Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, comforting, and completely dairy-free, these mashed potatoes are the side dish you didn’t know you were missing. Whether you’re navigating a dairy allergy, looking for a lighter option, or simply trying something new, this version doesn’t skimp on flavor or that beloved velvety texture.
Made with just a few pantry staples and naturally plant-based ingredients, this dish comes together easily and pairs with almost anything. It’s weeknight-friendly, holiday-worthy, and endlessly adaptable depending on your mood and the main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are rich and fluffy with just the right amount of garlic and salt to elevate their earthy warmth. You won’t miss the butter or cream, thanks to olive oil and your favorite non-dairy milk doing the heavy lifting. They’re budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and a hit with both vegans and omnivores alike. Plus, they reheat like a dream.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are the go-to for their naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture, but Russet potatoes will also yield a fluffy finish. If you want something a little different, red potatoes mashed with the skins on can add a rustic charm and extra nutrients.
Ingredients for the Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes might be simple, but each ingredient makes a difference in the final flavor and texture. For this dairy-free version, we focus on richness, seasoning, and creaminess without the dairy.
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Olive oil
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Salt
- Garlic cloves
- Black pepper
- Chives (optional)

How To Make the Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into even chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Infuse the Garlic
While the potatoes are boiling, gently warm the olive oil in a small pan over low heat with the garlic cloves. Let them cook slowly to infuse the oil with a mild garlic flavor without browning the garlic.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Remove the garlic from the oil and discard or mash into the potatoes if you love that extra punch. Slowly pour in the garlic-infused olive oil and mash until mostly smooth. Stir in the almond milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped chives if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm.
How to Serve and Store Your Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
This recipe yields enough for 4 hearty servings, perfect for a small dinner party or a cozy family meal. You can double it easily for larger crowds or batch cooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of almond milk to loosen them up again.
What to Serve With Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes?
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
The creamy potatoes pair surprisingly well with the savory and slightly crisp flavors of this comforting rice dish. Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Balance the richness of the Alfredo with the light and fluffy mash for a comforting contrast. Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
The herby brightness of chimichurri and the juicy steak are grounded beautifully by a simple mashed potato side. Skirt Steak Rice Bowls
Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
Use the mashed potatoes as a base to soak up this velvety sauce. Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Crispy and Delicious Chinese Egg Rolls
A crunchy starter with creamy mash? Unexpected, but totally satisfying. Easy Chinese Egg Rolls
Want More Comforting Side Dish Ideas?
If this cozy bowl of mashed potatoes made you happy, you might love these other recipes:
- The savory layers in the Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
- Creamy, soothing Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
- Rustic and crowd-pleasing Old-Fashioned Corn Fritters
- Crispy bites of Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
- Light and crunchy Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so it’s right there next time you need a crowd-pleasing side.
Let me know how it turned out for you! Did you use almond milk or try something like oat milk instead? Add any fun twists? I’m always excited to hear your versions.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and dairy-free recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your new favorite dish.
Conclusion
Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes are one of those reliable recipes that you’ll return to again and again. Creamy, easy to customize, and effortlessly satisfying, they deserve a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These creamy Simple Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish. Made without milk or butter, they’re plant-based, vegan-friendly, and full of flavor thanks to garlic and olive oil. Great for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot with cold water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. While potatoes cook, warm the olive oil with garlic cloves in a small pan over low heat until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Discard the garlic or mash it in for stronger flavor. Pour in the garlic-infused oil and mash until mostly smooth.
4. Add almond milk gradually while mashing until the desired creaminess is reached.
5. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir, taste, and adjust. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture.
Warm the almond milk before adding to avoid cooling the mash.
You can substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled and mashed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


