Potato Flakes vs Potato Flour
Learn the differences between potato flakes and potato flour, and discover how to substitute one for the other in your recipes. Get proper ratios and cooking tips for successful substitutions.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute potato flour for potato flakes, but use 3/4 cup potato flour for every 1 cup potato flakes. Potato flour is more concentrated and requires extra liquid in your recipe.
Best Substitutes
Potato Flour
3/4 cup potato flour for 1 cup potato flakesPotato flour is more concentrated than potato flakes, so you need less of it. It provides the same potato flavor and binding properties but requires extra liquid to achieve the same moisture content.
Best for:
More concentrated - add extra liquid to compensate for moisture loss
Fresh Mashed Potatoes
1:1Fresh mashed potatoes are the closest substitute to potato flakes. They provide the same moisture content and potato flavor that makes dishes tender and moist.
Best for:
Best overall substitute - provides authentic potato flavor and moisture
Instant Mashed Potatoes
1:1Instant mashed potatoes work well as a substitute for potato flakes. They provide similar moisture and texture, though the flavor may be slightly less authentic than fresh potatoes.
Best for:
Convenient option with similar properties to fresh mashed
Potato Starch
1:1Potato starch provides the binding properties of potato flakes without the bulk. You'll need to add extra liquid to your recipe to compensate for the moisture that potato flakes would provide.
Best for:
Pure starch option - add extra liquid to compensate for moisture loss
Cornstarch
1:1Cornstarch can work as a substitute but won't provide the potato flavor or moisture. You'll need to add extra liquid and consider adding a small amount of butter for richness.
Best for:
Neutral flavor option - add extra liquid and consider adding a small amount of butter for richness
Cooking Tips
- 💡When using potato flour instead of potato flakes, add 2-3 tablespoons of extra liquid per cup of flour
- 💡If using potato starch, increase the liquid in your recipe by 1-2 tablespoons per cup of starch
- 💡For best results, use russet potatoes for making fresh mashed potatoes
- 💡Don't overmix when using potato substitutes to avoid developing too much gluten
- 💡Consider adding a small amount of salt to enhance the potato flavor when using neutral substitutes
- 💡Let dishes cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to develop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute potato flour for potato flakes?
Yes, but potato flour is more concentrated. Use 3/4 cup potato flour for every 1 cup potato flakes, and add extra liquid to your recipe to compensate for the moisture loss.
What's the difference between potato flakes and potato flour?
Potato flakes are dehydrated potato pieces that need to be reconstituted, while potato flour is ground potato starch. Potato flour is more concentrated and requires less quantity but more liquid.
Can I substitute potato flakes for potato flour?
Yes, use 1 1/3 cups potato flakes for every 1 cup potato flour. Potato flakes will provide more moisture and bulk to your recipe.
Why do recipes call for potato flakes instead of potato flour?
Potato flakes provide both starch and moisture, while potato flour is pure starch. Potato flakes are better for recipes that need both binding and moisture retention.
Can I use potato flour in bread recipes that call for potato flakes?
Yes, but you'll need to add extra liquid to your bread recipe. Use 3/4 cup potato flour for every 1 cup potato flakes and increase the liquid by 2-3 tablespoons.
Do potato flakes and potato flour taste the same?
Potato flakes have a more authentic potato flavor, while potato flour is more neutral. Potato flakes also provide more moisture and texture to recipes.
Summary
Learn the differences between potato flakes and potato flour, and discover how to substitute one for the other in your recipes. Get proper ratios and cooking tips for successful substitutions.