Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

Do you struggle with picking the right milk substitute for mashed potatoes? You’re not alone.

Thankfully, this article can help.

We’ll explore what milk really does to mashed potatoes and provide five delicious substitutes that make light work of the traditional dish.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s get started.

What Does Milk Do to Mashed Potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are a classic and cherished side dish, but have you ever considered what happens when you add milk? The addition of milk to mashed potatoes can transform the entire side dish.

Milk makes the mashed potatoes rich and creamy, resulting in an even more pleasing texture.

Furthermore, the reconstituted starch granules create a nice glossy finish.

In terms of taste, adding milk to your mashed potatoes enhances the flavor, making them almost melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

That being said, adding too much will actually make them morish.

The perfect ratio is around one tablespoon of milk for every four servings of mashed potatoes.

If you want to get creative with your mash, try adding in other ingredients like cheese or garlic to give it extra flavor.

Enjoy your tasty and nutritious upgrade.

What is the Trick to Making Good Mashed Potatoes?

The secret to making delicious mashed potatoes lies in the freshness and flavor help of the ingredients you choose.

Start with good quality potatoes.

Floury varieties such as Idahos are perfect for mashing, as they have a naturally light and creamy texture that is unachievable with starchier types.

When adding wet ingredients like butter and cream, be sure to use cold versions, as warm dairy products can make your mash gluey.

Balance these rich components with something acidic-lemon juice, buttermilk or vinegar-to help enhance the flavors.

You can also add herbs or seasonings to taste.

Good mashed potatoes need some time in the pot, so be sure to cook them sufficiently before mashing them together by hand or using an electric mixer for a fluffier blend.

Finishing off with a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil will give your dish an irresistible golden color and added depth that can’t be beat.

5 Best Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but not everyone can have dairy or wants to use dairy.

Fortunately, there are a few great milk options to consider when making mashed potatoes—many of which offer even more flavor than the traditional dairy variety.

Whether you’re looking for a vegan, nut-free, soy-free or gluten-free option, there are several alternatives to choose from for delicious mashed potatoes.

Here are five of the best substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes recipes:

1 – Unsweetened Soy Milk

Mashed potatoes can be one of the best comfort foods out there.

But for those who don’t want to use cow’s milk, there are some great alternatives that work just as well.

Unsweetened soy milk is one of them.

When adding unsweetened soy milk to mashed potatoes it adds creaminess, smoothness and helps keep the potatoes from becoming dry or gummy.

Soy milk is also full of beneficial vitamins and minerals that can help you reach your daily dietary needs.

In addition, it is naturally lactose-free, so it is an excellent choice for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan/vegetarian.

For a richer texture, mix in two tablespoons of either melted butter or olive oil with each cup of soy milk when mashing your potatoes.

2 – Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a great plant-based option for those who are looking to replicate the creamy texture of dairy in their mashed potatoes.

It contains much lower sugar content than other types, so it won’t leave you with a cloyingly sweet side dish.

Coconut milk also provides essential fatty acids and lauric acid, making it a healthy but rich alternative that works especially well when dolloped over lightly spiced potatoes.

When substituting coconut milk, be sure to use the unsweetened variety since the added sugar will throw off the flavor of your mash.

Also check labels to make sure that no other ingredients have been added or that it isn’t diluted with water, as this will affect both the taste and consistency of your mashed potatoes.

Finally, if you want an extra creamy mashed potato dish without adding additional fats or sweeteners, focus on finding full-fat coconut milk to guarantee the fluffiest results.

3 – Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is a creamy, light-tasting liquid that is often used as a substitute for dairy milk.

It’s made from raw cashews and water, and can be easily blended at home or purchased already prepared from the store.

Raw cashews provide the sweet flavor of the milk, plus it’s naturally rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The addition of cashew milk to mashed potatoes can smooth out their texture and boost their creaminess.

Do note that if you are allergic to nuts, you should not use this type of milk alternative in mashed potatoes.

4 – Almond Milk

Almond milk is a thick and creamy plant-based milk that makes an excellent substitute for dairy milk in mashed potatoes.

Almond milk contains no cholesterol and is high in calcium, which helps to make mashed potatoes fluffy and creamy.

Additionally, almond milk has a mild nutty flavor that complements the flavor of the potatoes without overpowering it.

For best results, use an unsweetened variety or dilute sweetened almond milk with water to avoid making your mashed potatoes too sweet.

When substituting almond milk for dairy in mashed potatoes, be sure to reduce the salt slightly as almond milk tends to be a bit higher in sodium than regular cow’s milk.

5 – Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is the milk obtained from hemp seeds and is a great alternative to dairy milk when making mashed potatoes.

A vegan-friendly option, this milk is naturally creamy, but with a much lower fat content than other milk options.

Hemp milk also comes in several different flavors, so you can mix and match textures and flavors to find the best combination for your mashed potatoes.

It’s important to note that hemp milk will not thicken during cooking as heavily as alternatives like cream or whole-fat dairy – but its natural creaminess adds a great flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, milk is one of the most common ingredients used to make creamy mashed potatoes.

However, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious milk substitutes that can help you create an equally versatile and delicious mashed potato dish.

Alternatives such as vegetable-based milks, coconut milk, olive oil and avocado oil can give your mashed potatoes a unique flavor that sets them apart.

Additionally, each of these options is also dairy-free and provides some health benefits as well.

Regardless of which milk alternative you choose for your dish, it’s always best to experiment with different ones to figure out which one works best for you.