How many potatoes do I need for mashed potatoes for 8 people?

For 8 people, you'll need about 4 pounds (around 8-10 medium potatoes) for standard servings, but if you want generous portions or leftovers, aim for 5-10 pounds, as a common guideline is 1/2 pound per person or even 1 pound for bigger appetites/leftovers.

Is 5 lbs of potatoes enough for 8 people?

Five pounds of potatoes is likely enough for 8 people if there are many other side dishes, but it might be a bit tight; it's better to aim for 4-6 pounds (1/2 to 3/4 pound per person) for ample servings, or 10 pounds if you want significant leftovers or have big eaters, as peeling and trimming can reduce the total weight. 

How many people will 2 pounds of potatoes feed?

Two pounds of potatoes typically feeds 4 people as a main side dish or 6-8 people as a smaller side, using roughly 1/2 pound (or one medium potato) per person, depending on appetite and other food available. For larger appetites or fewer other dishes, it's closer to 4 people; for lighter sides, it serves more. 

How many servings does a 5 lb bag of potatoes make for mashed potatoes?

A 5-pound bag of potatoes typically yields 10 to 12 servings of mashed potatoes, with each serving around 1 cup, but this can vary; it's about half a pound of potatoes per person, making it enough for 10 people with standard side dishes, or fewer if you expect big appetites or want more leftovers.
 

How many potatoes should I cook for 7 people?

For a standard serving, buy half a pound of potatoes per person for mashed potatoes. Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for the best texture in mashed potatoes.

Making Mashed Potatoes For a Crowd? (Here's How Much You Actually Need)

How many potatoes for 8 people mashed potatoes?

This classic recipe starts with 7 simple ingredients: Potatoes, of course! 3 pounds yields enough for about 8 people. Double the recipe if you're serving more!

How many potatoes to boil for 7 people?

The amount per person all depends on how many other ingredients you're adding, so scale up or down depending. Potatoes: 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person; 20 to 25 minutes, depending on size. Small new potatoes are best since you don't have to peel or slice them. If using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces.

How many potatoes are typically in a 5 lb bag?

A 5-pound bag of potatoes typically contains 10 to 15 medium-sized potatoes, but the exact number varies greatly by potato size, with smaller ones yielding more and larger baking potatoes fewer (maybe 6-8 big ones). Expect roughly 3-4 small russets or 8-10 tiny whites/reds per pound, making a 5-pound bag around 10-15 medium or 40-50 small spuds.
 

How much mashed potatoes per person calculator?

One serving of mashed potatoes is roughly one cup or 7 ounces. To count the total amount, we have to multiply the serving size by the number of people eating. Or, if we go by weight: Total amount = 7 oz × 4 persons = 28-30 oz .

How much potato to make mash for 4 people?

In general, plan to serve about half a pound of potatoes per person. If you're feeding four people then use two pounds of potatoes. This will ensure you have four generous servings of mashed potatoes without too much leftover.

How many pounds of mashed potatoes should you make for 10 people?

Making mashed potatoes for a crowd and not sure how much you'll need to prepare? Follow this handy chart to make sure you have just the right amount! *As a side dish, you should plan on using 1/2 pound of potatoes per person.

How long do you boil potatoes for mashing?

Boil peeled, chopped potatoes for 10-20 minutes, or whole potatoes for 20-30+ minutes, until fork-tender, starting in cold, salted water for even cooking; the exact time depends on size, with smaller chunks cooking faster and whole potatoes taking longer, so test for doneness by piercing with a fork. 

How many servings is 3 lb of potatoes?

Three pounds of potatoes typically feeds about 6 people, based on the common guideline of 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person, but it can serve more or fewer depending on appetite and if potatoes are the main side dish or just one of many. For large appetites or fewer sides, aim for 3/4 pound per person, while for light eaters or many other dishes, 1/3 pound might suffice, making 3 lbs enough for 4-9 people. 

Is 5 lbs of potatoes enough for 9 people?

If you don't want leftovers (minimal leftovers), then plan on about 1/2 pound per person (especially if you have lots of other sides). If you want a few leftovers or have a lot of picky eaters that will eat more potatoes but maybe not as much of the other sides, then I'd do 10 lbs.

How much mashed potatoes will a 5 lb bag make?

Five pounds of potatoes makes approximately 8 to 12 cups of mashed potatoes, serving around 10-12 people as a side dish, though volume varies slightly with potato type and added liquids like milk and butter. A 5lb bag typically yields 10 medium potatoes, giving roughly 1 cup per person or 1/2 cup for larger portions, depending on your sides. 

How many people will 2 lbs of potatoes feed?

Two pounds of potatoes typically feeds 4 people as a main side dish or 6-8 people as a smaller side, using roughly 1/2 pound (or one medium potato) per person, depending on appetite and other food available. For larger appetites or fewer other dishes, it's closer to 4 people; for lighter sides, it serves more. 

How many potatoes to cook for 8 people?

For a big spread with lots of side dishes, you'll want to have about four ounces (125 grams) of potato (that's precooked weight) per person. If you're serving fewer sides, you can up it to about eight ounces (250 grams) per person.

Is it better to boil potatoes with the lid on or off?

It's generally better to boil potatoes with the lid off (or slightly ajar) after bringing them to a boil, to prevent a rapid, uneven boil that can make them mushy; use the lid to bring the water to a boil quickly, then reduce heat to a simmer and remove the lid for consistent, gentle cooking that's less likely to overcook the outside before the inside is done. 

How many potatoes for 7 people for mashed potatoes?

Add the butter and warm milk to the bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork (or pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill for a smoother mash). Season with salt and pepper. Plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound potatoes per person for your feast.

What's the secret to creamy mashed potatoes?

I use half-and-half: it gives the potatoes the perfect creamy texture and rich flavor. To substitute half-and-half, you can use heavy cream or whole milk. Whatever you use, start with a little and add more as needed. Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut up for mashed potatoes?

What liquid is best for mashing potatoes?

Simmer your mashed potatoes in milk, not water! Potatoes are like pasta; they create starchy cooking liquid that's called “liquid gold” for a reason. By cooking in a little milk, which doubles as your mashing liquid, you get natural, creamy lusciousness. No need to weigh them down with heavy cream.

What's the secret to fluffy mashed potatoes?

Fluffy mashed potatoes come from using high-starch potatoes (like Russets), removing excess starch by rinsing/soaking, drying them thoroughly, using a ricer or hand masher (not a mixer), gently folding in warm dairy/butter, and avoiding overmixing, which makes them gluey.
 

What is a common mistake when making mashed potatoes?

The most common mistake when making mashed potatoes is overworking or overmixing them, which breaks down starch cells and creates a gummy, gluey, or wallpaper paste-like texture. Other frequent errors include adding cold ingredients (like milk/butter) to hot potatoes, not salting the cooking water, and using the wrong type of potato, leading to bland or watery results instead of fluffy perfection. 

How do restaurants get mashed potatoes so smooth?

Restaurants achieve ultra-smooth mashed potatoes by using tools like potato ricers or food mills to break down cooked potatoes without overworking the starch, adding generous amounts of butter and cream (or half-and-half), and ensuring all ingredients are hot when mixed, often while boiling potatoes with skins on to reduce water absorption before ricing them hot and peeling as they cool. 

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