4 Remarkably Brilliant Ways to Thicken Runny Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes make a delicious side dish. While preparing this dish at home, you should be very careful about the preferred consistency. However, if by any chance, it becomes too runny, you can still mend it using simple methods. This Tastessence article provides you with a guide to fix soupy mashed potatoes.

Mashed Potato Sprinkled With Greens Cutlets

Quick Tip!

If you’re unable to get your mashed potatoes to your preferred consistency, don’t throw them out. Add them to soups, stews, or casseroles instead.

Mashed potatoes – I just love them! I mean who on earth would not? Well, sometimes, they can be in your bad books, but only if they are soupy. But wait! Is there a way to fix this problem? And the answer is YES, why not? After a lot of research, a few masterminds have found out some ways to overcome this problem. Alright, I am just kidding! The methods to thicken runny mashed potatoes are extremely simple, and I have compiled them in the sections to follow. All you’ll need are a few simple ingredients that mostly would be available in your kitchen.

How to Thicken Runny Mashed Potatoes

1. Heat

Step 1: Heat the runny mashed potatoes on medium-low heat in a large pot. (Do not cover the pot.)

Step 2: Stir the potatoes occasionally with a fork. This will prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Keep stirring till the excess moisture evaporates and the potatoes acquire the desired consistency.

Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and serve warm.

(*Tip: Do not stir too vigorously as this can result in a gluey consistency.)

2. Strain

Step 1: Pour the soupy potatoes in a cheesecloth. Tie all the ends of the cheesecloth to form a potato pouch.

Step 2: Keep the pouch over a strainer and set aside for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Open the cheesecloth and take out the potatoes.

Step 4: Reheat the potatoes and serve warm.

(*Tip: The drained liquid can be used to make a wonderful, creamy gravy.)

3. Microwave

Step 1: Pour the runny mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. (Do not cover the bowl.)

Step 2: Heat the bowl in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Remove the bowl and check the consistency. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the potatoes thicken up to your satisfaction level.

Step 4: Serve warm.

4. Thickening Agent

Thickening agents that can be used include:
▶ Powdered milk
▶ Instant potato flakes
▶ Arrowroot
▶ Flour or Cornflour
▶ Tapioca
▶ Hard Cheese (Parmesan)

Step 1: Add 1 tablespoon of any thickening agent of your choice to the warm soupy potatoes.

Step 2: Stir potatoes with a fork until the thickening agent gets mixed thoroughly.

Step 3: Keep adding the thickener, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 4: Serve warm.

(*Tip: You can even make potato pancakes if using flour as a thickener.)

Runny mashed potatoes can be avoided if you keep adding butter and milk in small portions to avoid the potatoes from turning soggy. So, keep this tip in mind and make your favorite dish. Even if it turns out to be soupy, you now know how to recover from this potential culinary disaster!