No milk? No butter? No problem! These dairy free mashed potatoes are so rich, creamy, and flavorful, you won't even miss them. So whether you're avoiding the store or a food allergy, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit!
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This simple recipe proves you don't need milk or butter to make perfect mashed potatoes. With the cost of butter so high, these olive oil mashed potatoes are a frugal alternative.
The result is a cozy, budget-friendly side dish that works for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving spreads, or even as part of a quick weeknight meal.
For anyone searching for a mashed potato without milk or a vegan mashed potatoes recipe, this version checks all the boxes. It's flavorful, flexible, and doesn't skimp on comfort.
Plus, it's the kind of dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to Dairy Free Deviled Eggs on the side.
If you enjoy affordable recipes like this one, you'll also love my Dairy Free Waffles for breakfast or these Dairy Free Rice Krispie Treats for dessert!
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy without dairy. Thanks to olive oil and non-dairy liquid options, you still get smooth and silky potatoes without butter or cream.
- Simple and quick. Just one pot and 30 minutes are all it takes to get this side dish on the table.
- Crowd-pleasing. Nobody misses the dairy. These potatoes are flavorful enough to win over the traditionalists.
🛒 Ingredients
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds for buttery flavor or Russets for fluffiness.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth without dairy.
- Garlic powder: Boosts flavor and keeps things simple.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions
- Potatoes: Russets yield a fluffier mash, while Yukon Golds give a naturally buttery texture.
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for richer flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use dairy-free milk or reserved potato water for a lighter option.
Variations
- Garlic Flavor: Mix in roasted garlic for depth, or boil garlic cloves with the potatoes (like in my Creamy Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes).
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in parsley, chives, or sprinkle dried parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Potatoes: Use whatever starchy potato you have on hand. Russets or Yukon Golds both work great and are usually cheap when bought in bulk.
Olive Oil & Substitutes: Instead of butter, I use olive oil (or a blend of olive oil + a dairy‐free butter substitute) to keep it rich yet budget-safe.
Liquid Base: Skip pricey dairy by using broth, reserved potato cooking water, or a simple unsweetened plant-based milk for creaminess.
🥄 Instructions for Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Peel and slice your potatoes into chunks. (Image 1).
Step 2: Place the potatoes into a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until fork tender. Then drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 3: Mash with a potato masher or fork. (Image 2).
Step 4: Season with salt, pepper, and optional roasted garlic or herbs. (Image 3).
Step 5: Slowly stir in olive oil and broth or plant-based milk until desired creaminess is reached. (Image 4).
Serve warm.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Mash gently: Using a potato masher or ricer gives you the best fluffy texture. Avoid food processors or blenders, which can turn your mash gluey and dense.
- Warm your liquids: Warming the plant-based milk and olive oil before mixing helps them incorporate better, giving you smooth and creamy results without lumps.
- Don't skip the salt: Potatoes soak up a lot of seasoning, so taste as you go and adjust until it tastes just right.
- Save the cooking water: Reserved potato water can thin out the mash if it becomes too thick.
- Serve right away: Mashed potatoes are best when hot and fresh, but they can be reheated if needed (see below). If serving later, cover with foil and keep warm in a low oven.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze surprisingly well, just portion into small bags or containers for easy reheating later.
Reheating: Gently warm leftovers on the stove with a splash of plant-based milk or broth to restore creaminess. The microwave also works, just stir halfway through.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
These mashed potatoes go perfectly with roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or a holiday spread. Pair with Oven Roasted Asparagus, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or Meatloaf Without Eggs.
- Oven Roasted AsparagusRecipe $4.13 / Serving $1.03
- Meatloaf Without EggsRecipe $6.99 / Serving $1.16
- Sourdough Starter GravyRecipe $0.67 / Serving $0.34
- Air Fryer Corn on the CobRecipe $1.53 / Serving $0.38
❓ Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes FAQs
The best substitute depends on your taste and texture preference. Unsweetened oat milk gives a naturally creamy consistency, while soy milk adds body and richness. For the creamiest option, try cashew milk, which blends in seamlessly. If you prefer a savory flavor, using vegetable broth or reserved potato cooking water works well, too.
Instead of butter, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a dairy-free butter alternative for richness. Instead of milk, try unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, or cashew), or even broth. These swaps still give you smooth, creamy potatoes without any dairy products.
So many options! You can add:
Broth (chicken or vegetable) for a lighter, savory flavor.
Olive oil or avocado oil for richness.
Greek-style dairy-free yogurts for tangy creaminess.
Reserved potato water for a subtle starchy thickness.
Coconut cream if you want extra richness (just use the unsweetened kind so it's not overpoweringly sweet).
Yes! Olive oil is one of the best substitutes because it adds depth of flavor, a silky texture, and fats. It creates smooth, luscious mashed potatoes without the heaviness of butter. For extra richness, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and drizzle a little more on top right before serving.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Iceberg SaladRecipe $5.00 / Serving $0.83
- Red Potato SaladRecipe $5.78 / Serving $0.58
- 3 Ingredient BiscuitsRecipe $3.49 / Serving $0.29
- Oven Roasted AsparagusRecipe $4.13 / Serving $1.03
🐝 If you tried this Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks - ($1.47)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil - ($0.52)
- ½-¾ cup chicken broth, reserved potato water, or almond milk - ($0.33)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ($0.08)
- ½ teaspoon salt - ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - ($0.01)
Instructions
- Prep potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
- Boil. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth.
- Season. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine.
- Add liquid. Slowly stir in the olive oil and broth, reserved potato water, or plant-based milk until the desired creaminess is reached.
- Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm.
Notes
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds give a naturally buttery flavor, while Russets make the fluffiest mash. Either one works great depending on the texture you prefer.
- Plant-Based Milk: Always choose unsweetened and unflavored varieties. Oat and cashew milk are extra creamy, while soy adds richness.
- Seasoning: Don't underestimate salt. Potatoes need more than you'd think. Taste and adjust until it's flavorful.
- Make Ahead: You can prep these mashed potatoes 1-2 days in advance. Store in the fridge, then reheat with extra plant milk or olive oil for creaminess.
- Frugal Swap: Use reserved potato cooking water instead of milk for a completely no-cost way to get creamy potatoes.
Nutritional Information
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Nicole Durham says
These mashed potatoes are perfect for when we run out of butter or are looking for something cheap and tasty to pair with our meal.