Substitutes For Milk In Mashed Potatoes To Try

There is nothing better than a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Milk is the easiest option to make mashed potatoes quickly. However, if you want to use other substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes, refer to the article below. 

Popular substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes are cream, buttermilk, melted butter, cream cheese, half and half, sour cream, almond milk, ranch dressing, and many more. 

Mashed potatoes are a great side dish that you can prepare with different ingredients. Using unique elements will give the top-notch flavors and make your mashed potatoes delectable. 

So, let’s try something new and make mashed potatoes differently. Following the below list of substitutes is a great starting point. Let’s hop on the list.

Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes

1. Cream

The cream is an excellent substitute for milk in mashed potatoes. Many people prefer using cream over milk because it adds a rich, velvety texture and a deliciously decadent flavor to the dish.

Moreover, it has a much higher fat content than milk. This fat content adds a creaminess to the mashed potatoes you don’t get with milk. The cream also has a sweeter taste than milk, which can amplify the dish’s flavor.

When using cream in your mashed potatoes, it’s essential to know that it is thicker and heavier than milk, so adjust the amount in mashed potatoes accordingly. 

Depending on how rich you want your mashed potatoes to be, you can also experiment with different types of cream, such as heavy cream or half-and-half.

2. Melted Butter

A few different ingredients help you achieve the creamy texture of mashed potatoes. Milk is standard, but melted butter works well with mashed potatoes. 

Using melted butter in your mashed potatoes gives them a savory flavor that milk does not provide. If you are a butter lover, nothing is better than using melted butter. 

Moreover, melted butter is the most accessible alternative to use in mashed potatoes. Just melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove and mix it in with mashed potatoes.

3. Chicken Broth

Do you want a dairy-free option to mix with your mashed potato? Then chicken stock is the option for you. You are a little surprised here, but chicken stock can add a nice rich flavor to your potatoes. Stock is thicker in consistency, so mixing it with mashed potato is easy. 

Moreover, It adds a savory flavor that compliments the potatoes perfectly. The stock’s richness helps make the mashed potatoes taste more indulgent, even without the use of dairy. Plus, the gelatinous nature of the stock helps create a creamy texture similar to what you get from milk or cream.

Some people need clarification on chicken stock and chicken broth. But they both are two different things. Both are made from simmering chicken bones, but stock is usually made with bones roasted beforehand, giving it a more prosperous, deeper flavor.

On the other hand, the broth is made with raw bones and has a lighter, clear liquid consistency. So, using stock is a better option.

To use chicken stock in your mashed potatoes, start with a small amount and slowly add more until you get the perfect consistency.

4. Vegetable Stock

Another dairy-free option is vegetable stock. One of the best things about using it in your mashed potatoes is that it adds a delicious savory flavor. Plus, it’s a healthier option than milk, as it’s low in calories and fat.

You can customize the flavor of vegetable stock according to your liking by adding herbs and spices.

Vegetable stock is a light to medium brown color. It won’t change the color of your mashed potatoes too much, so you can still enjoy that classic creamy white color.

When you substitute vegetable stock for milk in mashed potatoes, use a 1:1 ratio of vegetable stock to potatoes.

5. Mayonnaise

Did you know that mayonnaise can be an excellent substitute for milk? Yep, you read that right! And let me explain why.

Mayonnaise has a creamy texture that will add richness to the mashed potatoes. In terms of taste, it will give a little eggy and tangy flavor, too, which you will love. 

If you are wondering about the ratio of milk vs. mayonnaise for a tiny bowl of mashed potatoes, start with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for milk.

6. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is an excellent substitute for milk in mashed potatoes. It has a creamy texture and has a slightly sweet taste.

It has a subtle coconut flavor can add a flavorful twist to your dish. The difference in taste is manageable and can give you a new kind of mashed potato than the traditional one. 

Plus, coconut milk is a healthier option, lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol. You can substitute one cup of coconut milk for one cup of regular milk. 

7. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is somewhat acidic, which can help balance out the richness of the potatoes. Using buttermilk instead of milk will add a tangy flavor to your mashed potatoes. It has a thicker consistency, which will give your mashed potatoes a creamier texture.

Do not over-mix buttermilk in mashed potatoes; it can make them gluey. Instead, mash the potatoes gently and slowly incorporate the buttermilk until you reach your desired texture.

To use buttermilk instead of milk, swap out the amount of milk with an equal amount of buttermilk. 

8. Creme Fraiche

You may have heard about creme fraiche in French cuisine. It’s a famous cream to enrich the sauces, desserts, and puddings. It has a tangy, somewhat sour taste. 

It features a creamy and silky texture that is a perfect substitute for milk in mashed potatoes.

Creme fraiche adds a rich and decadent texture to potatoes. It has a higher fat content than milk, so use potatoes accordingly. Use 1/2 cup of creme fraiche for every 2 pounds of potatoes.

9. Cream Cheese

Another creamy alternative for mashed potatoes is cream cheese. It will add a rich, creamy texture to them. 

Cream cheese mixes smoothly into the potatoes as you mash them, creating an ultra-creamy texture. It has a subtle tangy flavor from the milk, giving mashed potatoes an extra layer of creaminess.

Unlike milk or half and half, the cream cheese won’t curdle when you heat it. So, you can safely make mashed potatoes ahead of time, heat them, and serve them without worrying about curdling.

The key is to use full-fat block cream cheese, not whipped one. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature. 

Start with a few ounces of cream cheese for every pound of potatoes and mash it with the potatoes using an electric mixer. Add more cream cheese if you want a thick creamy texture.

10. Almond Milk

Let’s find milk-based alternatives now. So, here is almond milk – an excellent mashed potato milk substitute. It is lactose-free, so it’s perfect for lactose-intolerant people. 

Almond milk has a creamy, nutty flavor that works well in mashed potatoes and other creamy dishes.

Using almond milk instead of cow’s milk also has some nutritional benefits. It’s lower in calories and contains nutrients like protein, vitamin E, and bone-building calcium. 

Almond milk is also cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. The best part is, mashed potatoes made with almond milk taste just as delicious and creamy as traditional mashed potatoes. 

When making your mashed potatoes, substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 cup of almond milk. Mash and season your potatoes as usual.

11. Rice Milk

Rice milk can be a substitute for regular milk in mashed potatoes. Rice milk is lactose-free, so it’s a good option if you are lactose intolerant or vegan. 

Since it’s plant-based, it contains no dairy or lactose sugar, so it won’t upset your stomach or cause digestive issues like regular milk might.

Rice milk is also nutritious. It contains calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. It has a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture that works great in mashed potatoes. 

Although it has lower protein than cow’s milk, the texture and flavor are more critical for mashed potatoes.

Use rice milk in your mashed potatoes and enjoy the comforting taste. This milk helps create light and fluffy mashed potatoes, as expected from regular milk.

12. Oat Milk

Are you looking for another dairy-free alternative to milk? Oat milk is a great substitute to use in mashed potatoes. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor.

Oat milk is a non-dairy alternative made from oats and water. The oats are blended with water. Then the mixture is strained to remove solids. The milk is creamy and has a slightly sweet flavor.

Oat milk is lactose-free, so it’s an excellent option for people who are lactose intolerant. It’s a great substitute because it’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron. Oat milk is naturally sweetened and often contains fiber, making it a great choice.

13. Silken Tofu

Consider using silken tofu if you want a milk substitute for your mashed potatoes. Silken tofu has a smooth and creamy texture, which makes it perfect for adding creaminess to mashed potatoes.

To use silken tofu in mashed potatoes, blend it with vegetable broth or water until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Then, add it to your mashed potatoes. 

Silken tofu adds a boost of protein, making your meal more filling. Moreover, silken tofu is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option too.

14. Milk Powder

Milk powder is a convenient alternative because it has a longer shelf life and is easy to store. 

When using milk powder in mashed potatoes, mix the powder with water to make the equivalent of fresh milk. Follow the milk powder package instructions to get the correct powder ratio to water. 

Once the milk has been prepared, mix it with the mashed potatoes while they are hot. The flavor of milk powder is different from fresh milk. It is sweeter. 

15. Ranch Dressing

Using ranch dressing as a substitute for milk in mashed potatoes will add a unique twist. Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy condiment made with buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of herbs and spices like dill, garlic, and onion powder.

One of the most significant advantages of using ranch dressing instead of milk is that it can add flavor to your mashed potatoes. 

The herbs and spices in ranch dressing can give your potatoes a zesty kick. Plus, the sauce’s creaminess can help make your mashed potatoes even more prosperous and fulfilling.

Ranch dressing is different from milk in terms of flavor and consistency. It is much thicker and creamier than milk, so it can help to bind your mashed potatoes together more effectively. Because it has a more pungent taste than milk, use it carefully in your mashed potatoes.

16. Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is an excellent substitute for regular milk in mashed potatoes. It’s a concentrated form of milk with most water removed, so it has a thicker and creamier texture than regular milk. This makes it perfect for adding richness and depth of flavor to your mashed potatoes.

Evaporated milk has a slightly caramelized flavor which complements the savory flavor of the potatoes quite well.

When mixing evaporated milk with mashed potatoes, start with a smaller amount. You will be amazed at how delicious and creamy your mashed potatoes turn out with this simple substitution.

17. Potato Cooking Water

If you don’t have milk or cream, or butter on hand, potato cooking water can be an excellent substitute for milk in mashed potatoes. 

The consistency of potato cooking water is thinner than milk but has a starchier texture due to the starch released from potatoes. It can work as a benefit, as it can help to thicken the mashed potatoes.

To use potato cooking water, drain the cooked potatoes and reserve the cooking water. Then, use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes, adding the cooking water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

To make potato cooking water, boil potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Then, strain the cooking water into a separate container and reserve it for use.

18. Sour Cream

Sour cream brings a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to mashed potatoes. The acidity in sour cream can help break down the potatoes’ starches. 

The added fat in the sour cream can make the mashed potatoes richer and more flavorful.

Sour cream has a distinct tangy taste from the lactic acid bacteria used to ferment the cream. It’s not as sweet as milk, but it can add an excellent depth of flavor to your mashed potatoes.

19. Yogurt

For several reasons, using yogurt as a substitute for milk in mashed potatoes can be an excellent idea. It adds a tangy flavor to the potatoes that complement their natural creaminess. 

Also, yogurt can make the mashed potatoes a little healthier by adding some extra protein and reducing the amount of fat.

Moreover, yogurt is thicker in consistency and helps bind the potatoes together more effectively. It gives a broader and more velvety texture than using milk. 

20. Half And Half

Hand Half is a dairy product that combines equal parts whole milk and light cream. It is mainly used as a coffee or tea creamer and can also be used in cooking and baking.

Half and half have a higher fat content than milk, which can help make your mashed potatoes more creamy and rich.

Moreover, half and half will make mashed potatoes heavier, so stick with milk if you prefer a lighter texture. But if you want to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, half-and-half is definitely a great option.

Short Recap Of Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes

Here is a quick peek at substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes. I categorized these into three categories so it becomes easy for you guys to find your desired alternative.

Best Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes In Terms Of Flavor And Texture

• Cream 
• Melted Butter
• Mayonnaise

Best Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes That Are Easily Available

• Melted Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Cream Cheese

Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes That Are Least Considered

• Silken Tofu
• Chicken Stock
• Vegetable Stock

Conclusion 

We just explored some fantastic substitutes for milk in mashed potatoes. Many options include almond milk, sour cream, cream cheese, creme fraiche, buttermilk, yogurt, mayonnaise, and many more. 

After carefully considering various options, we have discovered that melted butter, mayonnaise, and cream are some of the best substitutes. 

These ingredients add a creamy texture to your mashed potatoes and offer a delicious flavor that will elevate your dish. Buttermilk, yogurt, and cream cheese are also great alternatives to experiment with for a unique taste and texture. 

Now that you have a variety of options to choose from, it’s time to enjoy your perfect bowl of mashed potatoes. 

Mashed potatoes are a versatile and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. So get creative with your ingredients to make the perfect bowl of mashed potatoes.

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