Comparison: Best Microwave Mashed Potatoes (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be real—no one has time to boil, mash, and clean up a mountain of potatoes after a long day. That’s where the microwave comes in, turning “mashed potatoes from scratch” from a chore into a 15-minute miracle. But not all microwave mashed potato methods are created equal. We’ve tested the top techniques and instant hacks to find the fluffiest, creamiest, most satisfying versions you can whip up in minutes. Spoiler: some actually taste better than the stovetop classic. Ready to rethink your mashed potato game? Let’s dig in.
- Best for refrigerated classic: Bob Evans
- Best for four-cheese cups: Idahoan Four Cheese Instant Mashed Potatoes 1.5 oz Cup
- Best for whole foods creamy: Whole Foods Market
- Best for betty butter quick: Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Best for buttery idaho pack: Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
- Best for golden butter speed: Idahoan Buttery Golden Selects Mashed Potatoes
- Best for garlic meat blend: Crystal Farms
- Best for sour cream chives: Bob Evans
- Best for premium instant original: 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Best for cheddar bacon cup: Load’D Mashed Potatoes in a Cup
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz
- Serves 4-5
- Americas #1 Selling refrigerated mashed potatoes
Idahoan Four Cheese Instant Mashed Potatoes 1.5 oz Cup, (24 count)
- Made with 100% Real Idaho potatoes
- Naturally Gluten-Free
- Includes 4 (1.5oz) convenient cups
- Easy and quick to prepare—simply add water, butter, and milk and ready in minutes
- Great to pair with any meat or vegetable for a wholesome family meal
Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes, Made with Real Potatoes, 4 oz (Pack of 8)
- QUICK AND EASY: Just add water; Making this delicious side dish is as easy as heat, stir, and serve
- REAL POTATOES: Made with real potatoes, with a taste and texture your whole family will enjoy
- PANTRY STAPLE: Keep these instant creamy butter flavored potatoes on hand as a tasty addition to dinner or any meal
- MAKE IT LIKE BETTY: For stiffer potatoes, let stand three to five minutes before serving
- CONTAINS: Eight plastic pouches of Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes, Made with Real Potatoes, 4 oz
Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes, Naturally Gluten-Free, 100% Real Idaho Potatoes, 4 servings per bag, 4 ounce (Pack of 12)
- Pack of twelve, 4-ounces per unit (total of 48 ounces)
- Made with 100% real Idaho potatoes
- Perfectly blended with real butter
- Natural & artificial flavoring
- Made in the U.S.A.
Idahoan Buttery Golden Selects Mashed Potatoes, Naturally Gluten-Free, 100% Real Idaho Potatoes, 4 servings per bag, 4.1 ounce (Pack of 10)
- Made with 100% Real Idaho potatoes
- Naturally Gluten-Free
- Includes 10 (4.1oz) pouches, 48 servings
- Easy and quick to prepare—simply add water and ready in 4 minutes
- Great to pair with any meat or vegetable for a wholesome family meal
Crystal Farms, Meat Simply Garlic Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz
- Fresh potatoes, real butter, whole milk, half & half and a touch of garlic.
Bob Evans, Sour Cream & Chives Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz
- Made with real sour cream and chives
365 by Whole Foods Market, Instant Mashed Potatoes Original, 8 oz
- Made with dehydrated potato flakes
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Perfect side dish
- No artificial ingredients
- Great for thickening
- Easy to prepare
- Versatile use
- Premium quality
Load’D Mashed Potatoes in a Cup, 4-Pack, Hearty Instant Meal, Shelf-Stable, Ready in 90 Seconds, Liquid Sour Cream Pouch Included in Each Cup (Sour Cream & Chives), Ready in 90 Seconds
- Hearty, indulgent mashed potatoes loaded with bold flavors like Cheddar Bacon* and Sour Cream & Chives.
- Ready in minutes—just add hot water or microwave for a filling meal on the go.
- Great for lunch, work, travel, or late-night cravings.
- 4 single-serve cups per carton. No refrigeration needed.
- Delicious Sour Cream Pouch Included in Each Cup
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when picking a microwave‑ready mashed potato product?
Focus on ingredient quality, such as real potatoes versus potato flakes, and check for any allergens like gluten or dairy. Look at serving size and convenience features, like single‑serve cups or larger family packs. Also consider preparation time and whether the product offers added flavors or stays plain for customization.
How do refrigerated mashed potatoes compare to instant dry mixes in taste and convenience?
Refrigerated options like Bob Evans Original or Sour Cream & Chives usually have a creamier texture because they contain real butter and dairy, but they require a few minutes of heating. Instant mixes such as Idahoan Four Cheese Cups or 365 by Whole Foods are shelf‑stable, quick to prepare with just water, and ideal for travel, though they may taste slightly less rich than fresh‑style products.
Are there gluten‑free mashed potato choices among these products?
Yes, several items are labeled naturally gluten‑free, including Idahoan Four Cheese Instant Mashed Potatoes, Idahoan Buttery Homestyle, and Idahoan Buttery Golden Selects. These products use 100% real Idaho potatoes and avoid wheat‑based additives, making them safe for gluten‑sensitive shoppers.
Which product gives the best value per ounce?
The Idahoan Buttery Homestyle pack offers 12 × 4‑oz pouches (48 oz total) at a low cost per ounce, making it a budget‑friendly choice. For larger families, Bob Evans Original (24 oz) also provides good value, though the price per ounce may be slightly higher than the bulk Idahoan packs.
How do the flavored varieties differ in ingredients and taste?
Flavored options like Bob Evans Sour Cream & Chives and Crystal Farms Garlic Mashed Potatoes include added dairy, herbs, or garlic for a more robust profile, while Idahoan Four Cheese adds real cheese flavor without extra dairy. Plain products such as Whole Foods Creamy Mashed Potatoes let you customize seasoning, whereas Load’D Mashed Potatoes Cups provide bold, pre‑seasoned flavors like Cheddar Bacon in a ready‑to‑eat cup.
What are the storage requirements for each type of mashed potato?
Refrigerated items (Bob Evans, Crystal Farms) must stay cold and are best used within the package’s “use‑by” date. Shelf‑stable mixes and cups (Idahoan, 365, Load’D) can be stored in a pantry at room temperature until opened, offering longer shelf life and easier stocking.
Can I easily adjust the texture or seasoning of these mashed potatoes?
Yes, most instant mixes let you add extra water, milk, or butter to achieve a smoother or thicker consistency. Refrigerated products can be stirred with additional dairy or herbs, and flavored cups can be topped with extra cheese, bacon bits, or fresh chives for a personalized touch.
Which brands are known for using real potatoes rather than potato flakes?
Bob Evans, Crystal Farms, and Idahoan (especially the Buttery Homestyle and Golden Selects lines) emphasize that they are made with 100% real Idaho potatoes. In contrast, the 365 Whole Foods Instant Mashed Potatoes rely on dehydrated potato flakes, which can affect texture but still provide a quick side dish.