How To Thicken Mashed Potatoes Like A Pro (8 Best Ways)

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How to Thicken Mashed Potatoes Like a Pro (8 Best Ways)

Published by Izzy

on Mar 04, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023

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Mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish to enjoy with everything from meat, fish, and chicken, to grilled veggies, and pot pies. The challenge with mashed potatoes is making sure it comes out just right. You want it to be creamy, rich, and smooth – definitely not thin and runny.

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In today’s post, we’re sharing 8 of the best ways to thicken mashed potatoes. After reading these tips, you’ll be making mashed potatoes like a pro!

How to Thicken Runny Mashed Potatoes

1. Thicken Mashed Potatoes with a Thickening Agent (Our Top Pick)

If you’ve made a bowl of mashed potatoes and find that it’s way too thin, there are some easy ways to quickly thicken it up! All you need is cornstarch, flour, or powdered milk.

Most of us have corn starch in our pantry, and it’s a great option because it doesn’t affect the flavor of the potatoes.

You can also use flour or even powdered milk. Note that while flour is a common ingredient that’s readily available, it can add a chalky taste to mashed potatoes.

To thicken runny mashed potatoes with a thickening agent, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, flour, or powdered milk to the potatoes. Stir and continue to add more thickener, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you have the desired consistency.

2. Reduce the Liquid on the Stovetop

Place the mashed potatoes in a pot over medium heat and stir with a fork, every minute or so.

Leaving the pot uncovered lets the moisture evaporate, and the potatoes will thicken. Be sure not to over stir which can cause the potatoes to become gluey.

3. Add Dehydrated Potatoes

If you have dehydrated potatoes on hand, stir one tablespoon at a time into the mashed potatoes until it reaches the desired consistency.

In addition to thickening the mashed potatoes, dehydrated potatoes add a smooth flavor that’s delicious.

4. Heat in a Microwave (Fastest)

When you’re pressed for time, a microwave can be used to thicken runny mashed potatoes.

Place the potatoes into a microwave-safe container and heat them on high for 1 minute. Check the potatoes after 1 minute and gently stir.

If the potatoes need to thicken up some more, heat them for another minute and check again. Continue until you have the desired consistency. Be sure not to cover the bowl to allow the excess moisture to evaporate.

5. Bake in an Oven

Thin mashed potatoes can also be thickened in an oven.

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the potatoes into an uncovered casserole dish or baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, gently stir, and check to see if the potatoes have thickened to the desired consistency.

Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes if the potatoes need some additional time.

6. Cook More Potatoes

This is a great option if you have more potatoes on hand.

Boil the potatoes and mash until very soft. Add them to the thin mashed potatoes to thicken them up. When you have the consistency you want, taste the potatoes and re-season as needed.

7. Strain the Mashed Potatoes

Another way to reduce the amount of moisture in runny mashed potatoes is to strain them. You’ll need some cheesecloth and a strainer.

Set the cheesecloth over the strainer and add the potatoes. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and form the mashed potatoes into a ball. Gently squeeze to remove the excess moisture and set it aside to continue to drain for about an hour.

8. Add Cheese

The addition of cheese will help to improve the texture of runny mashed potatoes and also add more flavor.

Good options are parmesan or pecorino cheese. Just be careful with the flavor – you don’t want the potatoes to become too salty.

How to Avoid Runny Mashed Potatoes

• Use the proper potatoes called for in the recipe. Our favorite potatoes for mashing are Yukon gold and Russet potatoes.
• Fill your pot with cold water and add the potatoes before the water begins to boil. This will help them cook more evenly.
• Drain the potatoes well and then add other ingredients.
• Mash the potatoes on their own before adding liquid. This puts you in control. You can always add more liquid if needed, after mashing the potatoes.
• Don’t underwork or overwork the potatoes. Stir well to combine the potatoes so they’re thick, but avoid over stirring which can cause them to become gluey.

You May Also Like

• How to Thicken Chili
• How to Thicken Spaghetti Sauce
• Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes

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How to Thicken Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step Instructions)

By: Izzy Mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish to enjoy with everything from meat, fish, and chicken, to grilled veggies, and pot pies. The challenge with mashed potatoes is making sure it comes out just right. You want it to be creamy, rich, and smooth – definitely not thin and runny. Servings: 1 Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• ▢ Optional flour or powdered milk

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Instructions

• Add 1 tablespoon to the runny mashed potatoes.
• Stir and continue to add more thickener, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you have the desired consistency.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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