In my family, mashed potatoes have always been more than just a side dish—they’re a cherished tradition. They hold a place of honor on our dinner table, especially during holidays and special gatherings. That creamy, buttery texture brings comfort and joy like no other. Sure, I’ve tried the healthier versions—cauliflower mash, olive oil instead of butter—but nothing ever quite captured the magic of the original. That is, until a TikTok video completely changed how I make this old favorite.

It all started when I stumbled upon a tip from TikTok creator Jourdyn, known on the app as @jeauxp. She suggested an unexpected twist: boiling the potatoes in chicken stock instead of plain water. The idea was simple, but it piqued my curiosity. As someone who loves trying creative food hacks, I figured I had nothing to lose by giving it a go.

The result was beyond anything I anticipated. The chicken stock added a rich, savory umami undertone to the mashed potatoes, giving them more depth and flavor than I thought possible. It didn’t overpower the classic taste—it enhanced it. That one change took my mashed potatoes from something basic to something utterly irresistible. But I didn’t stop there.

Inspired by how well the chicken stock trick worked, I decided to experiment further. This time, I left the potato skins on while boiling. I’d always peeled them before, thinking that was just how it had to be done. But keeping the skins added a subtle rustic texture and earthy flavor that made the dish feel heartier and more satisfying. These small adjustments were starting to feel like a breakthrough.

Encouraged, I tried other variations to elevate my mashed potatoes even more. One version in particular became a family favorite almost instantly: mashed potatoes with sour cream and chives. The sour cream brought a creamy tanginess, while the chopped chives added a fresh, oniony bite that balanced out the richness beautifully. It wasn’t just delicious—it looked great, too. The vibrant green of the chives against the soft white of the potatoes made for a picture-perfect side dish.

But this journey didn’t stop with mashed potatoes. That first TikTok tip unlocked a new approach to cooking for me—one focused on curiosity, experimentation, and joy. I began trying other viral hacks, and some turned out to be game-changers. For instance, adding a pinch of nutmeg to sautéed spinach completely transformed its flavor, giving it a warm, nutty complexity I’d never experienced before. Another unexpected gem: placing a slice of bread in a container of hardened brown sugar to soften it back up. It worked like magic.

What I’ve realized is that small tweaks can make a huge difference. You don’t have to completely overhaul a dish to breathe new life into it. Sometimes, just swapping out a single ingredient or changing a simple technique can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.

These cooking experiments have taught me to stay open-minded in the kitchen. I used to follow recipes to the letter, believing that sticking to tradition was the safest route. Now, I embrace the idea that even classic dishes like mashed potatoes have room to evolve. The creativity that these TikTok hacks encourage has made cooking more fun, less stressful, and infinitely more rewarding.

If you’re looking to improve your mashed potatoes, I can’t recommend these ideas enough. Start by using chicken stock instead of water—it’s a minor change with a major payoff. From there, you can play around with flavor boosters like roasted garlic, shredded Parmesan, or even caramelized onions. Don’t be afraid to explore textures and toppings—think crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil infused with rosemary.

And don’t stop at potatoes. There’s a whole world of easy, clever tricks out there that can enhance every aspect of your cooking. Whether it’s using nutmeg in your greens or reviving your baking ingredients with pantry hacks, these tips remind us that even small steps can lead to big results.

The best part about discovering these hacks isn’t just the improved flavor or presentation—it’s the sense of discovery. Cooking feels like an adventure again. It becomes a way to connect with family, surprise your dinner guests, and rekindle your own love for food. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional chef to create something memorable.

What started as a simple scroll through TikTok ended up reshaping the way I approach my time in the kitchen. That one chicken stock trick didn’t just improve my mashed potatoes—it sparked a whole new level of creativity.

So the next time you’re cooking, take a moment to ask yourself: what little change could make this better? Maybe it’s a new ingredient, maybe it’s a tweak in timing or texture. Whatever it is, give it a shot. You might just stumble upon your next go-to recipe. Trust me—your taste buds (and maybe your family) will thank you.