Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe. This dish delivers the classic, rich flavors of mashed potatoes, but with a dairy-free and plant-based twist that's just as velvety and satisfying. It's a delicious side dish that's both a breeze to whip up and a healthy choice, perfect for any special occasion - be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner. Completely Vegan + Slow cooker + Make-ahead options.

What Makes This THE BEST Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes?

I've been experimenting with a bunch of Thanksgiving-themed recipes lately--I've got a reader-favorite sweet potato mash recipe and as you all know, but I'm all about spreading the love with a variety of dairy-free and vegan options for everyone to enjoy just like my Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese and Homemade Vegan Stuffing recipes. So, it was definitely time for me to whip up this Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe!

Perfecting this recipe was a real labor of love, with plenty of trial and error along the way. I was on a mission to create mashed potatoes that were impeccably fluffy, luxuriously creamy, and delightfully airy, all while living up to the standard set by the classic, dairy-infused version. And I'm thrilled to say, I've absolutely nailed it!

These mashed potatoes are not only vegan, but also gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. The best part? They come together in just 40 minutes. They're wonderfully buttery, infused with herbs, and boast a delightful garlicky flavor. These are an absolute must-have vegan side dish for all your holiday festivities, or anytime you're craving a delicious, comforting dish.

Searching for more plant-based holiday dishes? Check out my Thanksgiving Menu + Guide for ALL Eaters! By the way, as we gear up for Thanksgiving, I've got a few hosting tips and tricks up my sleeve to make the day as seamless as possible!

How To Make Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

The process is as straightforward as can be: simply boil the potatoes until they're tender, give 'em a good mash, and mix in all those creamy cheesy ingredients and herbs. Feel free to top with toasted breadcrumbs + some extra vegan butter.

Ingredients For Vegan Mashed Potato

• Baby potatoes: Yellow, Yukon, or Russet potatoes work best.
• Garlic cloves: Adds a bold and aromatic garlic flavor we all know and love.
• Sea salt + pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and helps to season the potatoes
• Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor for that signature garlicky taste.
• Dried herbs: Oregano, parsley, basil + thyme.
• Vegan butter: Adds creaminess, richness, and a buttery flavor without dairy. I like the brands Miyoko's, Earth Balance, or Country Crock.
• Full-fat coconut milk/cream or plant-based milk: Provides the creaminess and moisture needed to achieve the desired mashed potato texture.
• Dairy-free cheese shreds: (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): Brings a cheesy, umami flavor i find the brand Violife to be 'cheesy' and melts well.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS VEGAN POTATO MASH!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheets, wooden spoons, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Potato Mash

• Creamy goodness--It's the epitome of creamy comfort food
• A medley of toppings adds layers of flavor!
• Perfect for Thanksgiving + Christmas feasts.
• A crowd-pleaser--everyone at the table will LOVE this side dish!
• Versatile--complements various main dishes.
• A perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
• Seconds guaranteed you won't be able to resist going back for more!

5 Tips For The PERFECT Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Here are some essential tips to ensure your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly:

Mash thoroughly--Use a potato masher or hand mixer. This method will yield creamy and smooth mashed potatoes.

Potato selection--The type of potato you choose makes a difference. For classic mashed potatoes, opt for russet potatoes. Yukon gold or red potatoes can also work well.

Garlic!!!-- Don't omit the fresh garlic cooked with the potatoes. It contributes fantastic flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute a bit of garlic powder, but fresh garlic is preferred for that authentic taste.

Milk matters--Make sure to use unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk. You definitely don't want vanilla-flavored mashed potatoes! Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes. This keeps the potatoes hot and helps them absorb the milk more effectively.

Quality vegan butter-- Choose a high-quality vegan butter that you enjoy, like Miyoko's, Earth Balance, or Country Crock. The right vegan butter can make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your mashed potatoes.

Best Topping Ideas for Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

I like to add some extra texture to my Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe--So I wanted to share a few more ideas in case you make this vegan potato mash recipe more than once and want to switch things up!

Topping ideas include:

• Vegan bacon or candied bacon (if you're not plant-based, of course)
• Herb roasted tomatoes
• Roasted chickpeas
• For an extra crunch panko breadcrumbs 
• Browned vegan butter
• Roasted garlic
• Homemade cranberry sauce drizzled on top!
• Crispy sage leaves
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Chilli flakes for some added spice!

The Best Way to Cook Mashed Potatoes

BOIL + ROAST + SLOW COOKER OPTIONS

You can either boil or roast your potatoes. If you already have the stove on, it's easy to toss them in and keep the stove clear for other dishes. To make them in the, bake your potatoes in the skin at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes are done when you can easily insert a knife without any resistance. Then peel and mash the potatoes as directed.

You could even skip the stove and oven and cook your mashed potatoes in a slow cooker! To do this, peel and cube your potatoes. Cover them with water (or broth for extra flavor) and slow-cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. Then simply mash and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

What to Serve with Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Looking for holiday menu inspiration? I have plenty! This dish is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table or any meal, really. Here's what I'll be serving alongside these loaded cheesy mashed potatoes:

• Cornbread: Classic cornbread or my Brown Butter Pumpkin Cornbread complements the greens beautifully or for a vegan option Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread is amazing!
• Turkey: An obvious one!
• Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and richness try this Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese recipe!
• Chicken: A Southern favorite that's a perfect match, this Jerk Whole Roast Chicken  ot this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is truly amazing alongside it!
• Roasted veggies. I absolutely love these Maple Herb Glazed Carrots and these Brussels sprouts!
• More potatoes: You can never have enough potatoes. Haha. These Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser!
• Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits complete the Southern meal. Honey Butter Cornbread Drop Biscuits or Garlic Herb Biscuits are a dream alongside this dish.

How To Serve Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

On the Holiday Table:

Elevate your holiday table, a delightful vegan + gluten-free side dish that perfectly complements your festive feast.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Top the potatoes with a generous helping of hearty vegan chili, gooey melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It's a flavor explosion that combines the indulgence of comfort food with the irresistible creaminess of potatoes.

Wings

Serve with another favorite side like these juicy tender Orange Chicken Wings or with a veggie alternative like Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Create a savory shepherd's pie by layering the mashed potatoes on top of a flavorful vegetable and legume mixture. Bake until the top is golden and crispy us my Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie as inspiration!

Bowls

Incorporate these vegan mashed potatoes into nourishing vegan bowls. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes as a base and top it with your choice of roasted vegetables like this Vegan Chickpea + Broccoli Mashed Potato Buddha Bowl and this Vegan Chickpea Curry Bowl!

Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes Q + A's

More Festive Holiday Favorites

If you loved this Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe, think about adding these to your holiday table menu!

• Easy Vegan Roasted Potato Salad
• Vegan Maple Pumpkin Pie
• Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
• Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes
• Perfect Apple Cranberry Sauce

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.

Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes

October 27, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 4 votes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe. This dish delivers the classic, rich flavors of mashed potatoes, but with a dairy-free and plant-based twist that's just as velvety and satisfying. Completely Vegan + Slow cooker + Make-ahead options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

MASHED POTATOES:

• 2 lbs. baby potatoes, organic (You can use Yellow, Yukon, or Russet potatoes)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ cup vegan butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups full-fat coconut milk/cream or plant-based milk (Best at room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups dairy-free cheese shreds (I like to use cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

• 1 cup toasted breadcrumbs, homemade or store-bought
• 2 Tbsps vegan butter, melted

Instructions

PREP + COOK THE POTATOES:

• Using a vegetable peeler, remove all skin from the potatoes and cut them into cubes (medium-sized).
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add cubed potatoes. Cook for about 20 minutes or so, until potatoes are soft + tender. NOTE: See Notes for Slow Cooker + No-Boil options.

MASH THE POTATOES:

• Once done, drain potatoes and mash in a large bowl using potato masher. NOTE: If you want a nicely whipped mashed potato, add cooked potatoes to the bowl of an electric mixer using a paddle attachment.
• Once mashed, add in the minced garlic, milk, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and cheeses, mixing until well combined and fully smooth.
• Serve mashed potatoes in a large serving bowl, top with melted butter and/or toasted breadcrumbs, if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• POTATOES: For these mashed potatoes, you can use baby red potatoes, yellow potatoes, Yukon or russet potatoes.
• NO-BOIL MASHED POTATOES: To cook them alternatively without boiling---place potatoes on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper) and lightly dress them with olive oil. Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25-30 minutes, until tender and knife goes through each potato smoothly. Once done, remove from oven and continue recipe.
• SLOW COOKER OPTION (MASHED POTATOES): Just place the peeled + cubed potatoes and water (or veggie broth/stock for flavor) into your slow cooker. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours, stirring every hour or so or until tender. Then using a hand masher, mash potatoes until smooth and then stir in butter, milk, seasonings, and cheese. Continue remaining steps.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 5g | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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