The Reason Behind Not Boiling Mashed Potatoes in Water

In our house, mashed potatoes are sacred—no matter how many healthy recipes I try to sneak in, they always remain a family favorite. But a viral TikTok tip from user Jourdyn (@jeauxp) changed the way I make them forever: swap water for chicken stock.

Jourdyn’s trick? Boil the potatoes with their skins on in a mix of chicken stock and water. I was skeptical, but gave it a try—and the result surprised me. The broth added a gentle umami depth, while the skins brought a rustic, hearty texture that made every bite feel homemade and rich.

I didn’t stop there. Inspired, I tried a version with sour cream and chives, and suddenly the dish felt gourmet. Creamy, flavorful, and visually inviting, it was a hit at the table.

That TikTok tip opened the door to more creative cooking ideas—like adding a pinch of nutmeg to sautéed spinach or placing a slice of bread in brown sugar to keep it soft. Small changes, big impact.

So if you’re stuck in a mashed potato rut, shake things up. Try chicken stock. Keep the skins. Add bold mix-ins. Who knows? Your next kitchen favorite might be just one unconventional twist away.