How Mashed Potatoes—and TikTok—Transformed My Time in the Kitchen

Mashed potatoes hold a special place in our family’s heart—especially for my kids, who ask for them almost every day. While I do my best to add more vegetables and greens to our meals, their unwavering love for mashed potatoes means I find myself making them several times a week. To be honest, my husband and I aren’t complaining—we’re just as smitten.

Recently, while scrolling through Instagram and TikTok for new meal ideas, I came across a tip from TikToker Jourdyn (@jeauxp) that completely changed my approach to this comfort food staple: add chicken stock.

Jourdyn’s method was unlike anything I’d tried. She begins by leaving the potato skins on, then boils the whole potatoes in a mix of chicken stock and water, after oiling and cleaning the skins. Intrigued, I gave it a try.

The results were incredible. The chicken stock gave the potatoes a subtle, savory depth—a warm umami flavor that elevated the dish far beyond the usual. And the skins? They added a rustic texture that made the mashed potatoes feel heartier, more satisfying.

Encouraged, I kept experimenting. Inspired by another TikTok trick, I added sour cream and fresh chopped chives to the next batch. Not only did it boost the flavor, but it made the dish more visually appealing—and it disappeared even faster at the dinner table.

My dive into TikTok kitchen hacks didn’t end there. I picked up other simple yet game-changing tips: a pinch of nutmeg to bring out the earthiness in spinach, a slice of bread to soften hardened brown sugar—the kind of tricks that quietly transform everyday cooking.

What began as a way to keep mashed potatoes interesting for my kids has become something much more: a reminder that even the most familiar dishes still have room for creativity, learning, and joy.