For many people, mashed potatoes are more than a simple side dish—they represent comfort, tradition, and shared moments around the table. From holiday dinners to weeknight meals, this familiar favorite has earned its place as a classic. Yet even the most beloved recipes can benefit from small improvements. In recent years, home cooks have begun exploring simple ways to enhance everyday dishes, and one widely shared cooking tip has encouraged people to rethink how mashed potatoes are prepared, starting with the very first step: boiling.
The idea gained attention after being shared by comedian Jourdyn Parks on TikTok, where she suggested replacing plain water with flavorful stock when boiling potatoes. Instead of allowing the potatoes to absorb only water, the stock gently infuses them with added depth before mashing even begins. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Parks explained that while boiling in water is common, using stock simply makes better use of the cooking process. Chicken, beef, or vegetable stock can all be used depending on preference, making the method both flexible and accessible.