Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (2024)

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by Mary October 30, 2023

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The easiest, most delicious dairy-free mashed potatoes! Russet potatoes blended with creamy vegan butter, garlic, & dairy-free milk. The BEST side dish for all of your holiday meals!

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Makes This Recipe Work

Ooey, gooey, creamy mashed potatoes chock full of butter, milk, and garlic are what Holiday dreams are made of. But you don’t have to sacrifice your diet (or how you feel after) to get all that creamy goodness! This is one of my favorite recipes to make during the holiday season. They will make your taste buds sing!

Mashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes of all time. These creamy dairy-free mashed potatoes have all of the texture and flavor of regular mashed potatoes without any of the butter or heavy cream! Instead, I use almond milk (or coconut), vegan butter (or ghee if you prefer), salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and top them with chives for a punch of flavor. This potato recipe will make all of your Thanksgiving dinner dreams come true!

In fact, with this mashed potatoes without milk recipe, I bet you can’t even tell the difference! With a few easy (& healthy) swaps, these dairy-free mashed potatoes will delight your guests and go easy on their digestion! Try these dairy free mashed potatoes in my Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls.

Recipe Highlights

  • Simple ingredients
  • 20-minute recipe
  • Multiple cooking methods
  • The best mashed potatoes ever
  • The perfect side dish that all family members will love
  • A healthier spin on the classic dish without sacrificing any flavor!
  • Creamy, classic, and traditional mashed potatoes, without milk!
Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (2)

Ingredient Notes

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (3)

Potatoes: You can use Russet, Yukon Gold, Yellow potatoes, red potatoes, or white potatoes for this recipe. All types of potatoes will work.

Butter Alternative: If you are allergic to dairy or if you prefer to stay 100% vegan, you can use coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or dairy free butter or vegan buttery spread like Miyokos (the best dairy-free butter in my opinion) or Kite Hill. If you are not allergic to dairy, ghee is a great option. Ghee is clarified butter, where the dairy proteins and casein have been removed. My favorite ghee is 4th and Heart. Unfortunately, traces may remain, so if you have a dairy allergy, definitely avoid ghee. You can also stir in some dairy free cream cheese for a fun twist.

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! You really can’t taste the coconut in this recipe though – just FYI. Make sure you mix up the coconut milk prior to measuring, as it separates in the can. Soy milk or any plant-based milk will work.

How To Make Non-Dairy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (4)

Stove Top

  1. Fill a large pot with water and add peeled potatoes. Bring potato pieces to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-14 minutes. Drain and return the cooked potatoes to the pot.
  2. Add remaining ingredients (minus the chives) to the pot and use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher – they will just be a little chunkier! Add more salt and black pepper to taste. Serve topped with chives if desired. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

  1. Add Potato chunks to the Instant Pot. Add water to cover potatoes completely (about 4-5 cups).
  2. Lock the lid and turn the vent to “sealing”. Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
  3. Manually release the steam. Drain the potatoes then add them back into the pot.
  4. Add in the remaining ingredients and mash well using a potato masher. Make them even creamier by blending with an immersion blender or electric hand mixer after mashing.
Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (5)

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

Consistency: If your mashed potatoes without milk are too thick, slowly add more dairy-free milk of choice until they reach the desired consistency! These are seriously the creamiest mashed potatoes ever – no cow’s milk needed.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes. While I haven’t tested this myself, you can store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stove over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Are these mashed potatoes gluten free?

Yes! Using the ingredients I have listed here, these dairy-free mashed potatoes are gluten-free. Be sure to check all labels if you swap an ingredient.

Are these mashed potatoes without milk also Whole30?

Yes! The ingredients in the vegan butter listed above (as well as ghee) are Whole30-friendly. I bet your guests will have no idea these Whole30 mashed potatoes have no dairy!

How to make dairyfree mashed potatoes with chicken broth?

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.

More Delicious Gluten Free Side Dishes

“Soy” Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Green Bean Casserole

Thyme Roasted Radishes with Onion

Dairy Free “Cheesy” Broccoli Casserole!

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comment section. Or, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram today!

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (6)

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Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

Yield: 6 people

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

The easiest, most delicious dairy-free mashed potatoes! Russet potatoes blended with creamy vegan butter, garlic, & dairy-free milk. The BEST side dish for any occasion!

5 from 26 votes

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs russet or white potatoes, 4 large potatoes or 6 small, peeled and cut into fourths
  • ¼ cup ghee, sub vegan butter for 100% dairy free
  • cup dairy free milk of choice, coconut and unsweetened almond milk work great.
  • 1.5 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Stove Top

  • Fill a large pot with water and add peeled potatoes. Bring potato pieces to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-14 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

  • Add remaining ingredients (minus the chives) to the pot and use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher – they will just be a little chunkier! Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with chives if desired. Enjoy!

Instant Pot

  • Add Potato chunks to the Instant Pot. Add water to cover potatoes completely (about 4-5 cups).

  • Lock the lid and turn the vent to "sealing". Cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes.

  • Manually release the steam. Drain the potatoes then add them back into the pot.

  • Add in the remaining ingredients and mash well using a potato masher. Make them even creamier by blending with an immersion blender after!

Notes

Consistency: If your dairy-free mashed potatoes are too thick, slowly add more dairy free milk of choice until they reach the desired consistency!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 607mg, Potassium: 639mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 1mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 189

Author: Mary Smith

This post was originally published on September 16, 2019, and updated with new photos and copy on August 31, 2022. Updated again on October 20, 2023.

posted in: Instant Pot, Recipes, Sides, Whole30 40 comments

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    40 Comments on “Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes”

  1. Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (7)

    Jen Reply

    These were delicious. One person at Thanksgiving remarked “these taste so good! Why aren’t they always made this way?!”

    • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (8)

      Mary Reply

      Thanks Jen!

  2. Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (9)

    Ashley Reply

    Thank you! I used coconut milk and plant based butter and they were delicious.

    • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (10)

      Mary Reply

      thanks Ashley!

  3. Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (11)

    Amber Reply

    Can you make these in a crockpot instead? If so, any advice on how to do so?

    • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (12)

      Mary Reply

      Hi Amber – so sorry I didn’t see this until now. I haven’t tested them in the slow cooker but I will be sure to do so and add directions for that soon.

  4. Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (13)

    Debbie Reply

    I usually make ‘make ahead’ mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving so all I have to do is pop them in the oven. We have a lot of dairy free in our family, and this recipe looks great! Have you done this recipe in the oven like this? Just wondered if the ingredients were ok or if it would dry out.

    • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (14)

      Mary Reply

      Hi Debbie! It should work fine that way 🙂

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes | Mary's Whole Life (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 good substitute for 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 good substitute for butter in mashed potatoes? ›

Looking for a butter substitute in your mashed potato recipe? Try mayonnaise! Mashed potatoes with mayo are super creamy and taste just as good!

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 a good substitute for cream cheese in mashed potatoes? ›

8 Easy Ways to Make a Cream Cheese Substitute
  1. Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt is yogurt that's been strained to remove the liquid whey, resulting in a thicker yogurt that's higher in protein and lower in fat. ...
  2. Sour Cream. ...
  3. Cottage Cheese. ...
  4. Neufchatel. ...
  5. Mascarpone. ...
  6. Ricotta Cheese. ...
  7. Kefir. ...
  8. Cashew Cheese.
Apr 6, 2021

What is the closest non-dairy milk alternative? ›

In terms of nutrition, soy milk is the closest non-dairy substitute for cow's milk. This is because it contains a similar amount of protein to cow's milk, but it contains half the amount of fat, calories, and carbohydrates. An average 100ml portion contains 44 calories, 1.9g of fat, and 3g of carbohydrate.

What is the healthiest substitute for mashed potatoes? ›

Add these sides to your table, and no one will ever miss boring, stodgy ol' potatoes:
  1. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower mashed potatoes are the way to go. ...
  2. Parsnip Puree. ...
  3. Mashed Butternut Squash. ...
  4. Purple Sweet Potato Mash.
Nov 16, 2021

Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Plant-Based Milk and Oil

Soy, oat or almond all work — just make sure they are unsweetened for savory recipes. As far as oil goes, you can use sunflower, canola or even avocado if that's your favorite. The trick here is using the oil to add fat to the plant-based milk to help it emulate heavy cream.

What can I use in place of heavy cream? ›

This article reviews 10 of the best substitutes for heavy cream.
  • Milk and butter. ...
  • Soy milk and olive oil. ...
  • Milk and cornstarch. ...
  • Half-and-half and butter plus butter. ...
  • Silken tofu and soy milk. ...
  • Greek yogurt and milk. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Cottage cheese and milk.

Is it better to melt butter or cold butter in mashed potatoes? ›

Nothing should go in cold. Indeed, butter will mix better if it's at room temperature, so leave it out to warm up while the potatoes tenderize in the water. Milk or cream should be warmed to prevent them from seizing the potatoes if added immediately after the cooking process.

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

Is buttermilk a good substitute for milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Buttermilk mashed potatoes have the same consistency as traditional mashed potatoes. Buttermilk is substituted for the typical milk, half and half, or heavy cream. Buttermilk lends them a slight tang while keeping the overall dish a tad bit lighter, due to its lower fat content.

What does cold milk do to mashed potatoes? ›

Adding cold dairy to your mashed potatoes also cools the mash down — and very few people like cold mashed potatoes. Ready to put this tip into action? Bring the milk and butter to at least room temperature or, better yet, gently heat them on the stovetop before adding them to your potatoes.

Is almond milk good in mashed potatoes? ›

Yes! Almond milk is a great substitute for dairy milk in mashed potatoes. Use an unsweetened plain almond milk for the best flavor.

Can you skip milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Using vegetable broth or stock is the best substitute because it adds a rich flavor and moisture, making it my favorite substitution. Potato boiling water - Reusing the starchy cooking water from boiling your potatoes is a great way to add moisture to mashed potatoes.

What is the best non dairy milk to cook with? ›

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.

What are dairy free alternatives to milk? ›

soya, rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato drinks (sometimes called milks) non-dairy alternatives to yoghurt and cheese. foods that carry the "dairy-free" or "suitable for vegans" signs.

Can oat milk be used in mashed potatoes? ›

Rice or mash the potatoes into the garlic butter. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash or rice them directly in the pot. Once the potatoes are mostly mashed, add 1 1/2 to 2 cups of warm oat milk till desired consistency. Taste, season, and garnish.

Can you not use milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Sometimes I add a little milk, sometimes I don't. It makes it a bit smoother and creamier, but really, you don't have to. Some people even add cheese, which also tastes good. You can have a lot of different ways to make mashed potatoes.

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