How do you flavor mashed potatoes?

Question

I skin them, boil them, mash them with hot milk and butter...how do I flavor them? Restaurants, even fast food (ok esp fast food lol) have flavor to theirs...how do I add flavor?

Answer 1

Just dump it in a bit at a time and keep on tasting.

Coach

Answer 2

You can add garlic to them by adding small amounts of minced garlic. My personal favorite is to go ahead and prepare the mashed potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper, and then add a large scoop of cream cheese with chives - this really perks them up and avoids the use of garlic. I have also chopped up green onions and mixed with them right before serving - this is a tasty option.
One other option that I often make - I spread the prepared mashed potatoes out in a pan (about an inch deep). I then sprinkle grated smoked cheddar cheese over the surface. Place in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes and you have a tasty potato dish.

Answer 3

That's the great thing about mashed potatoes! They can be flavored almost any way you like to go with a variety of meals. For asian, I like to use prepared wasabi out of a tube...I just mix in enough to get it to the flavor I want - go easy, it can get way too spicy! There are so many other things you can add - bacon, or hot sauce or ranch dressing or cheese or sour cream or...the possibilities are endless. The most popular flavor to add is garlic. Here is a recipe for garlic mashed:

INGREDIENTS:
7 cups peeled and cubed baking potatoes
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
PREPARATION:
Place potatoes and garlic in a saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes; drain. Place drained potatoes and garlic in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients; beat with mixer until smooth. Serves 6 to 8.

It comes from the page listed below which has a ton of great potato recipes!

Answer 4

I boil with two cloves of garlic per pound of potato and instead of using milk use vegetable broth! You can either discard the garlic after boiling (for milder garlic flavor) or do like me and use a garlic press on the cloves and then mash the potatoes with the mashed garlic. Leeks boiled along with the 'taters is even better but more expensive due to the price of leeks!

FWIW; my mother-in-law *hated* me because my mashed was always preferred to her more traditional ones.

Answer 5

A great way to flavor mashed potatoes is to add fresh garlic while the potatoes are boiling. It adds a great flavor!!

Answer 6

Definitely go with the garlic, garlic salt, whipping cream, salt, pepper or even some spicy jalepeno jack shreddeed cheese. the consistency of using the whipping cream -not cool whip- will lighten the taste and your potatoes will become airy. Butter mixed in when they are still hot will distribute the butter evenly. MMM,,,

Answer 7

The BEST way is with Tastefully Simples, Garlic Garlic. It is sooo good. The Bacon Bacon is great with it too. Then add some evaporated milk to make it creamy.
I have never had so many people ask what was in it when I served it for Thanksgiving.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

You can mash as usual (milk, butter, salt & pepper), then add green onion, crumbled bacon and grated cheese and a dallop of sour cream.

Answer 9

As highlighted by the other answers, you can pretty much add whatever you like...

If you are trying to go for that resturaunt taste, it is normally roasted garlic and salt and pepper...or the other traditional fav...chicken or beef stock, depending on what you are serving it with.

for more flavour, I keep the skins on....they are a bit lumpy but sooooo much better.

Answer 10

Add chopped garlic, chopped onion, and also freshly fried and crumbled smoked bacon bits and you have a great combination of flavors even if you use only one choice given you here.

Answer 11

Have you added spices? Salt, pepper, whatever else you like. I like to add garlic and lots of it. Sometimes I will add cheese while they potatoes are still hot.