What were instant mashed potato flakes used for?
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By using this product, a cook can save time a labor usually dedicated to peeling, boiling, and mashing. The kitchen staple’s multifaceted virtues extend outside of its ability to create an instant side dish, as well; potato flakes can also be used to thicken soups and can serve as a base for sourdough starter.
What is the ratio of instant potatoes to water?
Decide How Much You Want: Each serving equals about 2/3 cup. 2 Servings: 2/3 cup water; 1 tbsp butter (or margarine or olive oil); 1/4 tsp salt (optional); 1/3 cup milk; 2/3 cup potato flakes.

Are instant mashed potatoes healthy?
Nutritionally speaking, instant mashed potatoes offer roughly the same vitamins and minerals as the real mashed potatoes with the exception of Vitamin C. To please palates, they tend to be higher in sodium, significantly higher than the amount of salt home cooks would add when making them at home from scratch.
Are instant mashed potatoes real potatoes?
Instant potatoes are made from real potatoes that have been dehydrated, so by adding ingredients you’d normally throw in with homemade mashed potatoes, you’ll be well on your way to practically homemade potatoes in a fraction of the time.

How do you make a packet of mashed potatoes?
Prep Instructions
- Combine water, salt and margarine* according to chart below. For best results, do not add milk until Step 3.
- Heat to a boil, remove from heat.
- Add cold milk; stir in potatoes gently and let stand until moist. Whip lightly with fork and serve.
How do you make store bought mashed potatoes better?
5 Ways to Upgrade Mashed Potatoes
- Fold in mayonnaise. Whether you mash with a ricer or smash potatoes with a fork, there’s one surefire way to make them even creamier: mayo.
- Swap the potato.
- Punch up the heat.
- Top them with something crunchy.
- Add a root.
Is instant mash any good?
Instant mashed potatoes have substantially more sodium than fresh potatoes, and much less dietary fiber. In other respects they are similar to mashed fresh potatoes in their nutritional qualities, about two-thirds starch by dry weight, with smaller amounts of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins.
Can I use milk instead of water for instant mashed potatoes?
Milk: Milk adds to the richness of the potatoes. Use at least 2% milk, but preferably whole milk. Chicken broth: This adds a richer flavor than if you would just use water.
Can you make instant mashed potatoes with milk instead of water?
Rest assured—your potatoes won’t end up tasting like chicken! In fact, when you mix the potato flakes with the warm broth, the result is a creamier, more buttery-tasting bowl of spuds. You can also swap milk or half-and-half for the water required.
Can I use instant potatoes to thicken gravy?
Instant mashed potatoes are ready in minutes because all you need to do is add water and milk to the dried mashed potatoes. If you have this type of food in your pantry, you can use it as gravy thickener. Directly add a teaspoon of instant mashed potatoes into the gravy mixture and stir.
Are instant mashed potatoes the same as potato flakes?
Sometimes called potato buds, instant mashed potato flakes are dehydrated cooked potatoes. Reconstitute them with hot water or milk, and you’ve got mashed potatoes. While there’s no question that making mashed potatoes from scratch is worth the effort, potato flakes do have their place.