Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite side, right?

Sometimes, though, you open the fridge, and bam, no milk. Panic? Nope.

You’ve got options, and some might even make those spuds taste better.

We’re talking milk substitutes that bring their A-game to your potato party.

Think outside the carton. These five game-changers will have you eyeing your dairy aisle with a new sense of adventure.

Ready to rethink your mash? Let’s dig in.

What Does Milk Do to Mashed Potatoes?

Adding milk to mashed potatoes is a classic way to add richness and creaminess to a side dish.

Milk creates an incredibly smooth texture that cannot be achieved with just potatoes and butter alone.

When heated, the potato starches break down more easily, and the milk works as an emulsifier to give the mash a light yet velvety finish.

The addition of warm milk upgrades mashed potatoes from fluffy and starchy to rich, creamy, and indulgent — perfect for complementing a savory dinner.

Make sure to use whole-fat or 2% milk for maximum flavor.

To achieve an extra smooth texture, remember to add the warm milk in small increments while mashing until you get the desired creaminess.

The 5 Best Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a delicious, dairy-free alternative to add creamy texture and flavor to your mashed potatoes, there are several milk substitutes you can use.

Here are the five best milk substitutes for mashed potatoes:

1 – Unsweetened Soy Milk

Unsweetened soy milk is a great alternative to traditional dairy milk and can satisfy the lactose intolerant or vegan alike.

This dairy and the lactose-free product is made from whole organic soya beans that have been soaked in water and then become strained, leaving you with a creamy yet slightly nutty liquid.

Despite lacking the sweetness of traditional milk, unsweetened soy milk offers a surprisingly pleasant taste that many find agreeable.

For those looking to find a substitute for cow’s milk in their mashed potatoes, unsweetened soy milk works just as well, adding some creaminess without compromising on taste.

Just be sure to add additional salt or herbs to enhance the flavor.

2 – Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is an increasingly popular alternative because of the unique flavor it adds to dishes.

The milk has a deliciously creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for baking and savory dishes.

If you ever get tired of regular milk, you should try replacing it with coconut milk.

One delicious way to do this is using coconut milk in mashed potatoes – simply swap out the cow’s milk for coconut milk and add your usual seasonings.

You’ll get a smooth and creamy consistency with a hint of sweetness.

Plus, you can enjoy all its health benefits, too, such as being rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

3 – Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is a delicious non-dairy alternative to regular milk.

Cashew milk is made from soaked raw cashews that are then blended together with water and possibly sweetener or other ingredients such as dates, maple syrup, salt, or vanilla extract.

It has a creamy taste that goes well as an addition to smoothies, lattes, and oatmeal.

While it cannot be used in the same way as cow’s milk for baking and other recipes that require higher levels of fat and proteins, it can be the perfect substitute for mashed potatoes.

Simply swap out cow’s milk for equal parts of unsweetened cashew milk when mashing potatoes; this will give your mashed potatoes a luxurious creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.

4 – Almond Milk

Almond milk is becoming an increasingly popular dairy alternative thanks to its delicious taste and luscious texture.

Almond milk contains fewer calories than regular milk and can provide just as much nutty flavor.

It pairs well with many dishes, from breakfast cereals to hot drinks.

In terms of culinary use, almond milk is great for making mashed potatoes – simply mix it with some butter, salt, and pepper until you reach the desired consistency.

You won’t even be able to tell that you used almond milk instead of cow’s milk.

All in all, almond milk is a versatile choice that can bring some delightful flavor or creamy texture to your meals.

5 – Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a nutritious, dairy-free alternative to regular cow’s milk.

Made from pressing hemp seeds and combining them with water and other ingredients, it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, and more plant-based proteins than other popular non-dairy milk.

The flavor of hemp milk is subtly nutty with a hint of sweetness, making it an enjoyable option for smoothies and shakes.

With a creamy texture similar to cow’s milk but thinner than soy or almond milk, adding hemp milk to mashed potatoes is an easy way to make them vegan.

Simply replace the cow’s milk you usually use in your recipe with hemp milk in the same quantity for delicious vegan mashed potatoes that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great alternatives to cow’s milk that can be used when making mashed potatoes.

Unsweetened soy milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, almond milk, and hemp milk all provide delicious flavor and creamy texture without compromising on taste.

So if you’re looking for a healthier or vegan option for your mashed potatoes, try one of these five best milk substitutes.