Learn how to make mashed potatoes without butter or dairy. This simple, healthy recipe uses plant-based alternatives for a delicious, vegan-friendly dish.
Mashed potatoes are a beloved comfort food that graces dinner tables across the world, often accompanied by a generous helping of butter and cream. However, for those who follow a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, or those with lactose intolerance, the traditional recipe may not be suitable. Fortunately, you don't have to miss out on this classic dish there are plenty of ways to make creamy, delicious mashed potatoes without relying on butter or dairy.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make mashed potatoes without butter or dairy, using plant-based alternatives that still deliver the rich, comforting texture and flavor you crave. Whether you’re looking to accommodate a special diet, reduce your dairy intake, or simply try something new, this recipe and accompanying tips will help you make a flavorful, creamy mash that everyone will enjoy.
When it comes to mashed potatoes, the combination of butter, cream, or milk is traditionally used to create a smooth and indulgent dish. But for those avoiding dairy, whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, these ingredients are off-limits.
There’s also a growing interest in plant-based eating, where people are more conscious about the environmental impact of dairy production or follow a vegan lifestyle. But just because you can’t use butter or milk doesn’t mean mashed potatoes need to lose their deliciousness. The beauty of mashed potatoes lies in their versatility many plant-based ingredients can be used to achieve that same creamy texture and rich flavor.
Making mashed potatoes without dairy also opens the door to new flavors and ingredients that might be overlooked in the traditional recipe. From olive oil to vegetable broth, there are plenty of creative substitutions that enhance the overall dish while keeping it dairy-free.
To make the best dairy-free mashed potatoes, you'll need to carefully select the right ingredients to replace butter and dairy. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options that can achieve the same texture and creaminess you desire. Below are some key ingredients to consider:
Olive oil is a fantastic alternative to butter when making mashed potatoes. It adds a smooth texture while imparting a slightly fruity, savory flavor. For an even creamier mash, you could also use a plant-based vegan butter. Look for a high-quality option that is free of artificial flavors and trans fats.
Instead of cream or milk, vegetable broth (or even a light mushroom broth) is an excellent choice for adding moisture and flavor to your mashed potatoes. The broth will give your potatoes that silky texture while also infusing them with a depth of savory flavor. It’s a particularly great choice for vegan and plant-based mashed potatoes.
If you want a slightly creamier texture, you can add a splash of plant-based milk. Unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk are all excellent choices. Be sure to choose a milk that doesn’t have a strong flavor that could overpower the potatoes unsweetened and plain varieties work best.
To elevate the flavor, consider adding roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives. These ingredients can help provide depth and complexity to your mashed potatoes, giving them a savory twist without the need for dairy.
Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative to cheese that adds a nutty, cheesy flavor. It’s a great ingredient to use if you miss that cheesy taste in your mashed potatoes but want to avoid dairy. Just a tablespoon or two will make a significant difference.
Making mashed potatoes without butter or dairy is easy, and it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Below is a simple, foolproof recipe to guide you in preparing creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes without dairy.
2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
1/4 cup olive oil (or 1/4 cup vegan butter)
1/2 cup vegetable broth (or mushroom broth for a deeper flavor)
1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk)
2 garlic cloves (optional, for added flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives (optional)
1–2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish with ease. Begin by preparing your ingredients, making sure to follow each step carefully for the best results. Now, let's start with the first task:
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Aim for uniform sizes, so they cook evenly. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice for mashed potatoes because of their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes work well too for a fluffier mash.
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, and then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare your flavor enhancers. If you’re using garlic, you can either roast the garlic beforehand for a more mellow flavor or finely chop it and add it to the boiling potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer a roasted garlic flavor, wrap garlic cloves in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then squeeze the soft garlic out of the skins.
Once the potatoes are done, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher, fork, or potato ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth. For extra fluffiness, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
While the potatoes are still warm, slowly incorporate the olive oil (or vegan butter), vegetable broth, and plant-based milk. Start with the vegetable broth to achieve a smoother consistency, and then add the olive oil for richness. Continue mashing or mixing until you achieve the desired texture. You can add more plant-based milk if the mash feels too thick, or more broth for extra moisture.
Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using garlic, fresh herbs, or nutritional yeast, stir them in now. The garlic will infuse a warm, aromatic flavor, while the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy richness without any dairy. Fresh herbs like chives or rosemary also provide a lovely burst of freshness.
Your dairy-free mashed potatoes are now ready to serve! These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, plant-based gravy, or your favorite vegan protein. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Choose the Right Potatoes: For creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet. Their naturally creamy texture creates a smooth mash without needing dairy. Russet potatoes are another option if you prefer a fluffier consistency.
Use Warm Ingredients: When adding olive oil, broth, and plant-based milk, make sure these ingredients are warmed up slightly. This helps them blend more easily with the potatoes and ensures a smoother texture.
Experiment with Flavors: While garlic and fresh herbs are the classic additions, feel free to get creative. A little smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, or even a splash of lemon juice can add unexpected depth to the flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Simply make the mash and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the potatoes and add an extra splash of plant-based milk to bring them back to their creamy consistency.
Texture Adjustments: For an extra creamy texture, try using a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher. This will give you an ultra-smooth and fluffy texture.
Mashed potatoes are an iconic comfort food, and with a few simple swaps, you can make a delicious, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy. By using ingredients like olive oil, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk, you can create a creamy, savory mash that’s just as satisfying as the traditional recipe.
Whether you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, these dairy-free mashed potatoes are a perfect addition to any meal. Plus, with the variety of flavor options available from roasted garlic to fresh herbs and nutritional yeast there’s no shortage of ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy mashed potatoes that are just as creamy and flavorful as the classic version, without a trace of butter or dairy. Give this recipe a try the next time you're craving mashed potatoes, and you’ll see that making them dairy-free is easier and just as delicious than you might have thought!
