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How much mashed potatoes does 1 bag make?


Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be found at many dinners and holiday meals. When making mashed potatoes from scratch, most recipes call for boiling and mashing russet or Yukon gold potatoes. However, many people opt for the convenience of using store-bought potato flakes or instant mashed potatoes instead. If using potato flakes or instant mashed potatoes, an important question is: how much prepared mashed potatoes does one bag make?

Serving Size on Potato Flake Boxes

Most potato flake boxes provide some indication of how many servings one bag makes. For example:

Betty Crocker Potato Buds

– 1 box (16 oz) makes 26 servings
– 1 serving = 1/2 cup prepared mashed potatoes

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes

– 1 pouch (8 oz) makes 16 servings
– 1 serving = 1/2 cup prepared mashed potatoes

Hungry Jack Mashed Potatoes

– 1 box (16 oz) makes 30 servings
– 1 serving = 1/2 cup prepared mashed potatoes

So if following the package directions, one 16 oz box of potato flakes or buds makes approximately 26 to 30 half-cup servings of prepared mashed potatoes. One 8 oz pouch or box makes around 16 servings.

Volume and Weight of Prepared Mashed Potatoes

While the serving size information provides an estimate of how many portions you can expect from one box or pouch, you may be wondering about the actual volume and weight of prepared mashed potatoes.

Here are some estimates for the yield from different size boxes:

16 oz box

– Prepared volume: Approximately 4 cups
– Prepared weight: Approximately 1.5 pounds

8 oz pouch

– Prepared volume: Approximately 2 cups
– Prepared weight: Approximately 3/4 pound

So a typical 16 oz box of potato flakes or buds makes about 4 cups or 1.5 pounds of prepared mashed potatoes. An 8 oz pouch makes around 2 cups or 3/4 pound prepared.

Factors That Impact Yields

There are a few factors that can impact the actual yield you get from potato flakes and lead to some variance from the estimates above:

Milk or Butter

– Most potato flake boxes call for milk, butter, or margarine to be added when preparing the potatoes. The amount of milk and fat added can change the volume and weight of the final prepared potatoes. More milk and butter will increase the yield.

Cooking Method

– The instructions vary on different potato flake boxes. Some call for boiling the flakes in water, while others call for just adding hot water or microwaving. The cooking method can impact moisture content and yield.

Measuring Flakes

– The actual weight of flakes in a particular box or pouch can vary slightly. Measuring by cups instead of weighing the flakes may lead to small variations in yields.

Prepared Density

– How dense the prepared mashed potatoes are, based on moisture content and mashing, will affect their volume. Lighter and fluffier potatoes take up more space than dense, thick mashed potatoes.

Tips for Getting Maximum Yield

To get the maximum yield and mileage from a box of potato flakes or buds, follow these tips:

– Follow package instructions exactly, including for any milk, butter or margarine, and recommended cooking method. This will ensure the intended volume and weight.

– Measure flakes by weight rather than cups for most accuracy. Cup measurements can vary.

– Use hot, but not boiling milk or water for best moisture content and fluffiness.

– Mash the prepared potatoes well with a masher or mixer for a light and fluffy texture that maximizes volume.

– Let prepared mashed potatoes cool slightly before serving for optimal thickness.

– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add a little milk or broth when reheating to restore moisture and volume.

Sample Recipes and Required Ingredients

Here are some example recipes for making mashed potatoes from potato flakes and the ingredients required:

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

– 1 cup potato flakes
– 1 1/4 cups water
– 1 Tbsp butter or margarine
– 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
– 1/4 tsp pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil water and add potato flakes, stirring to dissolve.
2. Remove from heat, add butter and mash well.
3. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

– 1 cup potato flakes
– 1 cup milk
– 2 Tbsp butter
– 3/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat milk just to a simmer and stir in potato flakes until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat, add butter and garlic powder if desired.
3. Mash mixture well until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups potato flakes
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 Tbsp sour cream or plain yogurt
– 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring milk just to a simmer and whisk in potato flakes until fully dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add butter, cheese, sour cream/yogurt, and onion powder if desired.
3. Mash and stir vigorously until well combined and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making mashed potatoes from potato flakes:

Can you use water instead of milk?

Yes, you can use water to prepare potato flakes instead of milk. However, milk helps make creamier, smoother mashed potatoes. For best results, use a 1:1 ratio of potato flakes to liquid.

Do you have to heat up the potato flakes?

It’s recommended to heat up potato flakes in hot liquid or the microwave to get the best consistency. Cold water or milk may result in lumpy mashed potatoes. Heating helps hydrate the flakes properly.

Can instant mashed potatoes be made in the microwave?

Yes, you can prepare instant mashed potatoes in the microwave by combining the potato flakes and milk or water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Heat the liquid first before adding to the flakes.

Can I add extra ingredients like cheese or garlic?

Absolutely! Get creative with store-bought mashed potatoes by mixing in shredded cheese, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, parsley, etc. after preparing the potatoes.

How long do prepared mashed potatoes last in the fridge?

Properly stored mashed potatoes made from flakes should last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container and add milk or broth when reheating to retain moisture.

Conclusion

One 16 oz box or 26 oz bag of potato flakes or buds makes approximately 4 cups or 26 half-cup servings of prepared mashed potatoes. An 8 oz pouch makes around 2 cups or 16 servings. Exact yields can vary slightly depending on the ingredients and cooking method used. For creamier, smoother results, use hot milk instead of water. Add extra flavorings and ingredients to jazz up boxed mashed potatoes. Storing and reheating any leftovers properly will help retain the delicious flavors and texture. Enjoy mashed potatoes your whole family will love using convenient potato flakes.