Whether you are looking for a different flavor in your next batch of potatoes or you just don’t have milk on hand, learn what to substitute for milk in mashed potatoes!

Is there really any side dish that is more dreamy and versatile than mashed potatoes? My personal answer to that question is NOPE. I can’t think of a single side that complements so many other foods more perfectly.

Another shining point about this dish is that it requires a select few, very affordable ingredients to make a huge batch. But what happens when you find that you don’t have milk on hand? Or maybe you are looking for a different flavor and texture to add to the mix?

Read on for ideas about what to substitute for milk in mashed potatoes! First, though, let’s set you up with the perfect recipe. Here are a few options..

Mashed Potato Recipes

• This is my mom’s perfect mashed potatoes recipe made with red pots. Yukon gold potatoes can be used as well. It is the best side dish you’ll ever meet with a super rich texture and it goes great with any meal, any time of the year.
• I love a good standard mashed potato recipe, but adding feta cheese allows you to change up the flavors of this comforting side dish.
• Instant Pot mashed pots are creamy, smooth, easy to prepare and have a super fluffy texture. No boiling or saucepan/stovetop cleaning required with this side dish. The Instant Pot gets this easy recipe done in 30 minutes!

Recipe Notes

• Leaving the skins on adds a unique and delicious flavor and texture, but feel free to peel the potatoes first for a creamier end result.
• Especially with soft potatoes like red and yukon gold, be careful not to over mash or the texture can become gluey. (Avoid using a blender or electric mixer! Always use a potato masher to achieve creamy potatoes.)
• Mince garlic cloves or add garlic powder to instantly improve the flavor profile of this dish.

How Long Are Leftover Mashed Potatoes Good For

If you have leftovers staring at you from inside your refrigerator and you don’t know whether to toss or eat this yummy side dish, we’ve got the scoop for you!

Best Potatoes To Mash

• Russet potatoes
• Yukon golds
• Red

Which Type of Milk To Use

First, let’s chat about the fact that many varieties of cow’s milk can be used. Whole milk, skim, 1% or 2% all work great, with the whole variety providing the most cream and flavor and skim providing the least.

What To Eat With Mashed Potatoes

This is such a creamy and versatile classic side dish, easily accompanying so many different dishes! Click over for 15 delicious foods to eat with mashed potatoes!

Substitute for Milk in Mashed Potatoes

In a nutshell, any of the options below are adequate replacements for cow’s milk. Some of the recommendations contain dairy products and others are dairy-free, so read on to find a few options that work for you, your family, possible allergies and/or a diet plan you’re trying to follow.

Note: Using milk substitutes will change the overall texture and flavor of the dish, but will not necessarily diminish the delicious flavors and quality.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is the best substitute in my opinion, producing a creamy end result with good flavor and creamy consistency. It produces a more complex flavor and a thick texture, but will taste delicious.

Use a variety with a higher fat content, as opposed to a reduced-fat variety for the best flavor. For information about how long sour cream lasts, read this article.

Substitution ratio: Use 1 cup of sour cream for every 1 cup of milk.

Flavor profile: On the tangy side, so sweeten as needed.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is an excellent substitute for milk. It produces a tasty, creamy dish that you will love. This is my own personal preference when I find I do not have milk on hand.

This ingredient will thicken the overall consistency of the dish. The flavor is out of this world delicious and you may never want to go back!

Use a variety with a higher fat content, as opposed to a reduced-fat variety for the best flavor.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.

Flavor profile: Definitely sweet, so replace a portion of it with yogurt or sour cream for a richer flavor.

Butter

Using butter as a replacement can be a great substitute. Either melt the butter before adding or allow the hot potatoes to melt it as it is stirred in.

Supplement a portion of the melted butter with extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil, if desired. Using too much oil will alter the flavor.

Substitution ratio: Do not exceed 1/2 cup butter total in a recipe.

Flavor profile: Rich, so do not use more than 1/2 cup total.

Half and Half or Heavy Cream

Heavy whipping cream (or half and half) is a good substitute for milk in potatoes. This is actually a great option! The thicker consistency will produce a dreamy, creamy consistency that everyone will love. The flavor is bolder and richer, too, and you may enjoy it more than the original.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts OR 3/4 quarter cup heavy cream plus 1/4 cup water.

Flavor profile: Rich, hence the above recommendation for adding water to cut back on richness.

Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt

Yogurt can add a more tangy flavor to any dish it is added to. To offset this, add a bit of cream cheese or even consider a few tablespoons of your favorite sweetener.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.

Flavor profile: Tangy, so sweeten as needed.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a good replacement option for people who are lactose intolerant or who are looking for a dairy-free option. It does not carry a creamy consistency or a ton of flavor, so be aware of this.

Use a sweetened variety in order to add flavor and use salted butter (if called for in the recipe) to add a touch of salt.

To add creaminess to the dish, add cream cheese or butter.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.

Flavor profile: Mild or sweeter (when using sweetened varieties), so add extra flavor to your liking.

Coconut Milk, Soy Milk, Oat Milk, Rice Milk, Cashew Milk

Coconut, soy, oat, cashew and rice milks can be used in place of milk for this tasty side, but note that each carries its own distinct flavorings. These options will also not produce super creamy end products, so be aware of this. They can, however, provide a healthy alternative to an otherwise not-so-healthy dish.

Use a sweetened varieties to add flavor and use salted butter (if called for in the recipe) to add a touch of salt. You can also consider adding seasonings, herbs, spices and/or sweeteners to enhance the overall flavor.

To add creaminess to the dish, add cream cheese or butter.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.

Flavor profile: Mostly mild with some of these varieties providing a distinct flavor that may need to be tempered with other seasonings, sweeteners and/or salt.

Broth

Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be a fine replacement, as well. Add seasonings and sweeteners to bulk up the flavor profile. Chicken stock or vegetable stock can be used interchangeably, as well.

Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.

Flavor profile: Little to no added flavor. Add flavor and extra butter as desired.

FAQ About Mashed Potatoes

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