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Home » Recipes

CANNED MASHED POTATOES

Published: Dec 31, 2018 · Modified: Jul 1, 2025 by Wendi Spraker · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Canned Mashed Potatoes

Try these buttery, tasty and creamy mashed potatoes and you’ll be surprised how quickly they whip up into something delicious! There’s no reason at all to use instant potatoes when you can make your family canned mashed potatoes out of REAL potatoes from the can that retain nutrients and vitamins.

Sometimes life gives you about 10 minutes to make supper and on those nights you SHOULD NOT have to suffer through a quickly made sandwich when you can easily have delicious mashed potatoes in no time at all!

A bowl of mashed potatoes on a swirled green napkin and a fork
Canned Mashed Potatoes

WHY THIS RECIPE FOR CANNED MASHED POTATOES WORKS

Contents show
1 WHY THIS RECIPE FOR CANNED MASHED POTATOES WORKS
2 Check out…
3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) AND TIPS AND TRICKS
3.1 CAN I USE THE CANNED SLICED POTATOES OR THE DICED POTATOES?
3.2 WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS FOR CANNED MASHED POTATOES?
3.3 CAN I MIX SOME INSTANT POTATOES WITH THESE CANNED MASHED POTATOES?
4 LETS SEE HOW THIS IS DONE...
5 SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS RECIPE
6 Want to TRY Something REALLY Delicious?
7 TRY These OTHER Potato Recipes by Loaves and Dishes!
8 YA’LL HELP ME OUT NOW, YA HEAR?
9 HOW TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES USING CANNED POTATOES
9.1 Ingredients
9.2 Instructions
9.3 Notes
9.4 Nutrition
10 A VERSE TO SHARE
10.1 Romans 12:2
10.2 Jeremiah 29:11
10.3 Ephesians 5:8
10.4 You May Also Love:
  1. Canned potatoes are easy to find and already cooked so half the work is already done.
  2. These potatoes retain nutrients and vitamins that instant potatoes can’t.
  3. YOU can make a delicious quick dinner and be proud too when these potatoes hit the table.

Let’s be clear, I still recommend my classic mashed potato recipe if you have the time and energy to cook up a pot of potatoes. You’ll get better taste, less salt and more nutrition from those.

However, NO SHAME! Sometimes we have to use up what’s in the pantry or we don’t have time to fool with all of that and find ourselves trying to do something a little creative with the can of potatoes we find on our shelves!

Of course, I DO know where you can find another great recipe for “HOW TO COOK CANNED NEW POTATOES”. Just sayin…

That said, I have a WHOLE LINE UP of How to cook canned things!

Check out…

HOW TO COOK CANNED PINTO BEANS

HOW TO COOK CANNED GREEN BEANS on the STOVE

10 X YOUR CANNED BISCUITS

HOW TO COOK CANNED CORN ON THE STOVE

And more!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) AND TIPS AND TRICKS

CAN I USE THE CANNED SLICED POTATOES OR THE DICED POTATOES?

Yes, absolutely! You can use either of these. I find the mashing up the whole potatoes or the sliced potatoes is easier than mashing up the diced potatoes.

If you are mashing the diced OR if the results are too lumpy for you, simply mash through the tines on a fork OR use a mixer to whip everything into tip top shape.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS FOR CANNED MASHED POTATOES?

No problem! As long as you have at least the butter, milk (or cream) and the salt and pepper, you are GOLD!

CAN I MIX SOME INSTANT POTATOES WITH THESE CANNED MASHED POTATOES?

Of course you CAN! However, it will change how much liquid you need to add to make it just right. You’ll have to play that by ear.

LETS SEE HOW THIS IS DONE...

First, open the can and drain off the liquid. Pour the potatoes in the sauce pan. Pour the water into the sauce can.

Adding the canned potatoes to the saucepan
Canned Mashed Potatoes

Heat till boiling, then strain off the water and put the potatoes in a bowl or return to the cooking saucepan. While hot, add the butter and spices.

Adding the spices to the potatoes and butter
Mashed Potatoes from Canned Potatoes

Add the sour cream and parmesan

Adding the sour cream and parmesan cheese to the potatoes in the bowl
Mashed potatoes from canned potatoes

Mash well with a potato masher.

Mashing the potatoes with a potatoes masher
Canned Mashed Potatoes

Then, they are ready to serve! Don't add milk until you see how the consistency is. If you like your potatoes more loose, then add the milk. Add salt and pepper after you taste and see if they  need it or not. 

The finished bowl of mashed potatoes
Canned Mashed Potatoes

SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS RECIPE

You will need:

  • A sauce pan
  • Kitchen colander or strainer or slotted spoon
  • Large Bowl 

and

  • A potato masher. You can use a large fork, but that will take forever. A mixer is also useful for this step if you have that.

 

If you click the photo of the potato masher, it will take you through to Amazon where you can compare prices. 

I recommend picking one of these up at your local big box store like Wal-Mart. 

This photo is a clickable affiliate link and if you choose to purchase this way, I will receive a commission (Thank you VERY much). I am an Amazon affiliate. The commission I am paid does not change your purchase price at all. 

 

 

A bowl of mashed potatoes from above with a swirled green napikin and a fork using canned mashed potatoes
Mashed Potatoes from Canned Potatoes

Want to TRY Something REALLY Delicious?

Slather Some of THESE Gravies over the top of these potatoes!

Sausage Gravy

Southern Tomato Gravy!

YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

TRY These OTHER Potato Recipes by Loaves and Dishes!

Southern Fried Potatoes and Onions! 

Classic Mashed Potatoes

The Secret to Au Gratin Potatoes

Baked Potato Casserole

 

YA’LL HELP ME OUT NOW, YA HEAR?

Please leave me a 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟  comment below in the comment section, all right? I would LOVE to know if you made this recipe or even if you are planning to! Of course, head on over to Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram and tag me with some photos of your creation!

I can’t wait!

Ya’ll know I love your comments!! ❤

A bowl of mashed potatoes

HOW TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES USING CANNED POTATOES

This recipe shows the reader how to make mashed potatoes from canned potatoes
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mashed potatoes from canned, canned mashed potatoes
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Wendi Spraker

Ingredients

  • 1 Can of potatoes whole, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ Cup sour cream
  • ¼-½ cup milk using milk depends on how thick or thin you like your potatoes, see notes
  • Salt and Pepper to taste Make sure to taste first!

Instructions

  • Drain the canned potatoes well.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the water and the can of potatoes.
  • Heat the potatoes until the water is bubbling and keep heating till the potatoes are heated through. Turn the heat off.
  • Drain the potatoes again.
  • Set the pot back on the hot stovetop and place the butter, garlic and onion powder, parmesan cheese and sour cream into the potatoes. Mash well with a potato masher OR whip with a kitchen mixer.
  • Once mixed, if too thick, add the milk SLOWLY. Start with ¼ cup and then add by tablespoon fulls until desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste and add salt and pepper.

Notes

You will want to drain the potatoes because the water in the potatoes doesn’t taste that great.
Drain the potatoes a second time because the water you added was simply for heating the potatoes up. You won’t need it in the recipe.
If you do not have some of the ingredients, it is ok. As long as you have butter, milk, salt and pepper, you will be fine. Just leave the other ingredients out.
You may need to add more milk than is stated if you don’t have sour cream.
It is fine to substitute greek yogurt for the sour cream . Other cheese tastes good too, but I really recommend the parmesan. The kind in the green can is fine.
Try to use whole milk if you have it. Other milks just aren’t stout enough. It is fine to substitute evaporated milk directly for the milk in this recipe. You can also substitute heavy cream but you may need to use a little more than what is called for.
Canned potatoes and parmesan cheese are both salty so you may not need to add any salt. But DO add the pepper.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
HOW TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES USING CANNED POTATOES
Amount Per Serving
Calories 180
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A VERSE TO SHARE

This morning, I had the opportunity to participate in something I've never done. A friend offered that we might write down the negative things that we want to overcome in the new year. Then, we took the list and threw it in the fire.

This was just a symbolic act of "these are the things I will let go of in the New Year", certainly not some kind of other worldly witchcraft kind of move.

We said a prayer asking God to help us to overcome the things on our hearts. 

As I sit here now, uploading this post and editing the photos, I can still smell the wood smoke on my clothes and it reminded me that I wanted to look up God's words about letting go of negativity (That's my thing I need to work on). What is  yours? 

Ususally I share an entire passage that has been working on my mind and heart here, but today, I'm just going to share single verses that address my own "negative" issue. Perhaps that will be uplifting for you too and encourage you to find a way that God's word can support you in your own self improvement project? 

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I especially LOVE this next one. In fact, I think I will copy it down and stick to the top of my computer so that I see it daily... AND.... I think it would benefit ALL of us to read the passage from which this comes. Pull out your Bible and start reading at Ephesians 5. Keep going until it doesn't speak to you any more. 

Ephesians 5:8

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    November 06, 2024 at 4:16 pm

    5 stars
    I literally licked my plate clean. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Missie says

    May 09, 2023 at 2:00 am

    We bought a 50 lb. Bag of potatoes from a local grower last year and canned a bunch of them. I drain and rinse them before using and they are as good as fresh. We also dehydrated a bunch of them that make great scalloped potatoes. I rehydrate the slices in my Instant Pot on high pressure for 1-2 minutes.

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      May 09, 2023 at 10:35 am

      Would love to know how you canned them!

      Reply
  3. Jordan Carter says

    December 22, 2022 at 1:55 am

    What can I use as a substitute for the cheese?

    Reply
  4. Annie says

    July 31, 2022 at 4:52 pm

    Great recipe, love the parmesan flavor!

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      August 01, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      Glad you love it!

      Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      August 01, 2022 at 1:22 pm

      so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Sherry says

    December 21, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    I have been looking for a way to use canned potatoes and this recipe sounds fantastic !! Thanks for such a great canned recipe idea! 😊

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      December 22, 2021 at 5:07 am

      You are very welcome!

      Reply
  6. Tracy Priest says

    December 29, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much! Planning on using this recipe tonight, hope my picky boys like it! We will see.

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      December 29, 2020 at 1:36 pm

      Hi Tracy, I hope they enjoy it too. They aren't quite like fresh potatoes for mashed potatoes or like instant mashed potatoes either. They have their own flavor and it's pretty good, I think.

      Reply
  7. Pamela Hill says

    June 19, 2020 at 3:31 am

    5 stars
    Hi Wendi! Wonderful idea! Thank you! I made these tonight and it tasted great! Take care.

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      June 20, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Pamela! Thanks so much for coming back and leaving a comment! I'm glad you found what you were looking for and I hope you'll check out a few other recipes too! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    May 13, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    5 stars
    Can you can mashed potatoes or only freeze them?

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      May 15, 2020 at 7:59 am

      Hi Christina, I have never canned mashed potatoes because mashing cooked ones is so easy. From canning experience, I believe that mashed potatoes would have to be pressure canned for quite a long time. This would result in some very over cooked and runny mashed potatoes. Therefore, I don't think it would be the best idea. The USDA has all kinds of information about safely canning all kinds of things, so I might check there, but my gut instinct is that it wouldn't work too good.

      Reply
  9. RossC says

    June 16, 2019 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    We are older and I cook, she cleans.. It seems that I don't cook from scratch as much as I used to.. Also, I don't cook many large meals anymore..
    These recipes and tips for canned goods are just what I have been looking for..
    Thank you.. :O)

    Reply
    • Wendi Spraker says

      June 16, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Ross! Thanks for leaving a comment! I'm so glad that it's a big help to you!

      Reply
  10. Moxie says

    January 02, 2019 at 2:40 pm

    5 stars
    These Canned Food recipes are making my life easier! Thanks! YUM!

    Reply

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Welcome!

Hi! I'm Wendi and I believe that food made with love and passion has power. It can bring people together AND carry them home. I'll show you how to get amazing flavor from simple dishes. Your family and friends will exclaim, "WOW! Amazing! I NEED this recipe!" Join me and nourish your body and soul.

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