A potato is delicious no matter how you make it, but there’s something extra comforting about mashed potatoes, especially when the holidays roll around. They’re the ideal side dish because they go with anything and when made right, they’re the perfect balance of creamy, buttery, and fluffy goodness. While homemade mashed potatoes are always a great option, store-bought versions can save time without sacrificing flavor. To find the brands worth adding to your grocery cart, Eat This, NotThat! asked Steve Ingber, executive chef & owner, MileHighCook, to share his top five picks.
For shoppers who want the convenience of prepared mashed potatoes without losing the taste and texture of a homemade side, Reser’s Main St Bistro is worth a look, says Chef Steve. “Reser’s Main St Bistro is the closest thing to homemade in the refrigerator case,” he states. “Real potatoes, butter and cream, with a texture that isn’t gluey. Heat it, add a pat of butter and some cracked black pepper and nobody at the table will know.”
When time is short, having a reliable side dish ready in minutes can make dinner prep much easier. Simply Potatoes from Bob Evans is a convenient choice for busy weeknights, with a familiar potato flavor that pairs well with a variety of meals. “Simply Potatoes is my pick for a weeknight,” Chef Steve shares. “They taste like actual potatoes, the texture is creamy without being pasty, and they’re ready in minutes. Stir in roasted garlic or fresh chives and you’ve got a real side dish.”
Not all store-bought mashed potatoes come ready to serve, and that’s part of the appeal of Ore-Ida Steam ‘N Mash. This option lets home cooks prepare the potatoes themselves and adjust the ingredients and consistency to suit their preferences. “Ore-Ida Steam ‘N Mash is smart because you do the mashing,” Chef Steve explains. “You steam real potato pieces, then add your own butter, milk and salt, so you control the texture. It’s the best option if you like a little body in your mash.”
For shoppers looking to keep grocery costs down, instant mashed potatoes offer an affordable way to put a comforting side on the table. Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes are a budget-friendly pantry option that can be dressed up with a few simple additions. “For instant, Great Value is hard to beat on price, and it’s better than you’d think,” says Chef Steve. “Make it with whole milk instead of water and finish with real butter and it gets a lot closer to scratch. It’s a pantry staple worth keeping around.”
If you prefer mashed potatoes with a more rustic feel, Idahoan Baby Reds offer a convenient alternative to the classic smooth variety. Made with red potatoes and their skins, they bring a different texture and appearance to the dinner table without requiring much preparation. “Idahoan Baby Reds stand out because of the red skins. You get that earthy, rustic flavor of skin on mashed potatoes in about five minutes. It’s my go to instant when I want it to taste less like it came from a box.”