
Are you in search of the ideal mashed potato recipe? The traditional mashed potatoes from Idaho are easy, affordable, and delectable.
I am an expert in potatoes because I have tried several potato recipes.
Therefore, you’ve come to the right site if you want advice on creating perfect mashed potatoes.
When appropriately prepared, mashed potatoes can be the standout dish of any weeknight supper or the most special side dish for a special holiday meal.
I will help you improve your cooking techniques and make flawless mashed potatoes with this recipe’s suggestions, ingredients, and quantities.
Don’t be scared to try this out and learn how easy it can be to make fantastic mashed potatoes.

What Are Idahoan Mashed Potatoes?
Idahoan Mashed Potatoes are one of a kind. That could be because Idaho is a state that has mastered the art of making all sorts of delicious potato recipes.
The best part is that you aren’t attached to a strict recipe; you can add your preferred ingredients to turn this recipe into one of your own.
Nonetheless, we advise following certain steps and tips to create authentic Idaho mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
Russet Potatoes
In many aspects, Russet potatoes, often known as Idaho potatoes in North America, are the ideal potato.
They are large and versatile, with mealy white flesh and dark brown skin, and they work well for anything from our baked potatoes on the grill recipe, to roasting or french frying.
Butter
Butter is a dairy product created from the fat and protein found in churned cream.
When served at room temperature, it is an emulsion that is semi-solid and contains around 80% butterfat. You can also use unsalted butter.
Half and Half Milk
Many people don’t understand how easy it is to make half-and-half milk. It consists of half heavy cream and half whole milk.
Salt and Pepper
Edible salt and ground black pepper are the fantastic duo of seasonings featured on most Western dining tables. They are the most common type of seasonings, as you will use them in 90% of the recipes. Additionally, they might be used with other ingredients while cooking or preparing food.
Questions and Alternatives
What to Do with the Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes don’t have to go to waste. Our recommendation is to freeze them and make croquettes or mix them with your favorite sandwich for breakfast. The best part of instant mashed potatoes is that they can last for a long time if you keep them properly refrigerated.
Instant mashed potatoes go well with fried chicken, rice, hot milk, butter, hot water, cold water, and anything else with the correct texture to enhance the potatoes taste. Moreover, you can always add a splash of hot water or cold milk to bring them back to life. If you’d like to make them dairy-free, check out my mashed potatoes without milk recipe.

Can I Use Instant Mashed Potatoes?
Of course! I know that it is sometimes difficult to cook regular potatoes, which is why this recipe can be adapted to use instant mashed potatoes instead of regular ones. The only thing to remember is to ensure you season them properly so that they don’t lose the original taste created in this recipe.
Are Russet Potatoes Better?
It’s not that I don’t want you to not taste the other types of potatoes. However, if you want real Idaho mashed potatoes, you must use russet potatoes to get the complete experience. Moreover, you can make all sorts of dishes with these potatoes, including potato flakes, cooked potatoes, and many more recipes. They also pair well with unsalted butter and get more uniform when smashed with a potato masher.

Other Questions
Instant Potatoes VS Regular Potatoes – Are They Equally Healthy?
The quick response is no. They don’t have the entire nutritional content of real potatoes. Therefore, the best choice is to use whole potatoes. However, these potatoes are unquestionably healthier than fried potatoes. They’re a better option than buying potatoes at your next-door restaurant, which may have too much salt, butter, or hot milk.
What Instant Potatoes Are Better?
I tried the following three types of potatoes and determined they were the best among the others:
My favorite ones were the buttery, traditional Idaho mashed potatoes. They had a wonderful buttery flavor and an excellent consistency, as they were extremely fluffy and light. However, some people may think they have too much salt.
If you’re looking for a really thick option, the Meijer Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes are the ones for you. They have a flavor and texture similar to our usual freshly prepared mashed potatoes. Although not nearly as buttery as Idahoan mashed potatoes, this dish is incredibly tasty.
Finally, my last option is the Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes. These had an acceptable, recognizable flavor. However, in comparison to the other two, they were incredibly runny. Too runny, in my opinion. If I were to repurchase this brand, I would thicken them by adding additional flakes, salt, and butter.
What Can You Add to Potato Flakes to Make Them Better?
Many instant potato flakes only require you to add water to get them to the consistency you desire. They are a quick and simple alternative when you don’t want to cook too much. However, if you want tasty dishes more than anything else and don’t want to compromise this aspect, try adding the following ingredients:
- Milk: Cold milk enhances the potato flakes’ richness. Use whole milk if possible, but at least 2% will do.
- Using chicken broth instead of water gives the potato flakes a deeper flavor.
- Butter: Using butter is always wise. You’re probably wondering how much butter you should use. Still, the only rule you should follow is to avoid using margarine. Use either salted or unsalted butter.
- Potato flakes and sour cream go together naturally. Therefore, it is only natural to combine them to create a tastier dish.
- Cream cheese: Many grandmothers usually topped their potato flakes with cream cheese. This way, they get thicker and creamier.
- Our favorite seasonings are salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, but feel free to use any others. Seasoning is extremely important as it will take the dish to a different level. You can add milk and some fresh herbs to dramatically improve the flavor.

Bottom Line
Idahoan mashed potatoes are one of the best comfort foods you can make, as they are equally tasty and easy to make. If you enjoyed this recipe and wish to see similar ones, please check out the rest of my page.
Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

When prepared correctly, Idahoan mashed potatoes can be the standout dish of any weeknight supper or a special side dish for a special holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. Russet potatoes
- 1/3 c. butter
- 2 c. half and half
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and scour the potatoes to get rid of all the dirt that wasn't previously removed. Each potato should be peeled then placed in a bowl of cold water. Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces that are 1 to 2 inches thick to make sure the mashed potatoes are as smooth as possible.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt the water.
- Remove the potatoes from the cold water and add them to the pot. Depending on the potatoes' thickness, boil over high heat with the lid off, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This is meant to soften them as much as possible so that you can smash them and create the smooth mashed potato texture we know and love.
- Use a fork or long skewer to check if the potatoes are tender. You will know they are tender once the fork passes through with little resistance.
- Drain the pot over a colander and then return the potatoes to the pot. Keep the burner on low for up to a minute until the remaining water evaporates.
- Now it is time to add the warm butter, milk, and cream to the potato mixture. Avoid over-puréeing. The best way to do this is by taking your whole potatoes and using a potato masher.
- Now that the potato mixture is done, you can add all the cheeses and extra butter you want!
Notes
Remember, you can use sour cream or cream cheese instead of some butter. Nonetheless, don't forget to add your favorite garnishes, such as parsley, salt, and pepper, to enhance the potatoes' taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 184Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 394mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 3g