Mashed Potato Flakes Directions

Season the potatoes with your favorite herbs.

Potato flakes, or instant potatoes, are made of dehydrated potatoes. Once they are mixed with hot water and other ingredients, the flakes quickly reconstitute into fluffy mashed potatoes. They have a long shelf life and only take minutes to prepare, compared with regular potatoes. The least expensive way to purchase potato flakes is by buying bulk boxes of unflavored, plain potato flakes, although flavored single-meal packets are also available. When reconstituted properly, they have the same flavor as regular mashed potatoes, though the texture is finer.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Measuring cup
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• Fork
• 1 1/2 cups potato flakes

Instructions

1. Pour 1 1/3 cups water into a medium saucepan. Add 2 tbsp. of butter and ½ tsp. of salt.

2. Place a lid on the pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.

3. Remove the pot from the burner. Stir in 1/3 cup milk and 1 ½ cups potato flakes with a fork until thoroughly combined.

4. Place the lid back on the pot and allow it to set for 5 minutes to ensure the potatoes completely reconstitute. Fluff the potatoes with the fork before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• Some flavored potato flake packets need only hot water or milk, as the butter, salt and other flavorings are already mixed in. Refer to the directions on the package.

• Store unused potatoes in a tightly sealed container in a cool pantry.

References

• University of Nebraska Extension: Potato Flakes
• University of Illinois Extension: Instant Potato Granules