Vegan Mashed Potatoes

By
Ariane Resnick
headshot for ariane resnick
Ariane Resnick
Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author who takes great joy in shattering the image of what, and how, nutritionists eat.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/4/22
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Vegan Mashed Potatoes

The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 7 to 8 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
382 Calories
12g Fat
64g Carbs
8g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 382
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 438mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 64g 23%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 29mg 147%
Calcium 49mg 4%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 1611mg 34%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Ultra creamy homemade mashed potatoes are a dream of a side dish. From the holiday table to a quick side, they're a filling and satiating addition to a meal. For anyone following a vegan lifestyle, the usual additions of butter and milk or cream are off the table, but that doesn't mean you can't still make a heavenly mashed potato dish.

Using Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture along with plenty of plant-based butter, these mashed potatoes will become a favorite to vegan and dairy lovers alike. This recipe reheats well, so you can even make it ahead or snack on a bowl as leftovers. And of course, these vegan mashed potatoes make an excellent vehicle for a vegetarian gravy.

"These vegan mashed potatoes were delicious, and nobody will guess they are dairy free. They were seasoned perfectly and super easy to prepare and cook, and the roasted garlic added depth to the flavor. You won't miss the butter and cream!" —Diana Rattray

vegan mashed potatoes with roasted garlic
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 8 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter, melted

  • 5 cloves roasted garlic, mashed

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Vegan Mashed Potatoes ingredients

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  2. Add the potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a large pot, then fill with enough cool water to cover by 1 inch. Place the pot over medium-high heat with the lid on and bring to a boil.

    potatoes in a pot

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, remove the lid, and let simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes.

    potatoes in a pot

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  4. Reserve 2 cups of the potato cooking water, then drain the potatoes.

    potatoes in a colander

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  5. Transfer the potatoes back to the pot. Add the melted vegan butter, roasted garlic, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).

    potatoes with melted vegan butter, roasted garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs in a pot

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  6. Mash thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

    mashed potatoes in a pot

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

  7. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water at a time until the potatoes are fluffy and your desired consistency. Serve warm topped with additional vegan butter, if desired.

    mashed potatoes in a pot, potato water added to mashed potatoes

    The Spruce / Sonia Bozzo

Tips

  • Vegan mashed potatoes can be made ahead and stored for a few days in the fridge.
  • Potatoes can be prepped one hour ahead and left to sit in cold water until ready to cook.
  • Whenever you roast garlic, roast a few extra bulbs and freeze them. Put the roasted bulbs or individual cloves in an airtight container or zip-close bag and freeze for one to two months. You'll have roasted garlic on hand to use for pasta dishes, dips, and mashed potatoes.

Recipe Variations

  • Fresh Herbs: Top with scallions, chives, fresh rosemary, fresh parsley, or fresh dill.
  • Sour Cream: Use a plant-based sour cream as a topping or add 1/2 cup plant-based sour cream into the mashed potatoes prior to adding cooking liquid.
  • Cauliflower: Substitute 2 of the potatoes for 2 cups cooked riced cauliflower—add to the pot along with the butter.
  • Sweet Potato: If using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold, reduce the cook time to 13 to 15 minutes of simmering, then add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice with seasonings.
  • In Lieu of Vegan Butter: If you avoid ingredients like vegan butter, swap for olive oil or butter flavored coconut oil.

How to Store

  • Store mashed potatoes in a tightly sealed container. They will keep for up to four days in the fridge.
  • Reheat in the microwave using a heatproof dish or on the stove. If using the stove, you may need to add additional liquid.
  • To freeze cooked mashed sweet potatoes, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-close freezer bag. Label the container with the name and date and freeze for up to 12 months. Note, the potatoes may lose texture once frozen.

How do you make vegan mashed potatoes creamy?

The vegan butter used here is the main agent for creaminess. If you'd like them even creamier, you can add vegan sour cream. You can also use a potato ricer instead of a masher or the beaters of a mixer.

What’s the best kind of potato to use for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes will yield the creamiest mash. If these aren't available, russet potatoes will work in a pinch.