The Comfort Food Remastered
The humble mashed potato. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a nostalgic whisper of family dinners, and the ultimate comfort food for countless souls. But what if you’re navigating the delicious world of dairy-free or vegan living? Does that mean waving goodbye to those impossibly creamy, fluffy mounds of potato heaven? Absolutely not! Get ready to reclaim your comfort food cravings because today, we’re diving headfirst into creating the most luscious, most satisfying dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted. Prepare to be amazed!
Why Make This Recipe
You will love these dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes because they deliver:
- Creamy Dreamy Texture: Get that silken, smooth consistency you love, without any dairy.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: These potatoes are full of savory goodness.
- Dietary-Friendly: They are perfect for vegans, people with dairy allergies, or anyone wanting a healthier choice.
- Surprisingly Easy: Simple steps make a spectacular result, even for new cooks.
- Versatile: They are the perfect side dish for any meal, from holidays to weeknights.
How to Make Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Making creamy dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes is easy. You select the right potatoes, cook them until tender, then mash them with plant-based milk and vegan butter. Seasoning is key to great flavor.
Ingredients of Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- The Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Russets make fluffier mash, and Yukon Golds give a buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Choose unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk. This is your creamy base.
- Vegan Butter: This adds richness to your mash.
- Flavor Boosters: You will need garlic, salt, pepper. You can also add optional herbs.
Directions of Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Your Spuds: Peel your potatoes. Then cut them into equal-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly.
- Boil to Tender Perfection: Put the potato chunks in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender when you pierce them with a fork. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- Drain, Don’t Rinse: Once tender, carefully drain all the water from the potatoes. Do not rinse them. Keeping the starch on the potatoes helps them become creamy. You can put the empty pot back on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to dry the potatoes further.
- Mash Away!: Put the hot, drained potatoes back into the pot. Use a potato masher or a potato ricer to mash them. Mash until smooth. Do not over-mash.
- Stir in the Goodness: Add your dairy-free milk and vegan butter to the mashed potatoes. Stir them in by hand until everything is combined and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to your mashed potatoes. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. You can also stir in any optional herbs or garlic now.
How to Serve Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes are very versatile.
- Classic Pairings: Serve them with roasted vegetables, plant-based roasts, or lentil loaf.
- Creative Twists: Use them as a topping for shepherd’s pie, make mashed potato cakes, or load them with toppings like chives and vegan gravy.
- Garnish Galore: Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or add vegan “crispy bits” for extra texture.
How to Store Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips to Make Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t Overwork: Do not over-mash the potatoes. This can make them gluey. Mash just until smooth.
- Warm Liquids: Warm your dairy-free milk and melt your vegan butter before adding them to the potatoes. This helps them combine smoothly.
- Taste, Taste, Taste: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving. Add more salt or pepper as needed.
Variation
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic cloves and fresh rosemary during mashing.
- Cheesy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast and some vegan cheese shreds.
- Sweet Potato Mash (Vegan): Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a colorful and sweeter mash.
- Root Vegetable Medley: Mix in cooked parsnips or celery root for a different flavor and texture.
FAQs
What exactly makes these mashed potatoes dairy-free and vegan?
These dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes get their creamy texture from plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and vegan butter. All ingredients come from plants, so they are suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I make these dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Yes, you can make these dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes 2-3 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a little more dairy-free milk or vegan butter, or bake them covered in the oven until hot.
What’s the best type of potato to use for the creamiest dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes?
For the best creamy dairy-free vegan mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Russets become fluffy, and Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery taste. Do not use waxy potatoes like red bliss; they can make your mash gluey.

Garlic Herb Dairy-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into equal-sized chunks
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (soy, oat, or almond)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced or roasted
- 1/4 cup fresh chives finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Place peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes thoroughly, optionally drying them further in the pot over low heat.
- Return potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth, being careful not to over-mash.
- In a separate saucepan, warm dairy-free milk and melt vegan butter, then add minced or roasted garlic.
- Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the mashed potatoes and stir until creamy.
- Stir in fresh chives, parsley, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra chives or parsley if desired.