Mashed potatoes will be instantly tastier using 2 unusual ingredients

Mashed potatoes are a staple on dinner tables around the world, but they don't have to stay ordinary. With just two extra ingredients, can turn this humble side into a decadent, restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.

Food blogger Lee-Ann from Chef Not Required explained that truffle oil, once a luxury ingredient, has become far more accessible and affordable in recent years. It delivers the rich, earthy notes associated with fresh truffles without the expense or difficulty of sourcing the real thing.

"A little goes a long way," she said. "Start with just one teaspoon, taste, and build from there if you want a stronger flavour."

Parmesan cheese is the second key player in her recipe.

The hard, aged cheese brings saltiness, depth, and a nutty undertone that balances the aromatic intensity of truffle oil. According to Lee-Ann, this pairing works because the creaminess of mashed potato is the perfect canvas for bold, savoury flavours.

First, she boiled potatoes until tender, then uses a potato ricer to achieve a silky-smooth texture. For those without a ricer, pressing the potatoes through a fine sieve is a good alternative, though a traditional masher will still do the job.

Once the potatoes are mashed, she stirs in butter, sour cream, grated parmesan and a pinch of garlic powder before drizzling in the truffle oil.

Lee-Ann recommends sebago potatoes, but says any potato suitable for mashing will work.

The key, she added, is avoiding a heavy hand with the truffle oil. "Think of it like seasoning, you can always add more, but you can't take it out."

The result is a creamy, luxurious side dish that feels indulgent without being difficult or time-consuming. With truffle oil more widely available and parmesan already in many home kitchens, this upgrade is both simple and cost-effective.

Perfect alongside roast meats, grilled fish, or as the highlight of a vegetarian spread, Lee-Ann's parmesan and truffle mash is proof that small changes can completely transform a dish.

It's a quick tip that can make a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion, all without spending hours in the kitchen.