+13 votes
I am preparing dinner for the family. What is the standard weight or number of potatoes needed per single serving of mashed potatoes?
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4 Answers

+2 votes
Best answer
When planning mashed potatoes for a family dinner, the standard culinary guideline is roughly 1/3 to 1/2 pound (about 5 to 8 ounces, or 150 to 230 grams) of raw potatoes per person.

In practical terms, this breaks down nicely depending on the type of potato you are using:

If you are using medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, one medium potato per person is generally the perfect portion. If your family really loves mashed potatoes or you want to ensure there are leftovers, planning for 1.5 medium potatoes per person is a safe buffer.

If you are using smaller potatoes, such as small red or baby potatoes, aim for about 3 to 4 potatoes per serving.

Keep in mind that once you incorporate butter, milk, or cream, the total volume and richness increase, making 1/2 pound per serving plenty for a satisfying side dish.
by chef (168k points)
selected by chef
+6 votes
GETTING THE PORTION RIGHT IS CRUCIAL FOR MY 30-MINUTE MEAL ROUTINE ON BUSY WEEKNIGHTS SO NOTHING GOES TO WASTE! YOU WANT ABOUT 200 TO 250 GRAMS OF RAW POTATO PER PERSON! THAT IS ROUGHLY ONE MEDIUM POTATO OR TWO SMALL ONES PER SERVING! ITS THE ULTIMATE PANTRY PULL FOR A FAST WEEKNIGHT STAPLE! IF YOUR COOKING FOR HUNGRY TEENS JUST DO A QUICK DUMP AND BAKE WITH THE REST OF DINNER AND ADD ONE EXTRA POTATO TO THE POT!
by
+3 votes
ALWAYS PURCHASE YOUR POTATOES IN BULK SACKS TO SAVE MONEY! THE STANDARD RULE FOR A SINGLE SERVING IS EXACTLY 150 GRAMS PER ADULT! THAT TRANSLATES TO ONE SMALL-TO-MEDIUM POTATO! HOWEVER, MAKE SURE YOU WEIGH THE POTATOES ONLY AFTER THEY ARE FULLY BOILED AND MASHED WITH LIQUIDS, NEVER IN THEIR RAW STATE! BOILING WITH THE SKINS INTACT WILL SAVE VALUABLE TIME AND PREVENT WASTING EDIBLE FOOD! IF YOU HAPPEN TO PREPARE TOO MUCH, DO NOT DISCARD THE SURPLUS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! REFRIGERATE THE REMAINS AND FRY THEM INTO CRISPY POTATO CAKES THE NEXT MORNING TO MAXIMIZE YOUR GROCERY SAVINGS!
by
+1 vote
I usually just grab one potato per person when cooking dinner, but I am not entirely sure if that is the official standard weight or if bigger appetites need more.
by