Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Looking for the perfect vegan mashed potatoes? These are ultra-creamy, incredibly simple to make, and use just a handful of pantry staples. No one will believe they're dairy-free. Let's learn how to make them!

Smooth, velvety, and perfectly seasoned, these vegan mashed potatoes are proof that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated.

With just a few smart ingredient choices, you can achieve the richest mashed potatoes ever, without cream or butter. Serve with vegan gravy for the whole experience!

Be warned, once you make mashed potatoes this creamy and buttery (without butter!), you may be appointed the official potato maker every holiday forever. They're that good.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need for the mashed potatoes:

• garlic: Roasting garlic transforms its sharp bite into a sweet, buttery flavor that melts seamlessly into the potatoes, adding richness and depth.
• olive oil: Helps coat the garlic for roasting, promotes caramelization, and adds a subtle savory richness.
• salt: Enhances the flavor of the garlic and balances its natural sweetness.
• russet potatoes: Russets are high in starch, which makes mashed potatoes light, fluffy, and creamy. Cutting them into equal pieces ensures even cooking.
• oat milk: A neutral, creamy non-dairy milk that keeps the potatoes silky and smooth without altering the flavor.
• vegan butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor, making the potatoes taste just as decadent as traditional mashed potatoes.
• fresh chives: Adds a bright, mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the potatoes and adds color.
• cracked pepper: A final seasoning that adds warmth and a little bite, rounding out the flavors.

Why You'll Love These Potatoes

• Ultra creamy and fluffy - Thanks to starchy russet potatoes, oat milk, and vegan butter, these mashed potatoes are just as rich and velvety as the classic version.
• Naturally flavorful - Roasted garlic adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that makes these potatoes taste gourmet without extra effort.
• Simple ingredients - Everything in this recipe is easy to find and pantry-friendly-no specialty products required.
• Perfect for holidays or weeknights - They feel special enough for a celebration, yet are quick and foolproof for everyday dinners.
• Completely dairy-free and vegan - Ideal for guests with dietary restrictions, but delicious enough that everyone will want seconds.

How to Make Vegan Mashed Potatoes (with pictures!)

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.

Begin by cutting the tops off of two heads of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and wrap in tinfoil. Place in the oven to roast until soft - 30-40 minutes.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water and salt. Cover pot and place on the stove. Boil potatoes until fork tender. Drain potatoes and return to pot.

Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their peels and add to the pot. Add the vegan butter, oat milk, remaining salt, and chives to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or an electric hand mixer until smooth.

Add cracked pepper to taste and serve with vegan gravy.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Here are a few tips to help ensure your mashed potatoes come out perfectly every time:

1. Roast the garlic until golden and soft: Fully roasted garlic becomes sweet, mellow, and spreads like butter. This gives the potatoes a rich, savory flavor without bitterness.
2. Start potatoes in cold water: Adding potatoes to boiling water causes uneven cooking. Starting in cold water ensures they cook evenly and stay fluffy.
3. Salt the cooking water generously: This is your chance to build flavor from the inside out. Unsalted potatoes can taste bland no matter how much salt you add later.
4. Avoid over-mixing: Mash gently with a potato masher or ricer. Over-working the potatoes (especially with an electric mixer) can make them gluey.
5. Warm the milk and butter before adding: Cold liquids cool the potatoes down and prevent the fats from incorporating smoothly. Warm ingredients keep everything creamy.

Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Prepare the mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• If you want, you can roast the garlic ahead of time and store it separately; mix it in when mashing for maximum flavor.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Place mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of oat milk or a little vegan butter to restore creaminess.
• Oven: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 1-2 minutes. Add a little non-dairy milk or vegan butter to keep them smooth.

Pro Tip: Mashed potatoes tend to thicken after refrigeration. Gradually whisk in oat milk or a small amount of vegetable broth to bring them back to a creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to jazz up your vegan mashed potatoes:

1. Garlic-Free Mashed Potatoes: Skip the roasted garlic for a classic, simple flavor-perfect if you prefer a milder taste.
2. Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage while mashing for an aromatic twist.
3. Cheesy Vegan: Stir in vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chipotle powder for a subtle heat.
5. Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in sautéed onions, caramelized mushrooms, or roasted leeks for extra depth.
6. Creamier Texture: Use a combination of oat milk and coconut cream or cashew cream for ultra-rich mashed potatoes.
7. Potato Medley: Combine russets with Yukon Golds for a balance of fluffiness and buttery flavor.

Holiday Tips

Preparing a holiday table is stressful business. Here are a few tips to help things run a bit more smoothly:

1. Make Ahead: Prepare and mash the potatoes a day in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
2. Keep Warm: Use a slow cooker or oven-safe dish set to low heat to keep mashed potatoes warm during holiday meals without drying them out.
3. Double the Recipe: Holidays usually mean a crowd! Mashed potatoes scale beautifully. Just adjust seasonings and liquids as needed.
4. Elevate the Flavor: Stir in roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or a splash of vegan cream for a more festive, indulgent flavor.
5. Presentation Matters: Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, or a drizzle of vegan butter to make the mashed potatoes look as good as they taste.
6. Pairings: Perfect alongside vegan gravy, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based holiday main dish.

Storage

Refrigerator:

• Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave, adding a splash of oat milk or vegan butter to restore creaminess.

Freezer:

• Mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 1 month.
• Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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