Learn how to make the best dang vegan mashed potatoes that come out perfectly every time! Super simple to make with 4 ingredients.
Perfect for any time of year, mashed potatoes may be the most well-loved side dish ever, and for good reason! These dairy free mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, buttery and so simple to make.
If you’re used to adding a lot of dairy to your potatoes, don’t worry. Just because these potatoes don’t contain butter or milk products doesn’t make them any less incredible, and no one will know!
If you love potatoes, make sure to try my Vegan Scalloped Potatoes as well. Both recipes are a must-have at Thanksgiving dinner. And don’t forget the gravy!
Ingredients needed (with substitutions)
- Potatoes – My top choice for mashed potatoes are russet, but yukon gold are a pretty good choice as well. Leave some of the skin on if using yukon golds for texture, if desired. Red potatoes would also work.
- Garlic – This is optional, but I love the addition. You will cook it along with the potatoes, infusing them with garlic flavor. Leave it out if needed or desired.
- Vegan butter – There are so many options these days, so choose your favorite. I highly recommend Miyoko’s brand here if you can, it is amazing. For oil free, just leave out the butter.
- Plant milk – Make sure to use unsweetened AND unflavored milk here, no vanilla or sugar. Check the ingredients to make sure there is no sugar or flavoring, or your potatoes will be ruined. I prefer almond, cashew or soy milk here. For creamier potatoes, use Cashew Cream instead!
- Salt + pepper – To taste.
How to make vegan mashed potatoes
It’s so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for the full, printable recipe. This is simply an overview with photos.
- Wash and dry the potatoes.
- Peel potatoes.
- Chop them into large chunks.
- Cover with cold water (add garlic to the pot as well), then bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain in a colander, and allow them to drain for about 5 minutes.
- Add them back to the pot along with the vegan butter and begin mashing by hand. I don’t recommend using a hand mixer, it tends to make gummy potatoes and is not necessary. A potato masher is all you need.
Heat your plant milk in the microwave until just warm, not boiling, then add a little at a time to the potatoes while mashing, until they are creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste until just right, and serve.
Meal prep
You can prepare the mashed potatoes up to two days in advance. Follow the recipe exactly, then cool, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, place in an oven safe dish and warm at 350 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes until warm, adding a little more milk if they dry out. Or re-warm in a crock pot on low for 3-4 hours.
Tips for success
- Mash with a potato masher, not a hand mixer. They will get plenty creamy and smooth, and you won’t take the risk of having gummy mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s easier!
- The kind of potato you use matters, so use russet for the best classic mashed potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are also a good choice, or even red potatoes.
- Don’t skip the fresh garlic cooked with the potatoes. It adds great flavor! If needed, add a little garlic powder instead.
- Please make sure to use unsweetened, unflavored milk. Nothing worse than vanilla flavored mashed potatoes! And warm it before adding, so the potatoes stay hot and it absorbs better.
- Use a quality vegan butter that you like, such as Miyoko’s. I also like Earth Balance and Country Crock.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I make them in an Instant Pot? To use the instant pot, place the peeled and chopped potatoes + garlic in the inner pot, cover with cold water and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Do a quick release and drain. Add back to the pot or another bowl and mash with the remaining ingredients.
- Can I make them in a Crock Pot? Yes! Add potatoes, garlic and water to a 4-QT slow cooker and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 7 hours, until tender. Stir every once in a while. Drain the potatoes, add back to crock pot and mash with remaining ingredients. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- How to store or freeze mashed potatoes – Cooked mashed potatoes will keep for 2-4 days in the refrigerator. They can be frozen if needed. To freeze, place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a day or two, if possible. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed throughout.
What to serve with vegan mashed potatoes
You can get really creative here! Mashed potatoes go well with many dishes.
For Thanksgiving (See all my vegan Thanksgiving recipes here) or holiday dinners, try serving with one of these:
Or for other every day meals:
- Crispy Baked BBQ Tofu
- Skillet BBQ Tempeh
- BBQ Cauliflower
- Zucchini Fritters
- Vegan Chicken
- Chickpea Curry – have over potatoes instead of rice.
Best Dang Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 pounds russet potatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4-5 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 cup unsweetened, unflavored soy, cashew or almond milk
- salt + black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- First, peel your potatoes and chop them into large chunks. Place the potatoes in a large pot along with the chopped garlic, and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until fork tender. How long they take will depend on how small you cut them.
- Drain the potatoes (and garlic) in a colander, letting them sit for about 5 minutes.
- Heat your plant milk until just warm, not boiling, either in the microwave or stovetop. This will help keep your potatoes warm and it will absorb better. Set aside.
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot, add the vegan butter and begin mashing by hand. Pour in a little milk at a time while mashing until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. Enjoy!
- Make ahead option: You can make the potatoes a day or two in advance if needed. Follow the recipe, then cool, cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, warm in an oven safe dish for 30 minutes or so (350 degrees F) until warm. You could also warm them in a crock pot on low for 3-4 hours.
Notes
- Potatoes: Russet are my choice for making mashed potatoes, but you could use yukon gold or even red potatoes. Feel free to leave some or all of the skins on for variety with gold or red potatoes.
- Garlic is optional, so leave it out if desired.
- Vegan butter: You can use any kind of vegan buttery spread, but Miyoko’s is definitely my favorite for potatoes. Leave out completely for oil free mashed potatoes.
- Plant milk: Please don’t accidentally use vanilla or sweetened milk! It will ruin the potatoes. Check the ingredients for sugar or vanilla. I like almond or cashew best here for the most neutral flavor. Bump up the creaminess and use Cashew Cream in place of the milk, if desired.
- Leftovers: Store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen then reheated in the oven or microwave with a little more plant milk, but they won’t be quite as yummy.
I made these yesterday, opting for the cashew cream! Oh yum, definitely the best recipe I’ve had for potatoes. Thanks!
You bet, Jan! Nothing like creamy mashed potatoes! I’m so glad you loved them. I appreciate your wonderful feedback! Happy cooking!
Have you ever tried with cashew yoghurt or soft tofu?
I haven’t but I think you could!
I made the mash for Thanksgiving but added a few things… sauteed diced light green part of leek and sweet onion, few red pepper flakes, and a pinch of black garlic. I used about 4TB of veg butter, cashew milk, Himalayan salt. Total crowd pleaser!
Best part, Saturday I used a couple big tablespoons of this mash dolloped over about 1 1/2C shredded kale with just a little veg broth. I covered this to microwave 1:40sec. GREAT LUNCH ITEM! I could also add nutritional yeast for B12 and some seasoned & browned TVP for more protein. LOVE BEING AND EATING VEGAN !!
This sounds incredible, thanks for sharing!
I tried it and it was amazing! I just adjusted the portions of vegan butter, and milk. This depends on how every person likes it. I just used more butter and less milk. I’ve done this recipe 3 times so far, used unsweetened oat and unsweetened almond milk that i slightly warmed up, didn’t find a difference between them, both worked well without any strange taste. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, Sarah! I’m thrilled you loved the potatoes!
These potatoes are DELICIOUS and so easy! I baked russet potatoes in a 450 oven, skins on, no prep, for one hour. After baking, I sliced the potatoes in half, scooped out the pulp and could literally mash with a spoon because the potatoes were so tender. After mixing in the warm milk, these were the fluffiest and smoothest mashed potatoes I have ever made. Thank you for this recipe!
Delicious! Made them for Thanksgiving.
Hi Rochelle. I’m so glad you loved the potatoes! Thank you!
We loved the potatoes. I smashed them, which we prefer. Yum!
So fluffy and delicious!!! This recipe is a must. I used creamy unsweetened and unflavored coconut milk and it worked great.
So delish! So glad I added the garlic. It’s subtle and not overpowering, but without it, it wouldn’t be nearly as good. Super creamy, so this is now my go to potatoes! Thank you!
I see you say not to use a hand mixer. Does the same apply to a stand mixer with a paddle attachment?
Yes, the same goes for a stand mixer! A potato masher is all you need.
Nora,
I have used so many of your recipes and they always ROCK! This one was no exception. I followed it to the T and tasted it and was amazed at how creamy and savory they were. I took it to a friend who is not vegan and he commented on how good they were! Thank you for sharing all you wonderful recipes. You make it easy to be vegan!
Hi Sherry. I’m happy you are loving my recipes! Thanks for sharing your wonderful feedback! How fabulous that you and your friend loved the potatoes!
I have been following your recipe for quite some time now. And I have to say, my hubby has been very sweet to me lately. I would like to say because of me, but I know your recipes had added value to my family meal time. Thank you!
Another perfect recipe, I made your vegan gravy to go with this. When I am mashing the potatoes with a hand mixer I add 2 tablespoons of boiling water. Makes them super fluffy.p
HI NORA-CAN U USE OAT milk?
Yes, you can! Happy cooking!
Fantastic mashed potatoes Nora! Your recipes always turn out perfect! These potatoes were creamy, flavorful and delicious! So easy to make too! Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Thank you so much David!
Hi Nora!
Can I cut and prep the potatoes the day prior to cooking?
Also, is minced garlic okay to use?
Sometimes I peel the potatoes and soak them in cold water in the refrigerator. Otherwise, they will get brown quickly. Minced garlic is fine.
Thank you for the Delicious yummy creamy buttery mashed potatoes recipe!
They taste Perfect! I wish the stars went up to a thousand!
Thank you!-Nora
Thanks Nora! I’m glad you loved the potatoes! Thank you for sharing!
Is this witchcraft? I used red potatoes and plain oat milk along with the rest of the list. Everything mashed up so easily and they taste smooth and delicious!! Used a plain ol’ masher. I think boiling with the garlic and warming up the milk made a huge difference! Thanks Nora!
This is now my go to mashed potato recipe! Simple, creamy, and flavorful. Thanks Nora
You’re welcome!
Sooo good! We just made these for Thanksgiving tonight and they were the creamiest mashed potatoes ever! My kids don’t normally eat their potatoes but they ate them all tonight!
That’s so great to hear!
Can you use oat milk?
Yes, as long as it’s not sweetened or flavored.
So glad Nora to finally see you recommending the best butter on the planet, Miyoko’s!
Oh, and I haven’t told you lately, so … I LOVE you Nora!
Aw thank you so much! I totally love Miyoko’s. It’s so yummy!
I’m assuming the garlic starts raw. Just wondering… When do you add it? When u add the salt and pepper? While the potatoes are sitting? Mixed with the warmed milk? Cooked with the potatoes at beginning? Thanks
Yes, it does. Sorry, I forgot to mention where you add it in, all fixed now! 🙂 You just add it chopped with the potatoes. Then you will drain the garlic with the potatoes, and mash from there. Hope that makes sense, thanks for alerting me to the error!
Potato RICER is the way to go IMO.
NOPE! Not needed! Nora knows best and a POTATO MASHER is all you need! Nora, you are the best!! :o)
For my first time ever making mash potatoes from scratch, I opted for this recipe and they are so good. The only change I made was I roasted a head of garlic and added to the part where you warm the milk. I strained it so no big garlic clumps were in the potatoes after mashing them in the milk and butter. Definitely keeping this recipe o file. Thx Nora. 🤌🏾
This sounds delicious! At what point in the recipe do you add the garlic?
Sorry, it’s fixed now. I had forgotten to mention where to add the garlic! You add it when you boil the potatoes. Hope that helps, and you enjoy!