Light Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Vegan)
You’ll be surprised at the creamy texture and flavor in these light garlic mashed potatoes, because they’re made without cream, butter, or milk! Garlic adds flavor to these easy light mashed spuds.
You’ll be surprised at the creamy texture and flavor in these mashed potatoes. They’re vegan-friendly and dairy free—made without cream, butter, or milk. Garlic and olive oil add the moistness and creaminess, along with fabulous flavor. Add stock or a bit of milk or milk alternative to thin them if you like. Use vegetable broth or an unflavored milk alternative for vegan mashed potatoes. Use unpeeled or peeled red or Yukon gold potatoes in the recipe.
I also like roasted garlic in these potatoes. Here’s my recipe for roasted garlic—it takes about 40 minutes, and you can roast it the day before you plan to make the potatoes. It’s well worth the extra effort! Chives are excellent in these potatoes as well. Or for extra creaminess mix in some vegan sour cream.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Surprisingly creamy. Olive oil and starchy red potatoes create great texture.
Dairy-free and vegan. Completely plant-based with simple ingredients.
Easy flavor boost. Garlic infuses the potatoes as they cook.
Flexible consistency. Add broth or plant milk to thin as needed.
Ingredient Notes
- Red potatoes – Their thin skins and natural creaminess work well for rustic mashed potatoes.
- Garlic – Simmered with the potatoes for a mellow, infused flavor.
- Olive oil – Adds richness while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
- Salt and pepper – Season generously to bring out the potato flavor.
- Broth or plant milk – Optional for thinning to your preferred consistency.
Steps to Make Light Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Vegan)
- Clean and cut the potatoes into chunks; add garlic and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and transfer to a bowl.
- Mash with olive oil until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add broth or plant milk if you want a looser consistency.
- Serve hot.
Tips
- Leave some skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—potatoes need more salt than expected.
- Warm any added broth or plant milk so the potatoes stay hot.
- Roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Add roasted garlic. Swap raw cloves for roasted garlic to create a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Use Yukon Golds. They produce an even creamier result and still work well without dairy.
- Make them herby. Stir in chopped parsley, rosemary, or chives.
- Go extra rich. Add more olive oil or a splash of full-fat coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables or grilled proteins.
- Pair with vegan gravy or mushroom sauce.
- Add sautéed greens on the side for a complete meal.
- Garnish with black pepper, chives, or a drizzle of olive oil.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Mash freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or plant milk to restore creaminess.
Light Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds potatoes, red-skinned
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic
- 4 to 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: vegetable broth, milk, or chicken stock
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes, cut away any blemishes or eyes, and cut them into 2-inch chunks. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. Add to the potatoes. Place the pan over high heat and bring the potatoes and garlic to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain the potatoes.
- Transfer the hot drained potatoes to a large bowl.
- Mash the potatoes and garlic with the olive oil. Add salt and pepper, as desired.
- If desired, thin with a little milk or milk alternative, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
