Yes—you can enjoy creamy, delicious mashed potatoes without milk or any dairy. These olive oil mashed potatoes are rich in flavor and take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
If you need a quick dairy substitute, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice: it adds a silky texture and a pleasant, savory note.
Different potato varieties behave differently when mashed. Yukon Gold (yellow) potatoes give a naturally buttery texture and are ideal for this recipe, though Russets will work if that’s what you have on hand.
Why This Recipe Works
Fast and simple — about 10 minutes prep and 10 minutes cook time, making these a great last-minute side.
Creamy without dairy — extra virgin olive oil replaces milk and butter, producing a smooth, velvety texture.
Flavorful — steak seasoning or a blend of salt, garlic powder, and thyme enhances the potatoes. They pair especially well with grilled or roasted meats.
These mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.
Estimated Cost to Make
Assuming you already have basic seasonings, the estimated cost to make this recipe is modest (based on store-brand pricing as of October 2022).
What You’ll Need to Make Them
A quick look at the main ingredients. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
Yellow (Yukon) potatoes — mildly starchy with a naturally creamy texture, ideal for mashing.
Extra virgin olive oil — any quality brand, but extra virgin gives the best flavor.
Seasonings — steak seasoning adds a bold boost, but a simple mix of salt, garlic powder, and dried thyme also works well.
How to Make Them
These mashed potatoes come together in four straightforward steps.
(1) Place peeled, chopped potatoes in a pot, cover with water, add a bit of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes, until fork-tender.
(2) Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
(3) Add the olive oil and seasonings, then mash with a potato masher or blend briefly with an electric mixer for a smoother result.
(4) Taste and adjust seasoning and oil, adding one tablespoon of oil at a time if the potatoes seem dry, until you reach the desired creaminess and flavor.
What to Serve with Them
These mashed potatoes pair well with a wide range of mains and sides. Popular combinations include:
Garlic butter pork chops
Tangy BBQ meatloaf
Oven-baked brats
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Recipe Tips
Tips to get the best results:
(1) For a classic smooth texture, peel the potatoes before boiling.
(2) If you prefer not to use steak seasoning, season with salt and pepper first and add more to taste.
(3) For completely lump-free potatoes, use a potato ricer or an electric mixer for a brief time—just don’t overmix or the potatoes can become gluey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes. Properly stored in a freezer-safe container, mashed potatoes will keep about 2 months.
Waxy potatoes, such as many red varieties, tend to become gummy when mashed and are less ideal for traditional mashed potatoes.
Olive oil is the recommended dairy-free substitute here. Other options include chicken broth, mayonnaise, yogurt, plant-based milks, butter, cream cheese, or even water—adjust for flavor and texture.
More Great Sides
- Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
- Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
- Jalapeno Cornbread with Creamed Corn
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
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If you try this recipe, please leave a comment to share how it turned out—I’d love to hear from you.
Recipe
Mashed Potatoes without Milk
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Equipment
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Pot to boil potatoes
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Colander
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Potato masher or electric mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yellow (or Yukon) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-4 teaspoons steak seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oilmay add an additional 1–3 tablespoons if potatoes seem dry
Instructions
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Place potatoes into a pot and cover with water. Add salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork.
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Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot.
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Add all the seasonings and olive oil, then mash and blend. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer (mix briefly for smoother potatoes).
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Taste and add additional steak seasoning or salt and pepper if needed. Add more olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the potatoes seem dry. Continue blending until you reach your preferred consistency.
Notes
If skipping steak seasoning, use salt and pepper and adjust gradually to taste.
Estimated recipe cost is based on store brands as of October 2022.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and may vary based on the brands and ingredients you use. Use a nutrition calculator if you need precise values for your specific ingredients.