Thanksgiving is a time for comfort, family, and dishes that feel like home. Few sides capture that feeling better than a big bowl of mashed potatoes — creamy, smooth, and buttery. But if you’re plant-based or simply trying to serve a dairy-free feast this year, you don’t have to miss out on that classic taste. This vegan mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect solution: rich, fluffy, and satisfying, with all the warmth and none of the dairy.
Whether you’re hosting a full vegan Thanksgiving dinner or just want to include a dish everyone can enjoy, this recipe delivers the familiar texture and flavor you love — no compromise required.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There are plenty of ways to make mashed potatoes, but what sets this one apart is its combination of simple technique and full-bodied flavor. It uses a blend of potatoes to achieve the perfect consistency — light yet luscious — and relies on plant-based fats that add depth without heaviness.
Here’s why it works so well:
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Balanced texture: Using both Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes gives the mash the perfect mix of fluffiness and creaminess.
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No dairy required: A combination of vegan butter and plant-based milk provides the richness you expect from traditional mashed potatoes.
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Simple ingredients: Everything in this recipe can be found at a standard grocery store.
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Crowd-pleasing flavor: Roasted garlic and fresh herbs take these mashed potatoes from basic to unforgettable.
The result? Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that taste indulgent but are 100% vegan.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 8 and can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.
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2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
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2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
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1 head garlic (optional but highly recommended)
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4 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
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1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond work best)
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1 ½ teaspoons sea salt, plus more for the cooking water
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
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Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme) for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes and garlic
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1½ inches each. If using garlic, you can roast a whole head ahead of time for a subtle, caramelized flavor — simply cut off the top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for about 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can simmer a few peeled cloves in your milk mixture later for a gentler garlic note.
2. Boil the potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt — this is your first opportunity to season the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender enough for a fork or knife to slide in easily, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit uncovered for a minute or two to steam off excess moisture — this step prevents watery mashed potatoes.
3. Warm your vegan butter and milk
While the potatoes drain, gently heat your vegan butter and plant-based milk together in a small saucepan. Don’t boil it — you just want it warm enough to blend smoothly into the potatoes. If you roasted garlic earlier, you can mash the softened cloves into this mixture now.
4. Mash to perfection
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the warm butter-milk mixture in stages, folding gently each time. Add salt and pepper, tasting as you go until you reach your desired flavor.
For a bit of texture, you can leave small chunks; for an ultra-smooth result, continue mashing or press through a fine ricer.
5. Finish and serve
Transfer your mashed potatoes to a warm serving bowl. Top with an extra drizzle of melted vegan butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for the Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes
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Start with cold water: Adding potatoes to boiling water can cook the outsides too fast. Starting cold ensures even cooking.
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Don’t overmix: Once the potatoes are mashed, stop stirring when smooth. Overworking them releases too much starch and makes them gummy.
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Warm your liquids: Cold milk or butter cools the potatoes and prevents proper blending. Warm ingredients yield silkier results.
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Salt generously: Potatoes absorb salt slowly, so season both the cooking water and the final mash.
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Use the right tool: A potato masher or ricer creates fluffiness; blenders or food processors make them gluey.
Flavor Variations
This vegan mashed potatoes recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Once you master the base version, you can switch up the flavors for any occasion.
1. Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes
Roast a head of garlic until golden and squeeze the cloves into your mashed potatoes before serving. Add a handful of finely chopped chives, parsley, or thyme for a fragrant, herby twist.
2. Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
Replace vegan butter with extra-virgin olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of milk. The result is a lighter, rustic version that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes.
3. Creamiest Coconut Mash
For a rich, almost whipped texture, substitute half the plant-based milk with full-fat canned coconut milk. The flavor is subtle, but the texture is unbeatable.
4. Rustic Skin-On Mash
Leave the skins on Yukon Gold potatoes for added fiber and a home-style look. This variation is perfect if you prefer a chunkier mash with more personality.
5. Truffle Mashed Potatoes
For a special-occasion upgrade, stir in a few drops of truffle oil right before serving. It adds a luxurious, earthy aroma that’s perfect for a holiday table.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips
One of the biggest challenges of Thanksgiving cooking is timing. The good news? These mashed potatoes can be made ahead without losing texture or flavor.
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Make ahead: Prepare your vegan mashed potatoes up to two days before your event. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
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Reheat: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Stir in a splash of plant-based milk to loosen the texture before serving.
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Keep warm: For buffet-style serving, keep the mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting. Stir occasionally to prevent drying.
What to Serve with Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the backbone of a Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few ideas to complete your vegan holiday plate:
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Vegan gravy: A mushroom or onion-based gravy adds umami and depth.
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Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips add color and contrast.
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Vegan main dishes: Try a lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or stuffed acorn squash.
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Cranberry sauce: The sweet-tart flavor complements the savory potatoes beautifully.
These mashed potatoes also pair well with any comfort-food entrée year-round — from Sunday roasts to cozy winter dinners.
Leftover Ideas
If you somehow end up with leftovers, they’re easy to reinvent.
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Mashed potato cakes: Form small patties, dust lightly with flour, and pan-fry until golden brown on each side.
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Vegan shepherd’s pie: Use your leftover mashed potatoes as the topping for a hearty lentil or vegetable filling.
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Potato soup starter: Stir into vegetable broth to make a creamy base for soup.
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Vegan gnocchi: With a bit of flour, these potatoes can be transformed into soft, pillowy dumplings.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your 2025 Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving 2025 is the perfect year to rethink tradition. Plant-based eating is growing, and more families are choosing to include vegan options at their holiday gatherings. Serving a dish like this vegan mashed potatoes recipe not only satisfies everyone’s taste buds — it shows thoughtfulness and inclusivity.
Even non-vegans will find these mashed potatoes indistinguishable from the classic dairy version. The secret is balance: a blend of the right potatoes, a touch of vegan butter, and careful seasoning. The flavor is so comforting that nobody will miss the cream.
It’s also a stress-free recipe. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can make it even if you’re managing multiple dishes at once. And because it can be made ahead, it’s ideal for busy hosts who want to enjoy their own party instead of cooking all day.
The Ethical Touch: Celebrating a Compassionate Holiday
Thanksgiving is about gratitude — for family, food, and the planet. Choosing vegan dishes like this one reflects that spirit in a meaningful way. It’s a reminder that comfort food can be both delicious and kind.
If you want to carry that compassion beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They create vegan-themed T-shirts made from organic cotton — a great way to share your values, start conversations, or even gift your fellow plant-based friends during the holidays. Their ethical focus aligns perfectly with the mindfulness that vegan cooking brings to your table.
Bringing It All Together
When your Thanksgiving table fills with loved ones, there’s something special about seeing everyone enjoy the same dish — no substitutions, no compromises. This vegan mashed potatoes recipe offers that harmony. It’s creamy without cream, buttery without butter, and satisfying without sacrifice.
From the first spoonful to the last scrape of the bowl, it captures the heart of the holiday: abundance, comfort, and gratitude. Whether you serve it with vegan gravy, roasted vegetables, or a festive main dish, it’s guaranteed to be one of the first sides to disappear.
So as you plan your Thanksgiving 2025 menu, make sure these mashed potatoes take center stage. They’re easy to make, unforgettable to taste, and perfectly aligned with the season’s spirit of togetherness.