Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that everyone loves. But what if you’re vegan or just looking for a simple, plant-based twist on this classic dish?
Look no further! This best mashed potato recipe simple vegan style is creamy, fluffy, and bursting with flavor—all without any dairy or animal products.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes will fit right in. Made with basic pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe proves that vegan cooking can be both delicious and effortlessly satisfying.
Imagine perfectly soft potatoes mashed with a splash of plant-based milk and a touch of vegan butter, seasoned just right with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic. The result is a bowl of creamy goodness that even non-vegans will rave about.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Ready to dive into the easiest and most delicious vegan mashed potatoes?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan mashed potato recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It uses minimal ingredients, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
The texture is incredibly creamy without any dairy, thanks to the magic of plant-based milk and olive oil or vegan butter. Plus, it’s gluten-free and allergy-friendly, perfect for a wide range of diets.
It’s also highly adaptable—whether you want to add fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, this base recipe is your blank canvas. It reheats well, making it a great make-ahead side dish.
Most importantly, it’s comfort food that feels indulgent but is wholesome and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, optional for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Colander
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly and mash smoothly.
- Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes: Using a colander, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. This helps any excess moisture evaporate, preventing watery mash.
- Heat the milk and butter: In a small saucepan, warm the plant-based milk with the vegan butter over low heat until the butter melts. If using garlic, add the minced garlic here and let it infuse for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This adds a subtle, fragrant garlic flavor.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes in the pot until mostly smooth. For an ultra-smooth texture, you can use a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix and make the potatoes gluey.
- Add the milk mixture: Slowly pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently to combine. Add more milk if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Give the potatoes a good stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds are naturally buttery and hold their shape well.
Garlic lovers: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the milk mixture for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
Herb infusion: Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill for a herby twist.
Cheesy flavor: Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the mash for a subtle cheesy note without dairy.
Make it spicy: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy kick.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of plant milk to revive creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan mashed potato recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, vegan meatloaf, or lentil loaf for a hearty meal.
For a festive occasion, try it as a side with your favorite vegan gravy or mushroom sauce. It also complements comfort food like vegan sausages or hearty stews beautifully.
Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes to round out your meal:
Conclusion
This best mashed potato recipe simple vegan is a perfect example of how comfort food can be wholesome, easy, and delicious without any animal products. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a creamy, flavorful side dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a vegan household or simply want to enjoy a lighter take on traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe delivers on taste and texture.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, spices, or add-ins to make it your own. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more creative dishes like our Magic Dough Recipe or the sweet and savory Marzipan Challah Recipe.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Mashed Potato Recipe Simple Vegan
Description: Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes made vegan with plant-based milk and olive oil. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare for any meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot.
- Add plant-based milk, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in vegetable broth and nutritional yeast if using.
- Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 28g
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