Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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This vegan mashed potatoes recipe is next level incredible. They are so creamy, rich and satisfying you'll have no idea they are dairy free! Easy to make and the perfect side dish.

I use a secret trifecta of ingredients to get that rich creamy flavor, along with a little extra trick to get them nice and fluffy. This is a must make recipe!

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (1)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (2)

This post was originally published on 11/17/2018

This is my go to recipe for a vegan thanksgiving meal. It's loved by all types of eaters, especially when served with my caramelized onion vegan gravy!

One of the most popular dishes during the holiday season is of course mashed potatoes. However, the classic version can be filled with butter, sour cream, heavy cream, and more not so healthy (and not so plant based) ingredients!

Thankfully after playing around with some whole food alternatives I was able to create the best vegan mashed potatoes recipe ever! These potatoes are seriously creamy, fluffy, and decadently delicious all at the same time.

You're going to want these all year round, not just the holidays. Seriously, my son literally had this for his after school snack and I think I saw his eyes roll into the back of his head.

Ingredients

In order to make these creamy vegan mashed potatoes you will need the following:

  • Potatoes
  • White beans
  • Cashew Milk
  • Vegan Parmesan Cheese
  • Seasonings
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (3)

The Best Potatoes for Mashing

There is a difference when it comes to potatoes and what each kind is best for.

Russet potatoes are high in starch and great when you want something light and fluffy, like mashed potatoes! However these are mild in flavor so take that into account.

White and yellow potatoes have a medium starch level. These are a good all around potato.

Waxy potatoes like red, yukon gold and fingerling are high in flavor, low in starch and hold their shape well when cooking so things like scalloped potatoes, soups, potato salad, etc are great with these.

You can use any variety you like, choose the type based on what you want your end result to be. Extra fluffy? Use russets. However, I like to use Yukon gold for mashed potatoes because of their great buttery flavor. Can't decide? Use a little of both for balance!

What to Substitute for Milk in Mashed Potatoes

There are many options when it comes to making vegan mashed potatoes, here are a few that I have seen:

  • Coconut cream
  • Almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, soy milk, really any plant based milk
  • Nuts
  • Broth
  • Cooking water

However I wanted to make sure that these were the richest and creamiest ever! So I opted for something a little different and mixed the following into a blended rich creamy base:

  1. White beans. Yep, extra protein and creaminess.
  2. My vegan Parmesan cheese. It's incredible and you need it!
  3. Cashew milk (or almond or whatever) but cashew is my fave. It tends to give the best creaminess without compromising flavor.

How to Make the Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes

  1. First, I wash the starch off of my potato pieces before and after I cook them. This helps with soft fluffiness.
  2. Then I mix up the secret trifecta for that creamy factor.
  3. Next you whip it into the cooked potatoes and BAM. Instadrool.
  4. Finally serve and watch your guests be wowed!
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (4)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (5)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (6)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (7)

Serving Suggestions

Pair these creamy mashed potatoes with your holiday favorites, or serve them up anytime for a comforting meal! Here are some of our favorite plant based recipes to eat them with:

  • Smoky Maple Roasted Carrots
  • Healthy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Baked Lima Bean Recipe (Gigantes Plaki)
  • Easy Vegan Quinoa Stuffing
  • Gluten Free Vegan Stuffing
  • Baked Broccoli Cauliflower Veggie Tots
  • Vegan Scalloped Cauliflower
  • Creamy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes
  • The Best Vegan Meatloaf
  • Gluten Free Vegan Pot Pie
  • Mushroom Bourguignon
  • Or use them in this recipe for Vegan Shepherd's Pie!

And of course, what would mashed potatoes be without gravy?! My4 ingredientcaramelized onion gravy is highly recommended to take them to thenext next level of amazing.

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (8)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (9)

Preparation Tips

  • Do not over-mix the potatoes. If they get blended too much they will start to turn more gummy and dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Whether or not to peel the potatoes is up to you, it isn't necessary but some people like to leave them out.
  • Make sure to dry the potatoes before mashing, you don't want any extra moisture!
  • Any dairy free milk will work in this recipe, just make sure it is unflavored and unsweetened.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Keep leftover vegan mashed potatoes sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
  • You can also freeze it for longer storage in a freezer-safe airtight container, just know the texture won't be quite as amazing.
    • Defrost before reheating.
  • Warm the potatoes on the stovetop in a pan, or bake them in the oven. Stir in some extra dairy free milk if they have dried out a little.

Common Questions

Can you use almond milk for mashed potatoes?

Yes, almond milk will work, as will any unflavored plant based milk. This vegan mashed potatoes recipe uses cashew milk and a mix of other ingredients to create a creamy base.

Are russet potatoes good for mashed potatoes?

Russets are great for creating light, airy, and fluffy mashed potatoes but the taste is pretty mild. I prefer to use Yukon gold for their amazing flavor.

Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! These mashed potatoes can be made up to 2 days in advance, however they are best fresh.

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

It is safe to freeze leftover mashed potatoes, but they texture may change a but once they're defrosted.

Are potatoes vegan?

I see this question often, basically anything grown from the ground is vegan. It's a plant and therefore, plant based!

More Vegan Potato Recipes

Potatoes are basically a miracle food, they can be transformed into so many delicious dishes! Here are some of our plant based favorites:

  • Potato Milk Recipe
  • Breakfast Potatoes in the Oven
  • Vegan Loaded Baked Potato
  • Creamy Vegan Potato Soup
  • Patatas Bravas
  • Crispy Potato Tacos
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (10)

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (11)

Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Sophia DeSantis

This vegan mashed potatoes recipe is next level incredible. They are so creamy, rich and satisfying you'll have no idea they are dairy free! Easy to make and the perfect side dish.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course 30 Minutes or Less, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 282 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds potatoes , see note
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups white beans , about one 15 ounce can (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 ½ cups Vegan Parmesan Cheese , if using my Parmesan recipe, double it when making it and also make the crumble version not the wheel because it's easier to use for this (or use your favorite store brand)
  • 1 cup cashew milk , can sub another plant based milk if you prefer
  • Ground black pepper , optional for garnish
  • Rosemary sprig , optional for garnish
  • Serve with Caramelized Onion Gravy

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Instructions

  • Cut potatoes into big pieces, rinse to remove some of the starch.

  • Put them with the salt in a pot and cover with water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

  • Meanwhile, put white beans, cheese and milk in a blender and puree until nice and smooth.

  • When the potatoes are done, rinse them one more time. Allow them to dry a bit then put them in a bowl with the creamy sauce.

  • Use a potato masher, hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the potatoes and the creamy sauce into a nice fluffy mound. Do not over mix or they will become gluey.

  • Serve with caramelized onion gravy and optional pepper and rosemary sprig.

Notes

  • You can use any potato, Russet are the fluffiest but Yukon gold are my favorite flavor for these because they are so buttery in taste.
  • You can sub with another plant based milk but make sure it is creamy.
  • The portions are for a side dish size.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 448mgPotassium: 947mgFiber: 5gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 18.8mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 7.3mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (12)
Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you use milk or cream in mashed potatoes? ›

You'll add about 1 cup of liquid to the potatoes. I love equal parts milk and chicken broth, but use what you have. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, add an extra splash of cream.

What is the best non-dairy substitute for milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Plant butter is a vegan butter made from plants, and it's a great substitute for milk in mashed potatoes. It is high in healthy fats and has a creamy texture that makes it perfect for mashed potatoes. The ratio of Plant Butter to milk in mashed potatoes is 1:1.

Why add butter before milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Adding the butter first helps to coat the starch in the potato, resulting in a creamier potato. Once the butter is absorbed; add the rest of the dairy.

How do you make mashed potatoes less creamy? ›

This is the most common, and perhaps the simplest way, to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes? ›

Can I substitute the heavy cream in mashed potatoes? Short answer: Yes. Recommended substitutes: Whole milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, onion cream. Caveats: Dairy is a free-for-all in mashed potato recipes.

What is a substitute for cream in mashed potatoes? ›

Whole milk and light cream are the two components of half-and-half, so it's not that far off from the real deal. Use half-and-half as a 1:1 substitute for heavy cream. It can work nearly as well for bringing creamy texture and flavor to sauces, soups and stews, mashed potatoes, quiches, and casseroles.

What is the best fake milk for mashed potatoes? ›

Milk Alternative: Mashed potatoes without milk are actually super easy! Simply use your favorite plant-based dairy-free milk alternative. My favorite coconut milk is Native Forest (I use full-fat). You can also use unsweetened almond milk if coconut milk isn't your thing!

Can I use sour cream instead of milk? ›

In fact, you can substitute sour cream for milk almost anytime the recipe calls for less than a cup of milk. One of the most common ingredients to use milk with is potatoes. Spuds love dairy, so if a recipe calls for milk, sour cream almost always works in its place.

Is oat milk or almond milk better for mashed potatoes? ›

Unsweetened Almond Milk: Almond milk is what's going to help our mashed potatoes become super creamy and luscious! You can also use soy milk, oat milk or your favorite non-dairy milk alternative. Just make sure it's unsweet.

Why do restaurant mashed potatoes taste better? ›

Instead of regular milk, pro chefs generally use a generous helping of buttermilk and plenty of half-and-half or (even better) heavy cream in their potatoes. If you think the bartenders up front are pouring heavy, they've got nothing on the cooks in the back who are in charge of the mashed potatoes.

Is it better to use cold or melted butter for mashed potatoes? ›

A word about butter: Don't melt butter before stirring it into the potatoes because the milk solids and fat will separate. You can add cold butter to your hot potatoes since the butter will melt as a whole and distribute the fat and milk solids evenly.

What happens if I put too much milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Runny potatoes can happen for a few different reasons. Too much liquid: This is the most common reason. In the mashing process you may have added too much milk or broth. Boiled too long: Boiling your potatoes for too long can make them water-logged, which (you guessed it) can contribute to runny mashed potatoes.

What if I used too much milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Add a Thickening Agent

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well.

What happens if you add too much milk to mashed potatoes? ›

Liquid: Usually, this is where milk and butter comes into play, but for a dairy-free version, you could use broth instead. Just make sure you heat your liquid and add it a little at a time when your potatoes have been boiled and dried. Too much and you'll end up with a runny mess.

Is milk or half-and-half better for mashed potatoes? ›

Is milk or cream better for mashed potatoes? I use half-and-half: it gives the potatoes the perfect creamy texture and rich taste. As a half-and-half substitute, you could also use heavy cream or whole milk. Whichever you use, just start with a little and add more as you need it.

Is milk or sour cream better for mashed potatoes? ›

Milk – It smooths the starchy potatoes into an incredibly creamy mash. Use whole milk for the creamiest results. Sour cream – Technically, this ingredient is optional. If you skip it, the recipe will still come out great.

Can you substitute milk for cream in mashed potatoes? ›

In mashed potatoes, cooking in milk, and preserving that starchy liquid, gives your potatoes a natural creaminess and allows you to skip the weighty heavy cream.

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