be shy about it.

Without salt, the dish will taste flat and boring.

Adding finely ground salt and pepper is better to eliminate the gritty feeling when eating.

Taste for seasoning after adding about half this amount; if needed, add more until you are satisfied with the flavor of your mashed potatoes.

Add smoked paprika

[amazon fields=”B00MQIQ1V6″ value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

Try adding smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor to your mashed potatoes.

Smoked paprika can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, and make sure you choose one that has only one ingredient: paprika.

This seasoning can be used in many dishes, not just mashed potatoes.

It is also good in recipes that call for cumin, as it provides another layer of flavor.

Simply add one teaspoon of smoked paprika to your mashed potatoes and stir it in until the spices are evenly distributed throughout.

Add milk or cream infused with herbs and garlic

[amazon fields=”B000O6EG5K” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

A great way to fix bland potatoes is by adding milk or cream infused with herbs and garlic.

Use a blender or immersion blender to mix the garlic and herbs into your milk or cream, then stir it in with your mashed potatoes.

However, since milk and cream have different textures, you will need to consider choosing milk or cream to add to your mashed potatoes.

Milk is more suitable if the mashed potatoes are too thick and need something to thin them, while the cream will help thicken your watery mashed potatoes.

Add fresh thyme or rosemary

[amazon fields=”B07F36FRJZ” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

Fresh herbs are your best bet when it comes to spicing up bland mashed potatoes.

Thyme and rosemary are both excellent choices—although thyme might be a little more subtle than rosemary.

Both fresh and dried will work in a pinch, but some chopped fresh herbs can also work as a decorative thing to your dish and make it look more appealing to try.

Add chicken broth

[amazon fields=”B074VCSHFD” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

If your mashed potatoes are bland, add chicken broth.

You can also add chicken fat to give them more flavor.

If you are making a vegetable stew or soup, you can also use the leftover chicken fat.

If it’s not too salty, adding chicken stock or bouillon will help add some flavor.

Alternatively, you could use powdered chicken gravy mix (but don’t overdo it).

Chicken broth exists in different forms, from liquid to powder; therefore, you should be wise when choosing a type of chicken broth to not ruin the desired consistency of your mashed potatoes.

Add bacon

[amazon fields=”B08ZPRZRKP” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

The savory taste of bacon is a great way to add flavor to any meal.

Mashed potatoes are no exception! In fact, bacon is believed to make everything better.

Bacon adds a lot of flavors and can be used in two ways: cooking your potatoes in the grease from the bacon or garnishing with it.

Using this method, you’ll get all the benefits of cooking your spuds in bacon fat without adding any unnecessary calories.

This is a good option if you’re looking for something less fatty than cream or sour cream!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to fix bland mashed potatoes, you won’t have to put up with a plate of soggy, tasteless potatoes ever again.

The best part about this tip is that it works for all kinds of potatoes—red or white, new or old—so the next time your family starts complaining about how “this just isn’t the same,” you’ll be able to whip out this handy guide and show them how you’re cooking up some delicious mashed potatoes!