Updated on November 28th, 2023
Butter is a usual suspect in mashed potatoes, because it provides a lovely, creamy texture. But then, that nice creaminess has its downsides. Butter is not vegan and may not meet your dietary needs.
So the question comes up: What should I substitute for butter in mashed potatoes?
Below I’ll share the rundown on 10 ingredients you can use as an alternative to butter in your mashed potatoes.
1. Olive oil
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Extra virgin olive oil can impart a rich and fruity flavor to mashed potatoes. Use a good-quality oil for the best results. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
2. Greek yogurt or sour cream
Thicker dairy products like yogurt and sour cream provide creaminess plus a tangy flavor. Lower fat options can be healthier than butter.
3. Cream cheese
Cream cheese has less fat and calories than butter, but is nearly as indulgent. Use a small amount to start and adjust to taste.
4. Broth
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You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in your mashed potatoes. You’ll miss out on butter’s creamy quality, but the slightly salty flavor is a nice addition. Start small and add as you are mashing to reach the consistency you want.
5. Almond milk
Unsweetened, unflavored almond milk is another substitute for butter in your mashed potatoes. As with the broth, add a little at a time as you are mashing.
6. Buttermilk
Some chefs prefer buttermilk over butter in mashed potatoes. Give it a try and you’ll see — buttermilk adds some tang and a velvety feel.
7. Milk
When in doubt, milk or cream stands in nicely for butter. See substitute for milk in mashed potatoes for more information. You can also use milk plus a bit of olive oil to balance fat content with flavor and texture.
8. Herb-infused oil
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For a different take on mashed potatoes, try using olive oil infused with rosemary, thyme, or garlic. To avoid overwhelming your potatoes with flavor, start with a small amount and add to taste.
9. Avocado
Avocado makes a lovely butter substitute. It has that creamy texture plus a mild flavor and loads of nutrients. The only drawback is the color. If you don’t mind green mashed potatoes, this alternative ingredient is worth a try.
10. Pureed cauliflower
Steamed and pureed cauliflower mixed into mashed potatoes will add a creamy texture and spares you the fat and calories of butter.
Why people love butter in mashed potatoes
Butter is made by churning the cream of cow’s milk. It is almost entirely saturated fat, which may cause some health concerns. Key aspects of butter’s nutritional profile per 100 grams are:
- 717 calories
- 81 grams of fat
- 51 grams of saturated fat
- 215 mg of cholesterol
The thing is, all that fat tastes good when mixed with low-fat ingredients like potatoes. So most people looking for a butter alternative want a substitute that mimics the fattiness. With that in mind, the best substitutes are usually olive oil, cream cheese, and whole milk yogurt. Avocado is another great choice, but the color may be off-putting.
Best mashed potato recipes
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What does butter do to mashed potatoes?
Butter is important in mashed potatoes because it helps you achieve a desired creamy texture by removing the cling that occurs when you mash potatoes by making the starch texture richer. Replacing butter means you must find a substitute that does this very well.
How can I thicken my mashed potatoes?
You can make your mashed potatoes thicker by adding a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. Other ways to thicken it involve adding more potatoes or heating it even longer to remove extra moisture.
What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?
You want to aim for potatoes with great starch content when making mashed potatoes. Depending on what you want, the quality of your mashed potatoes to feel like there are two kinds of ideal potatoes.
There’s the Russet and Yukon Gold. Russets make an ideal potato when you wish your mashed potatoes a nice and fluffy texture, and Yukon Gold (or other yellow potatoes) are great for their flavor and creaminess.
For more mashed potatoes tips, see how long to cook potatoes for mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Butter is a popular choice in mashed potatoes recipes because it adds a nice texture and a touch of sweetness. Even so, you can make a delicious bowl of mashed potatoes without butter. My favorite butter substitute in mashed potatoes is a combination of olive oil and unsweetened almond milk. The flavor is somewhat different than making the dish with butter, but the texture is lovely.
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
