What can you add to make mashed potatoes less salty?

Here are some ways you can reduce the saltiness of mashed potatoes:

1. Rinse cooked potatoes: One straightforward method is to rinse off your mashed potatoes with cold water before mashing them. This helps to wash away surface salt, reducing the overall saltiness.

2. Add unsalted ingredients: When making the mashed potatoes, add ingredients that don't contain any extra salt. For instance, use unsalted butter or margarine instead of salted varieties, and opt for unsweetened milk or plant-based milk.

3. Dilute with unsweetened milk or water: If you've already mashed the potatoes and they are too salty to your taste, you can try adding a little bit of unsweetened milk or water and mashing again. This helps dilute the saltiness by increasing the total volume of the dish.

4. Incorporate sweet or neutral flavors: Adding a small amount of sweetness can balance out the saltiness. You can try adding a teaspoon or two of honey, brown sugar, or even a pinch of granulated sugar. Sweet potatoes or a sweet-flavored vegetable like carrots can be added as well.

5. Acidic ingredients: Ingredients that provide a bit of acidity, such as lemon juice, yogurt, or sour cream, can cut through the saltiness. Be careful not to add too much, or the dish might end up too tart or runny.

6. Extra starch or flour: Adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour to the mashed potatoes can help absorb some of the salt. Use small amounts, as adding too much can make the potatoes too starchy.

Remember to taste as you go, and only make small adjustments at a time to prevent overcorrecting the saltiness.