Amazing Milk Substitutes For Mashed Potatoes

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Milk Substitutes For Mashed Potatoes 

Help! Are you looking for milk substitutes for mashed potatoes? Never fear, we have you covered. Below is a list of 29 substitutes for milk when making mashed potatoes. 

mashed potatoes

The substitutes range from dairy options to vegan options, broth options, and even dairy-free options. No matter if you are looking because you are out of milk, are allergic to dairy products, or want a vegan alternative, the list below will have an option just for you!

What Does Milk Do To Mashed Potatoes?

Think of those yummy, perfectly smooth, creamy, and buttery mashed potatoes that we all love. When you add milk to mashed potatoes it helps them to become smooth and creamy. This is the main purpose of adding milk to mashed potatoes. 

Why Substitute for Milk in Mashed Potatoes?

There are many reasons why you might need to substitute milk for mashed potatoes. Perhaps you have a dairy allergy, or you want your potatoes to be vegan friendly, or perhaps you are simply out of milk. 

There are many reasons why you might want to substitute something else for milk in your mashed potatoes. Below are several different ideas that will be helpful when you need to replace the milk called for in your mashed potatoes. 

Below is a list of substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes from A to Z.

29+ Substitutes For Milk In Mashed Potatoes:

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a dairy-free milk substitute that provides a bit of a nutty flavor but can substitute the liquid for milk. When you use almond milk to replace regular milk, you end up getting a bit of a nutty flavor and gritty texture.  

Blend Your Potatoes

Another way you could replace milk in your mashed potatoes is simply by blending your potatoes with a little bit of water. When you throw your mashed potatoes in the blender, it will be sure to get them smooth and they’ll not have any lumps remaining. 

However, potatoes in the blender without milk are likely to be on the thick side, so you will want to add a bit of water to compensate. The downside is that blended potatoes will be lacking some of the creaminess that milk provides in mashed potatoes. 

Butter

Butter is a good substitute for mashed potatoes. You can simply add additional butter to your mashed potatoes, melt some of the butter and add it to mashed potatoes or combine some of your butter with garlic, and add it to your mashed potatoes. Adding additional butter to mashed potatoes as a substitute for milk is one of the best substitute options.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is another possible milk substitute for mashed potatoes. When you replace milk with buttermilk you get a slightly sour flavor, that also contains less fat than regular milk. Buttermilk is a good substitute for milk in mashed potatoes, but you may want to add a bit of extra seasoning, such as garlic to mask the slightly sour taste. 

milk streaming into a glass

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is another option as a milk substitute when making mashed potatoes. Cashew milk instead of regular milk gives you a slightly nutty flavor, but it will provide an overall smooth and creamy texture to your mashed potatoes. 

A note of caution when using cashew milk, you may want to start off using slightly less than you anticipate, because it can make your mashed potatoes slightly runny. 

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is another fabulous substitute for milk when it comes to mashed potatoes. Chicken broth can be used as a one-for-one substitute and will provide a nice creamy texture to mashed potatoes, and adds delicious flavor to them as well.

Out of all the options for milk substitutes for mashed potatoes, chicken broth is one of the top options, in that it makes some of the best mashed potatoes

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another option for a milk substitute when making mashed potatoes. Coconut milk does have a bit of coconut flavor and it adds to your mashed potatoes but we will still make them be smooth and creamy.

You can use approximately a one-for-one substitute for coconut milk and mashed potatoes, but you may want to start off with a little less than you anticipate needing. 

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is another great substitute for milk and mashed potatoes if you are looking for thick and rich mashed potatoes. Cream cheese adds a delicious flavor to your mashed potatoes, and a way to send them out if they are too thick for you is to add a little bit of the potato water you drained from them. Using cream cheese to replace milk in mashed potatoes is another great option.

Creme Fraiche

Creme Fraiche is a kind of dairy product very similar to sour cream. Using this as your substitute for milk in mashed potatoes will make your mashed potatoes have a bit of a tangy flavor. However, it can work out well when paired with seasonings such as garlic salt. 

If you choose to use this substitute option, be sure to microwave it for 30-second intervals until it is slightly melted before adding it to your mashed potatoes. 

Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk comes usually in a can. It is a type of condensed milk you can buy from the store. When using evaporated milk as a substitute for mashed potatoes you can simply open the can and add it to your mashed potatoes. 

If you choose to use evaporated milk as your substitute for milk, keep in mind that evaporated milk is much thicker than regular milk. You might want to start off by adding slightly less evaporated milk than you anticipate needing then add more if you desire. 

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is another good substitute for milk when making mashed potatoes. You can use the one for one substitute ratio when you use Greek yogurt. Using Greek yogurt as your replacement for milk will still allow your mashed potatoes to be thick and creamy, but Greek yogurt is likely to add an extra richness to your mashed potatoes. 

serum on a wooden background

Heavy Cream

Using heavy cream to replace milk when making mashed potatoes is a fabulous option. You can simply use a one-for-one substitute ratio for heavy cream in place of milk. When you use heavy cream your potatoes are likely to become much more silky, creamy, and rich. Keep in mind that when you are mashing your potatoes, don’t over mash them when heavy cream is included. 

Half and Half

Half-and-half is another great milk substitute for mashed potatoes. Half-and-half will also provide a rich creamy texture to your mashed potatoes and make them taste fabulous. Use a one-for-one substitute ratio when using half-and-half. 

Mayo / Mayonnaise

This is another substitute you can use to replace milk when making mashed potatoes.  Mayonnaise is thicker than milk, so a little bit can go a long way. If you want to thin out your mashed potatoes you can also try adding a little bit of your starchy water to your mashed potatoes and then mash them together. Using mayonnaise allows your potatoes to still be thick, rich, and creamy.

As a substitute ratio, we would recommend using approximately 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise for every 1 cup of milk called for. If you need more, you can always add more mayonnaise. 

Milk Powder

Milk powder is another great substitute for milk. Powdered milk works well because it keeps for a long time in your cupboard but can be used when needed. Simply mix milk powder with water and you have milk. 

The substitute ratio may depend on your specific milk powder. Please reference the container for accurate measurements, but you can estimate that approximately 1 tablespoon of milk powder added to ¼ cup of water is equal to approximately ¼ cup of milk. 

Oat Milk

Milk is a great option for milk substitutes and mashed potatoes especially when you are looking for a vegan-friendly option. Oat milk is dairy-free and nut-free, simply plant-based. 

You can use a one-for-one substitute ratio for substituting oat milk for regular milk. Oat milk allows your mashed potatoes to still be rich and creamy, and not too watery. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil can be used as a substitute for milk and mashed potatoes. However, using olive oil as a substitute tends to make your mashed potatoes rather oily, and does not provide good flavoring. If you don’t have other options, then olive oil can be used, however, we recommend that you try other substitutes before this one. 

milk in jug

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is a great substitute for milk when making mashed potatoes. Plain yogurt makes your mashed potatoes taste rich and creamy and have a thick texture. Plain yogurt can substitute for milk in a one-for-one ratio. 

However, a word of advice, when you use plain yogurt as a substitute be sure that you have plain yogurt rather than vanilla or another flavor of yogurt. You don’t want to add any fruit or vanilla flavoring to your mashed potatoes.

potatoes in pot

Potato Cooking Water

Potato cooking water is the starchy water that you boil your potatoes in. If you’re looking for a simple substitute for milk and mashed potatoes, this is it. However, potato water does not provide a lot of flavoring or creaminess to your mashed potatoes. You will want to compensate by adding extra seasoning, and maybe even some sour cream or additional butter. 

We recommend starting out with a ½ to one substitute ratio of potato water for milk when making mashed potatoes. You can always add more potato water if you need the extra liquid in your potatoes. 

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is another ingredient you could use to replace milk and mashed potatoes. Ranch dressing has a creamy texture to it and will add extra flavoring to your mashed potatoes.

Be aware that ranch dressing contains a lot of flavors that will be added to your mashed potato so make sure that the seasonings will blend together well. 

We recommend a substitute ratio of ½ ranch dressing to one milk. If you need more you can always add more ranch dressing or add a bit of starch water to compensate for the liquid. 

Rice Milk

Rice milk is a good substitute for milk and mashed potatoes if you’re trying to avoid dairy, it can provide a bit of extra sweetness, and a hint of vanilla flavoring to your mashed potatoes. Otherwise, when you use rice milk when making mashed potatoes, it will make your mashed potatoes rich and creamy. 

The substitute ratio for rice milk is a one-to-one rice milk to regular milk ratio. 

Soft Cheese

As long as you don’t mind cheese-flavored mashed potatoes, any kind of soft or melty cheese works great as a milk substitute when making mashed potatoes. You need to be aware that this will completely change the overall taste of your mashed potatoes, it will still make them taste rich and creamy. 

The substitute ratio for soft cheese in place of milk for mashed potatoes may very depending on what specific kind of cheese you use. Start out with less than you anticipate, then add more as desired.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is another great milk replacement for mashed potatoes. The sour cream is thicker than milk, so it will make your mashed potatoes thick, rich, and creamy flavored. Sour cream is one of our top choices for a milk substitute and mashed potatoes. 

A good substitute ratio to use for sour cream is to replace your milk with a ¾ to one sour cream to milk ratio. 

milk poured into a glass

Soy Milk

Soy milk is another good dairy-free replacement for milk in mashed potatoes. Soy milk will allow you to enjoy rich and creamy mashed potatoes, with a slightly sweet soy flavor. Soy milk is great because you can commonly purchase it from your local grocery store. 

A good substitute ratio for soy milk is a one-for-one replacement ratio. 

Stock

Stock is another milk substitute for mashed potatoes. Stock such as vegetable, or chicken stock makes a great replacement for milk. Stock is similar to broth but different. Using stock as a replacement for milk makes your mashed potatoes thick, creamy, rich, and flavorful. 

A good substitute ratio is a one-for-one substitute. 

Unsweetened Creamer

Coffee creamer is another good replacement for milk when making mashed potatoes. However, when you are selecting your creamer be sure that it is unsweetened so that your mashed potatoes don’t end up being sweet. Unsweetened creamer makes your mashed potatoes rich and creamy tasting as well. 

A good substitute ratio for unsweetened creamer in mashed potatoes is a one-for-one substitute ratio.

Vegan Butter

Vegan butter is another vegan friendly substitute option for milk and mashed potatoes. Vegan butter can be found at your local grocery store, or vegan friendly grocery store. You might want to slightly melt your vegan butter before adding it to your mashed potatoes.

When using vegan butter as a substitute, we recommend starting off with melted vegan butter, and add slightly less than you anticipate needing. Add more until your mashed potatoes are your desired consistency. 

Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is another great substitute for milk and mashed potatoes. The vegetable broth will provide delicious flavor, and make your mashed potatoes creamy. 

A good substitute ratio for vegetable broth is a one-for-one vegetable broth to milk ratio. 

Water

Although not our favorite substitute option for milk when making mashed potatoes, you can use water instead of milk. When you use water, it will help to thin your mashed potatoes, so that you can cream them. However, when you use water and mashed potatoes you won’t have that rich and creamy flavor that we all know and love. 

If you do choose to use water, because you have no other options, you can use a substitute ratio of one-to-one. 

Best Substitutes for Milk in Mashed Potatoes

Of all the milk substitutes for mashed potatoes listed above, we have broken down our favorite dairy substitutes for milk, vegetarian substitutes for milk, and broth alternatives to milk. Keep in mind that these are our favorites listed below for each category. 

Dairy Substitutes for Milk

Butter

Half and Half

Heavy Cream

Cream Cheese

Greek Yogurt or Plain Yogurt 

Sour Cream

Vegetarian Substitutes for Milk

Oat Milk

Soy Milk

Vegan Butter

Broth Alternatives to Milk

Chicken Broth

Vegetable Broth

The Best Substitutes for Milk in Mash

Heavy Cream

Butter

Chicken Broth

Half and Half

Best for Milk Substitute for Instant Mash

Heavy cream

Half and half

Sour cream

substitute for almond extract almond milk

The Best Potatoes To Use For Mashing

Determining the best potatoes to use for mashing can be difficult. It also may depend on how you like your mashed potatoes, and your desired outcome. Traditionally russet potatoes are used for baking and mashing. The downside of russet potatoes is that they should be peeled completely before they are boiled and mashed. 

Another favorite kind of potato for mashing is Yukon gold. You can either choose to cube them or completely skip peeling them and just wash them thoroughly. Yukon gold potatoes have a nice texture and flavor to them when making mashed potatoes. 

A less common type of potato to use for mashing, but my personal favorite is red-skinned potatoes. You can also choose to peel red-skinned potatoes or wash them thoroughly and leave the skin intact. Red-skinned potatoes make fabulous smashed potatoes and, with a rich and creamy flavor. 

mashed potatoes

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Basic mashed potatoes are made when you take your favorite kind of potato thoroughly wash it, pat dry, and if desired remove the skin. 

Cut your potatoes in half or quarters, then place them into a large pot. Cover them in water and boil your potatoes until they are soft. 

Remove the potatoes from your stovetop, drain the water, then add butter, milk, and our favorite secret ingredient to add is cream cheese. 

Use a potato masher, or throw your mixture in the blender and mash the potatoes until smooth. 

Place the mashed potatoes into a serving dish, top with butter, and if desired chives or parsley, then serve and enjoy the delicious goodness. 

Can these be made in advance?

Great things about mashed potatoes is they can be made in advance. To make your mashed potatoes in advance, prepare them as you normally would then place them into a 9 x 13 pan with a lid, or serving plate with a lid.

Cover and store in the refrigerator after they have cooled until you are ready to use. Reheat them by removing your pan from the fridge, and allowing it to warm. Then cover your baking dish in aluminum foil, and heat in your oven at 350°F until your mashed potatoes are warmed through. Remove from the oven, serve and enjoy. 

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing. Mashed potatoes are best when stored in an airtight container, or at least covered in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator. Before placing in the refrigerator allow your mashed potatoes to cool approximately to room temperature. 

Reheating. To reheat your mashed potatoes, if they are in a glass dish allow the glass dish to warm before heating. Cover your baking dish with mashed potatoes with aluminum foil and then place them into the oven. Heat your oven to 350°F and reheat your mashed potatoes until they are warmed through in the center. 

mashed potatoes in wood bowl

Related Questions

Can I use water instead of milk in instant mash?

Although you can use water instead of milk for instant mashed potatoes, you are going to be better off to use sour cream, chicken broth, vegetable broth, half-and-half, or heavy cream. 

Can I Use Water Instead of Milk for Mashed Potatoes?

You can use water instead of milk when making mashed potatoes, however, your mashed potatoes are not going to be as creamy or flavorful as they might if you use a different substitute. 

Can You Pre-make Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, you can absolutely pre-make mashed potatoes so that they are ready in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready for them, then warm in the oven, serve, and enjoy. 

Should You Peel Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes?

Peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes really depends on what kind of potatoes do you are using. If you are using russet or Idaho potatoes, then you will most likely want to peel your potatoes before boiling them for mashed potatoes. 

On the other hand, if you are using Yukon Gold, or red skin potatoes you do not have to peel them before boiling and mashing your potatoes.

How Do You Fix Bland Mashed Potatoes?

You can fix bland mashed potatoes by adding ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, garlic powder, chives, and many more ingredients to your mashed potatoes, these are just a few of our favorites. 

How Can You Thicken Mashed Potatoes?

A good way to thicken mashed potatoes is to add ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, or even more boiled potatoes to your mashed potatoes. 

How do I make mashed potatoes without milk?

There are many substitutes you can use to replace milk in mashed potatoes. Please see the detailed list above for ideas. 

What can you substitute for milk?

The best ingredient you can use as a substitute for milk is heavy cream or half-and-half. Other good alternatives include butter, cream cheese, sour cream, vegetable broth, and chicken broth. 

Why do you add milk to mashed potatoes?

Adding milk to your mashed potatoes helps them to become smooth, rich, and creamy. 

What is the best non-dairy substitute for milk in mashed potatoes?

The best non-dairy substitute for milk when making mashed potatoes is chicken broth or vegetable broth. 

What can I use in place of milk in mashed potatoes?

If you are looking for a milk alternative to traditional dairy milk, or are looking for a good dairy-free option, you are in luck. There are many to choose from! Some excellent substitute options to choose from include hemp milk, vegetable stock, coconut oil, unsweetened soy milk, a small amount of buttermilk, or melted butter for a richer flavor.  

Can you use water instead of milk for mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use water instead of cow’s milk to make mashed potatoes. Although water will not have the creamy consistency of whole milk or light cream does. You can easily replace the usual splash of milk with water in your mashed potatoes recipe.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk in mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Using a cup of sour cream as a replacement for the traditional splash of milk in your mashed potatoes is a great alternative. Using sour cream is also a good choice because it keeps your potatoes with that nice fluffy texture. 

Can you substitute chicken broth for milk in mashed potatoes?

Yes, using chicken broth instead of milk in your mashed potatoes is a great way to keep the delicious flavor. Adding chicken broth may give your mashed potatoes a little bit of a unique flavor, but it is a tasty one no less.

​Can I use almond milk in mashed potatoes?

Yes, when you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to your regular cow’s milk, using plant-based milk is a good choice. No matter if you are on a vegan diet, or have a lactose intolerance, unsweetened almond milk is a good substitute in your mashed potatoes. Just make sure to use the almond milk without the added sugar, or else your mashed potatoes might have an odd flavor.

Substitutes for Milk in Mashed Potatoes

There are many substitutes for milk and mashed potatoes. The reason you might be looking for a substitute for milk in your mashed potatoes may vary, however never fear, there are several options available, that will still enable you to make amazingly delicious mashed potatoes. 

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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