• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carrot Underground🥕
  • Vegan Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe 🥕
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe 🥕
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Vegan Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe 🥕
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Sides/Salads

    Easy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    Published: January 18, 2020 | 12:08 am, Modified: Nov 12, 2022 by Connie Edwards McGaughy This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Easy Vegan Mashed Potatoes 🌱 Every home cook should know the basics for making perfectly fluffy and delicious mashed potatoes.

    simple vegan mashed potatoes

    Few foods are as comforting as mashed potatoes. There are times when nothing else warms the soul and fills the tummy quite like a dish of fluffy potatoes. Comfort food should be simple and this easy vegan mashed potato recipe is simply delicious.

    As the daughter of an Idaho farm girl, potatoes were a main staple in our home. My mom prepared potatoes in a million delicious ways, but nothing could top her simple mashed potatoes. Made with a bit of vegan butter, a splash of non-dairy milk, and a few dashes of salt & pepper. Pure potato perfection!

    You can dress up these simple vegan mashed potatoes as much as you like! Load on some vegan cheese sauce, non-dairy sour cream, chives or my favorite vegan mushroom gravy. Personally, I love mashed potatoes with just a dab of vegan butter. Basic is better.

    Simple vegan mashed potatoes

    Potatoes are one of my absolute favorite foods. I could eat them every day. The good news is they're good for you! Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, which our bodies require as a fuel source. They also provide many vitamins, minerals and fiber. I always keep potatoes on hand in my pantry and if you store them correctly, they'll last for weeks.

    Jump to:
    • 🥕Top Tater Tips
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Recipe
    • Food Safety

    🥕Top Tater Tips

    How to store potatoes

    Isn't it annoying when you’re in the mood to cook a potato only to discover all of your taters have either turned green or have grown sprouts? Have you ever had that happen only days after you bought them? I know how frustrating that is and have some tips to help you keep your potatoes fresh until you’re ready to use them.

    Always store potatoes in a dark, cool, well ventilated place. A pantry or cabinet is a good location, as long as it is not near an oven or heat source. It’s why farmers can store potatoes for weeks inside root cellars. Wonder why potatoes turn green? Exposure to light promotes chlorophyll, which is great for houseplants, but not spuds.

    Keep potatoes in a ventilated basket or mesh bag. Never store them in the plastic bag from the store. I love re-useable mesh produce bags. They’re perfect for storing potatoes, onions, and garlic. Plus they’re washable.

    When in doubt, toss it out. Remove and discard any potatoes that are green, sprouted, have soft spots, mold, or signs of damage.

    Don’t wash potatoes until you’re ready to use them. Keep em’ dry.

    Reusable mesh produce bags filled with potatoes.

    We love these re-useable and washable produce bags from Lotus Sustainables

    How to clean potatoes

    I always buy organic potatoes. Most produce that’s not grown organically is sprayed with pesticides and the soil is often treated with fungicides. For root vegetables, like potatoes, all those toxic chemicals end up in or on the produce. No thank you. Even though many fruits & veggies are “washed” before being packaged and displayed in grocery stores, organically grown fruits and veggies – including potatoes – should still be thoroughly washed before consuming.

    For potatoes, you will want to wash them just prior to cooking (not before). The easiest method is to use a vegetable brush and scrub the skins in a circular motion under running water.

    To prevent potatoes from turning dark after peeling them, keep them covered in cold water or blanch in hot water prior to cooking.

    Ingredients

    Here are the basic ingredients to make simply the best vegan mashed potatoes.

    • Russet potatoes
    • Vegan butter
    • Non-dairy milk (unsweetened rice, soy, oat, or almond)
    • Salt & pepper (to taste)

    Note🥕 You can make mashed potatoes without butter or added oils. Simply omit the butter and increase the amount of non-dairy milk until the mashed potatoes are the consistency you like.

    Variations

    If you want to dress up your mashed potatoes, add any of these ingredients while mashing.

    • Vegan cheese - soft, grated, shreds (your choice)
    • Plant-based cream cheese
    • Non-dairy sour cream
    • Nutritional yeast - "nooch"
    • Garlic - freshly minced (sautéed in vegan butter or olive oil before adding)
    • Chives or scallions - fresh, chopped
    • Vegetable broth or bouillon - (instead of milk)
    Russet potatoes

    How to make easy vegan mashed potatoes

    Everyone should know how to prepare simple mashed potatoes. It's one of the easiest and most versatile dishes to have in your cooking repertoire. Once you know the basics in making delicious fluffy mashed potatoes, you can get as creative as you like by adding in vegan cheeses, garlic, veggie broth, cauliflower, etc. They're perfect in vegan potato tacos! In this recipe, we're making good old fashioned, plain & simple mashed potatoes.

    For mashed potatoes, I suggest using russet potatoes. The high starch and texture of russets make them ideal for mashed potatoes. They soften quicker when cooking and break down easier, resulting in lighter fluffier mashed potatoes.

    The secret to mom's amazing mashed potatoes was her technique for hand-mashing. She loved demonstrating what she referred to as "the whammy", showing how fast she could whip the potatoes by hand. Her hi-speed hand mashing technique resulted in virtually lump-free potatoes. It never ceased to impress me. However, I don't mind a few lumps in my mashed potatoes. You can use an electric mixer as well, but in my opinion, hand mashing rules! Here are the basic kitchen tools you'll need:

    Equipment

    • 5 qt. or larger stove top pot with lid
    • Vegetable peeler
    • Colander
    • Potato masher or ricer
    • Large bowl

    Instructions

    🥕See the printable recipe below for details and be sure to watch our Mashed Potatoes Quick Dish video

    Peeled and diced potatoes on a cutting board.
    • Wash, peel and cut potatoes into large cubes.
    • Place potatoes into a large pot.
    • Cover potatoes completely with water (at least 2" above potatoes).
    • Put a lid on the pot and place on stove over high heat.
    • Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to med-high and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes. Keep on eye on your potatoes, sometimes the water will rise and cause it to boil over spilling onto the stove. If that begins to happen, lift lid and place it slightly ajar on the pot, creating a vent.
    Peeled and cubed poataoes covered in water in a pot.
    • Test potatoes by inserting the end of a pointed knife or fork. If it easily pierces the potatoes, they're done cooking. 🥕Note - perfectly cooked potatoes will be tender but not falling apart.
    • Carefully pour off water into sink and allow potatoes to thoroughly drain in a colander or strainer.
    A bowl of vegan mashed potatoes topped with a dab of dairy-free butter.
    • Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl and begin mashing while the potatoes are hot.
    • Add butter and continue mashing.
    • Gradually add milk, a little at a time, and continue mashing until potatoes are the consistency you like.
    • Add salt & pepper to taste. Enjoy!

    If you love potatoes, you might want to check out these delish recipes!

    • Vegan Lemon Roasted Potatoes
    • Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
    • Vegan Potato Enchilada Casserole
    • Grandma's Old Fashioned Vegan Potato Salad
    • Vegan Cuban Crushed Potatoes
    easy vegan mashed potatoes in bowl

    very vegan 🌱 very good

    If you’ve enjoyed this recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ please rate it in the comments below.

    Thanks a bunch!🥕

    Recipe

    simple vegan mashed potatoes

    Easy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    by Connie🥕
    Easy Vegan Mashed Potatoes 🌱 Comfort food should be simple and this recipe for easy vegan mashed potatoes is simply the best!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, dairy free, Gluten-free, Holiday, no dairy, Plant Based, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Whole Food Plant Based
    Servings 8
    Calories 186 kcal

    Equipment

    • 5 qt or larger covered stovetop pot
    • Vegetable peeler
    • colander
    • hand masher or ricer
    • large bowl

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 large russet potatoes washed, peeled, and quartered
    • 3 tablespoon vegan butter
    • ¾ C non-dairy milk plain, unsweetened of your choice. I prefer rice or soy milk.
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Place potatoes into a large pot. Cover potatoes completely with water (at least 2" above potatoes).
    • Put a lid on the pot and place on stove over high heat.
    • Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to med-high and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes. Keep on eye on your potatoes, sometimes the water will rise and cause it to boil over spilling onto the stove. If that begins to happen, lift lid and place it slightly ajar on the pot, creating a vent.
    • Test potatoes by inserting the end of a pointed knife or fork. If it easily pierces the potatoes, they're done cooking. 🥕Note - perfectly cooked potatoes will be tender but not falling apart.
    • Carefully pour off water into sink and allow potatoes to thoroughly drain in a colander or strainer.
    • Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl and begin mashing while the potatoes are hot.
    • Add butter and continue mashing.
    • Gradually add milk, a little at a time, and continue mashing until potatoes are the consistency you like. Add salt & pepper to taste.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    🥕I like to use a hand masher or ricer. You can use an electric mixer as well, but nothing beats (no pun intended) hand-mashed potatoes.
    🥕To hand mash potatoes, begin by pressing down on the masher repeatedly to break up the potatoes. Add butter and continue mashing. Start adding milk and whipping the masher in a circular motion. Continue adding small amounts of milk until your potatoes are fluffy and the consistency you prefer. Add salt & pepper to taste while mashing. Serve while hot.
    🥕To help keep potatoes hot before serving, keep in pot covered with a lid. I don't suggest putting pot directly on the stove over heat, as potatoes can easily burn and scorch the inside of the pot. It's better to reheat them over a second pan with water (double boiler) or in a microwave. If potatoes dry out, simply add a small amount of vegan milk.
    🥕Store leftover mashed potatoes in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or stovetop. You will likely need to add a small amount of non-dairy milk to make them the consistency you like.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 186kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 54mgPotassium: 801mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 287IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Sides/Salads

    • A collage of vegan dishes with citrus ingredients including lemon blueberry bread, citrus infused vinegars, orange balsamic Brussels sprouts and fresh oranges, lemons, and limes.
      Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits
    • A collage of favorite vegan summer salads including lemon artichoke orzo salad, watermelon cucumber salad, southwestern quinoa salad, old fashioned vegan potato salad, watermelon mango pico de gallo. and four bean fiesta salad.
      Favorite Vegan Summer Salads
    • A vegan retro 1970's Jello cranberry wobbler on a plate, garnished with fresh whole cranberries, orange slices, walnuts, and mint leaves.
      Vegan Retro Jello Cranberry Salad
    • A mason jar filled with easy homemade cranberry applesauce on a counter with apples.
      Easy Homemade Cranberry Applesauce (with maple syrup)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Connie Edwards McGaughy

      January 19, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      Everyone should know how to make mashed potatoes made with simple ingredients. Here's everything you need to make simply the best vegan mashed potatoes!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Image of Connie Edwards McGaughy, creator of The Carrot Underground vegan recipe blog.

    Hi, I'm Connie! I created The Carrot Underground🥕 as your place to find easy & delicious recipes and inspiration for enjoying the goodness of vegan living.

    Learn more about my story →

    Popular

    • A bowl filled with vegan minestrone soup placed next to an enameled cast iron Dutch oven filled with soup.
      Easy 1-Pot Minestrone Soup (vegan & vegetarian)
    • A collage of vegan dishes representing 30 favorite vegan spring recipes including carrot cake cupcakes, spinach mushroom quiche, potato salad, and balsamic roasted carrots.
      30 Favorite Vegan Spring Recipes
    • Vegan cranberry crumble bars and fresh cranberries on a plate.
      Vegan Cranberry Oat Crumble Bars
    • A collage of vegan breakfast and brunch dishes including tofu scramble, waffles, spinach mushroom quiche, and lemon blueberry bread.
      Favorite Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

    Trending

    • A bowl of the best vegan Congressional bean soup topped with sliced scallions and croutons.
      Congressional Bean Soup (Vegan)
    • Slices of simple savory herbed tofu on a square plate.
      Simple Savory Herbed Tofu
    • A bowl filled with orange balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts.
      Orange Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Vegan)
    • A loaf of sliced easy vegan Irish soda bread with a dab of butter.
      Easy Vegan Irish Soda Bread

    Recipe Roundups

    • A collage of vegan dishes representing 30 favorite vegan spring recipes including carrot cake cupcakes, spinach mushroom quiche, potato salad, and balsamic roasted carrots.
      30 Favorite Vegan Spring Recipes
    • A collage of vegan dishes with citrus ingredients including lemon blueberry bread, citrus infused vinegars, orange balsamic Brussels sprouts and fresh oranges, lemons, and limes.
      Best Vegan Recipes with Citrus Fruits
    • A collage of vegan breakfast and brunch dishes including tofu scramble, waffles, spinach mushroom quiche, and lemon blueberry bread.
      Favorite Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • A collage of vegan Saint Patrick's Day inspired recipes.
      Vegan St. Patrick's Day Recipes
     

    Subscribe for our latest recipes & FREE Vegan Shopping List!🥕

     
     
    Never miss a recipe!🥕Subscribe to our free newsletter & receive our vegan shopping list as a thank you!

     
         

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Nutrition Disclaimer

    Follow

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • LinkedIn

    As Seen In

    Logos from media sites.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Carrot Underground🥕All Rights Reserved