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

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

If you prefer to make your mashed potatoes without milk altogether, feel free to use chicken broth instead. They will still have a creamy texture from the vegan butter, with added flavor from the broth. Remember, if you are vegan, substitute vegetable broth instead.

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 a good substitute for butter in mashed potatoes? ›

Olive oil: Mashed potatoes without butter are best with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. What is this? Garlic: You want to only use fresh garlic to make mashed potatoes without butter. It adds the missing umami flavor from eliminating the butter.

How can I thicken mashed potatoes without milk? ›

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. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

What is the closest non-dairy alternative to milk? ›

Soy Milk. Soy milk is the OG of non-dairy milk and is made by soaking soybeans (which have been hulled and ground) in water. Soybeans contain essential amino acids, high levels of protein, and iron, and soy milk has lower fat and cholesterol levels than cow's milk.

What is a milk substitute that tastes like milk? ›

The demand for soy milk comes from its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor, making it an excellent cooking and baking ingredient. It's the closest drink that resembles cow's milk, per a taste test and online public sentiment.

Why use evaporated milk in mashed potatoes? ›

That's because she makes her mashed potatoes with evaporated milk, which makes them that much more fluffy, creamy, and delicious. Evaporated milk made its first debut in Illinois, but it took off like wildfire as soon as Southerners discovered it.

Is coconut milk healthier than heavy cream? ›

Though coconut cream contains a similar amount of calories as heavy cream, it provides less than half the fat, which might make it a good option if you're limiting your fat intake.

Why use melted butter in mashed potatoes? ›

However, using the same quantity of milk and butter, but heating them separately and adding the melted butter first to the mashed potatoes, you end up with a butterier tasting potato dish. The fat absorbs into the cells of the potato, which have swelled and pulled apart from one another.

What food has the same consistency as mashed potatoes? ›

Give them a try! Cauliflower is probably the most common substitute for potatoes. Many people singing the praises of cauliflower mash and even cauliflower rice. It's easy to fry and roast cauliflower or throw into soups and stews.

What is the healthiest substitute for butter? ›

9 healthful substitutes for butter
  • Olive oil.
  • Ghee.
  • Greek yogurt.
  • Avocado.
  • Pumpkin purée.
  • Mashed bananas.
  • Coconut oil.
  • Applesauce.
Nov 15, 2018

Why can't you add flour to mashed potatoes? ›

Regular flour can also be used to thicken your potatoes as well, but I don't love using it because its raw flavor needs to be cooked out, and it more noticeably dulls the flavor of the potatoes themselves.

Is milk or water better for mashed potatoes? ›

Potatoes are like pasta, in that they leach starches into their cooking liquid. In the case of pasta, you want to reserve some of that liquid to give sauce a luscious shine and bind it to the noodles.

How to add flavor to mashed potatoes? ›

You should be salting the boiling water and the potatoes after cooking. You can also lean on seasoning salts like Tony Chacheres, for additional flavor and salt. For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of white miso to your next batch of mashed potatoes; it's not only salty, but savory.

What is the best non dairy milk substitute for cooking? ›

Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies. Moreover, some people will tell you that you must swap full-fat coconut milk in for heavy cream or half-and-half.

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.

Can I substitute almond milk for milk in instant mashed potatoes? ›

Almond milk is a great substitute for dairy milk in mashed potatoes. Use an unsweetened plain almond milk for the best flavor. What is a substitute for butter in mashed potatoes? You can use plant-based butter or olive oil to substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative in mashed potatoes.

Are mashed potatoes good with oat milk? ›

There's nothing like buttery, fluffy vegan mashed potatoes! Made with oat milk from your Almond Cow, this recipe can be made in moments.

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