This calculator will break down how much mashed potato you will need per person. Whether you are making dinner for 4 or serving 200 people, you can quickly calculate the quantities you should have on hand. The calculator will also provide the amount of potatoes and liquids you will need to make the right portion amounts for your guests. Recipe cooking tips and other suggestions are also provided.
Mashed Potatoes Serving Size
The typical serving size for mashed potatoes can vary between 2/3 to 1 cup (~6 – 8 ounces). Our calculator relies on an 8 ounce portion, which allows extra for a few heavy eaters and trips for seconds. If you are planning on a smaller serving size you should adjust the results accordingly.
Milk To Potato Ratio For Mashed Potatoes
The general rule of thumb for liquid-to-mashed potatoes ratio is 1/4 to 1. For 32 ounces of potato, you would incorporate 8 ounces of liquid. Of course, this ratio depends on the type of potato and how creamy you’d like your mashed potatoes to be. The ratio would be lower if you prefer extra firm mashed potatoes.
If you are using instant mashed potato flakes, follow the directions on the box, and adjust as needed based on the suggestions below.
How Many Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes
If you are using the 1/4 to 1 ratio of liquid to potato, you would want 6 ounces of potato for each 8 ounce serving of mashed potatoes.
How Much Does The Average Potato Weigh
On average potatoes weigh around 5.5 ounces. But they can range from anywhere between 3 oz (very small) to 10 oz (very large). If you are only making a small amount of mashed potatoes, you can guestimate using one 4 1/2″ to 5″ potato per serving. This should get you pretty close to a 6 ounce potato per portion.
How Many Potatoes Is 2 Pounds
Using the estimate above, where the average potato weighs 5 1/2 ounces, you would need roughly 6 medium 4 1/2″ to 5″ potatoes to get two pounds.
Tips For Cooking Mashed Potatoes
- Use potatoes that are known for their starchiness such as Idaho.
- After peeling your potatoes, cut them into 3″ cubes of equal size. Having a similar size will ensure they boil at the same rate. Also, potatoes absorb water when boiling; cutting the potatoes any smaller than 3″ will result in too much water in the potato mixture.
- Add salt to your boiling water and use a large enough pan so that there is plenty of room for the potatoes to boil evenly.
- Boil the potatoes until the 3″ cubes easily break or crumble apart when pierced with a fork.
- Do not over-mash your potatoes. The more you mix the potatoes, the more the starches inside the potatoes will bind together and get gummy.
- Add any stock or seasonings to your liquid before you add it to the potatoes. This helps incorporate flavors more evenly.
- Preheat the liquid before adding it to your potatoes. The heat will help the liquid bind with the starches of the potato.
Is Milk Or Cream Better For Mashed Potatoes?
Honestly, what you add to your potatoes is really just a matter of preference. Select your liquid based on what you have on hand, how light or creamy you would like to potatoes, and whether you are calorie-conscious. Which ever liquid you choose, start with 1/4 liquid to potatoes ratio then add more until you get the texture you would like. If your mashed potatoes turn out too thin, add some potato flakes to thicken.
Here’s a breakdown of some of your liquid options for mashed potatoes:
- Milk – It’s the staple for most basic mashed potato recipes. It adds some creaminess to the potatoes without masking too much of the potato flavor. It’s a good option when the mashed potato’s primary purpose is to get smothered with/and absorb gravy. It can easily be substituted with skim milk if you’re watching calories.
- Heavy Cream – If you want creamy mashed potatoes, using heavy cream (or half heavy cream/half milk) will give the potatoes an extra richness.
- Butter – If you want your creamy mashed potatoes to be extra rich and calories aren’t an issue, add a tablespoon of melted butter to every 4 ounces of heavy cream. The mashed potatoes will taste great on their own without any gravy.
- Sour Cream – If you want velvety mashed potatoes that taste more like a loaded baked potato, substitute sour cream for your liquid and add fresh chives and butter to sweeten. Mix in shredded Monterey Jack cheese to take the potatoes to a new level.
- Water – If you are planning on using water for your mashed potatoes, consider adding 1 tsp chicken bullion for each cup (8 ounces) of water. This will make the potatoes a little more flavorful.
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