Oil-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort Without the Guilt

Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food. But if you’re following a vegan, oil-free lifestyle, you may wonder if it’s possible to enjoy that same creamy, fluffy goodness without butter, cream, or oil. The answer is a resounding YES! In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to make oil-free vegan mashed potatoes that taste amazing, are good for you, and pair perfectly with any meal — especially during the holidays.

This guide will walk you through:

• Why mashed potatoes don’t need oil or dairy to be delicious
• The best potatoes to use
• Simple, wholesome add-ins to elevate flavor
• A step-by-step recipe (with substitutions)
• Tips to store and reheat

Why Go Oil-Free with Mashed Potatoes?

Many people are shifting toward a whole-food, plant-based diet for better health, weight management, and heart health. Traditional mashed potatoes often include butter, cream, or even oil — all of which add unnecessary saturated fat and calories. By making them oil-free and vegan, you get:

• Lower calories while keeping them filling
• Better for your heart: no added cholesterol or unhealthy fats
• Nutrient-dense: using plant-based add-ins boosts fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• The same creamy texture thanks to plant milk, veggie broth, or even white beans

It’s comfort food made guilt-free.

The Best Potatoes for Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Not all potatoes mash the same! Here are the top choices:

• Yukon Gold: Naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture — the best all-around choice.
• Russet Potatoes: High starch content, very fluffy — perfect if you like light, airy mashed potatoes.
• Red Potatoes: A bit firmer with more texture — great if you prefer rustic, chunkier mashed potatoes.

👉 For the best results, combine Yukon Gold + Russets for the perfect balance of creaminess and fluffiness.

Wholesome Flavor Boosters

Instead of butter or oil, try these plant-based add-ins to enhance flavor:

• Unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat, or cashew)
• Vegetable broth (low-sodium for control)
• Roasted garlic for a rich, savory depth
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives)
• Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
• White beans or cauliflower blended in for creaminess
  

  Tips for Perfect Vegan Mashed Potatoes

  • Avoid over-mashing: Overworking potatoes can make them gluey. Mash gently.
  • Warm liquids: Heat your plant milk and broth before adding — this keeps potatoes fluffy.
  • Customize flavors: Add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even smoked paprika for variety.
  • Make-ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of plant milk to revive creaminess.

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  Serving Ideas

  These mashed potatoes are perfect for:

  • Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners
  • A cozy side for lentil loaf, roasted veggies, or grilled mushrooms
  • Comfort food bowls with steamed greens and gravy

  For a complete holiday spread, pair with:

  • Oil-Free Vegan Mushroom Gravy
  • Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
  • Fresh Cranberry Sauce

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  Health Benefits of Oil-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes

  • Lower in fat: Skipping oil keeps calories and fat down.
  • Heart-healthy: Potatoes are rich in potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure.
  • Fiber-rich: Especially if you leave the skins on.
  • Nutrient-dense: Adding garlic, herbs, and nutritional yeast boosts antioxidants and B-vitamins.

  This dish proves that comfort food can be both indulgent and nourishing.

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  Final Thoughts

  Oil-free vegan mashed potatoes are proof that you don’t need butter or oil for incredible flavor and creaminess. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a healthier version of a classic dish. Whether it’s for the holidays, a family dinner, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

  So grab those potatoes, skip the oil, and get ready to dig into the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes — 100% vegan and guilt-free!

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  📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever you’re craving comfort food!

You may also like these recipes:

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes 

Pumpkin Hummus 

Oil-Free Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort Without the Guilt

vicky schulte

Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food. But if you’re following a vegan, oil-free lifestyle, you may wonder if it’s possible to enjoy that same creamy, fluffy goodness without butter, cream, or oil. The answer is a resounding YES! In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to make oil-free vegan mashed potatoes that taste amazing, are good for you, and pair perfectly with any meal — especially during the holidays.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp Fresh chopped chives or parsley
• 1/2 tsp Salt (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Pepper (more or less to taste)

Instructions

 

• Prep the potatoes: Peel (optional) and chop potatoes into equal-sized chunks.
  
• Boil: Place potatoes and garlic cloves (if using) into a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
  
• Drain: Drain potatoes well, then return them to the pot.
• Mash: Add plant milk, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Add more plant milk as needed for desired consistency.
  
• Season: Stir in parsley or chives, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve: Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Serve hot!