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Insight Horizon Media

How many potatoes do I need for a family of 4?

Author

Christopher Anderson

Published Mar 24, 2026

How many potatoes do I need for a family of 4?

To feed a family of four, start off by planting 40 potato plants. This will provide you with a potato based meal 2 to 3 times a week. The 40 plants will provide up to 6 months worth of meals. If you find 40 plants provides you with too many potatoes you can plant less next year.

How many potatoes is 5 pounds?

It obviously depends on the size of the potatoes, my guess would be anywhere from 1.5 to 3 potatoes per pound, so a five pound bag could be anywhere from 8 large to 16 medium potatoes. When you get a regular 5 pound of potatoes you would use for a kugal in a 9×13 pan, a simple bag from the grocery!

How long does it take to reheat mashed potatoes in a crockpot?

If you are concerned about the food leaking then place it in a bowl or another plastic container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to reheat, simply place the mashed potatoes in the liner in the crock pot. Remove the twist tie, cover and turn on low for 3 to 4 hours while the potatoes re-heat.

What does 1 lb of potatoes look like?

Generally, three medium russet potatoes or eight to 10 small new white potatoes equal one pound. One pound of russet potatoes equals approximately 3-1/2 cups chopped or 2 to 3 cups mashed.

Can I boil potatoes ahead of time for mashed potatoes?

Boiling the potatoes ahead of time—and leaving them in the water. When you are ready to continue, set the pot over low heat and the simmering water will heat the potatoes back up so you can mash them. Mashing with the wrong tool. Once you’ve got hot potatoes, you’re almost ready to mash.

How many potatoes do you need for one serving of mashed potatoes?

For mashed potatoes, you can estimate you’ll need ½ pound of potatoes per person. This allows for a decent serving, but if you know people will want heaping portions (or seconds), you can estimate ¾ pound per person.

How many pounds of potatoes for 2 people?

If you’re allowing a 1/2 pound per person, for example, it’s pretty straightforward: You’ll need a pound of potatoes for every two people. It’s not much more difficult to work out the potatoes for a 3/4-pound serving.

How long can you keep leftover mashed potatoes?

Keep in mind, you can store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to four days. Mashed potatoes freeze well, if made with lots of fat such as butter and cream.

How many people can small batch red skin mashed potatoes serve?

Our small-batch red skin mashed potatoes serves 4-5 people. They’re made with butter, milk, and cream cheese. So creamy and easy to make! It’s the perfect side dish to pair with our Herb Roasted Turkey Breast. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

How many potatoes to cook for mashed potatoes?

That means if you are planning on 10 people, use 5 pounds of potatoes. 4 people, use 2 pounds of potatoes. How many potatoes mashed 1 cup? When dicing we needed 1.25 potatoes to reach the 1 cup mark.

If you’re allowing a 1/2 pound per person, for example, it’s pretty straightforward: You’ll need a pound of potatoes for every two people. It’s not much more difficult to work out the potatoes for a 3/4-pound serving.

What can you do with leftover mashed potatoes?

You can use the leftovers to make some scrumptious (and surprising) dishes. Think potato pancakes, pierogi, quesadillas, and more. Just use a recipe that contains plenty of fat (like our Day Before Mashed Potatoes) to keep leftover mashed potatoes extra creamy.

How big is a cup of mashed potatoes?

The USDA’s National Nutrient Database assumes a portion size of 1 cup for mashed potatoes, which checks in at 210 grams or just under a 1/2 pound.