There’s something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes—fluffy, creamy, and loaded with mellow, roasted garlic flavor. This dreamy dish is love at first bite for anyone seeking an indulgent, plant-based side that doesn’t compromise on taste or richness. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate holiday side or just a cozy weeknight treat, these Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes are your ticket to potato heaven, every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes so unforgettable? It’s the perfect lineup of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role. Potatoes provide the hearty base, vegan butter and plant milk give it that signature creamy texture, and a whole head of roasted garlic transforms the entire dish into something magical.

Garlic head: Roasting a whole head (or two!) of garlic brings out its sweetness and infuses the mashed potatoes with deep, caramelized flavor.
Olive oil: A drizzle on the garlic helps it roast evenly and adds a faint fruitiness to the finished mash.
Potatoes: Yukon golds are ideal for creaminess, but russets work beautifully too if you prefer a fluffier finish.
Vegan butter: Use a salted variety for best results; it melts right in to create luscious, rich potatoes.
Oat milk: Oat milk makes the mash ultra-creamy, but almond milk can step in if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Freshly ground pepper: A few cracks brighten up and balance all that glorious richness.
Salt: Just enough to make every spoonful sing.
Fresh chives or parsley: These optional toppings add a pop of color and fresh, herby aroma to your Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

How to Make Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast Your Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Slice about a half-inch off the top of your garlic bulb, revealing the tops of the cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then wrap the bulb tightly in foil and pop it on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrance fills your kitchen. Let the garlic cool so you can handle it with ease later—this step unlocks the signature flavor of Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

While the garlic is roasting, peel and chop your potatoes into one-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then drop the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the potatoes fork-tender—not mushy. This foundation is key to the creamy, comforting texture in Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes for Mashing

Drain the cooked potatoes and give your pot a quick wipe. Return the potatoes to the pot or transfer to a large, heatproof bowl. For truly velvety Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes, feed them through a ricer or food mill. A potato masher works in a pinch, although you’ll have a few more rustic lumps. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves right into the potatoes, letting the soft, aromatic paste fall on top.

Step 4: Warm the Plant Milk

Pour the oat milk (or almond milk) into a small saucepan. Gently heat it until it just starts to simmer—no need to bring it to a full boil. Warming the milk keeps the potatoes hot and helps everything blend together without clumping or cooling down your mash.

Step 5: Fold and Finish

Slowly stir the warm milk into the mashed potatoes and garlic, working with a sturdy spatula or wire whisk. Stop when the potatoes are fluffy and all the liquid is incorporated. If your mash feels a little loose, just set the pot back on low heat and stir until they thicken to your liking. Next, add the vegan butter, allowing it to melt into the mash. Season generously with salt and pepper, and finish with chopped fresh herbs for an irresistible batch of Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that wows both eyes and taste buds, sprinkle fresh chives or parsley over your Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes right before serving. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few twists of black pepper on top can add another layer of savoriness. These simple garnishes make each spoonful pop with flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes are fantastically versatile, pairing well with everything from stuffed mushrooms to plant-based roasts, vegan meatloaf, or sautéed greens. They soak up sauces and gravies like a dream, making them the perfect partner to practically any main course on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins or piping them onto plates for a playful twist. For special occasions, swirl the top with a fork for rustic charm or layer the mash into parfait glasses with roasted veggies for dazzling dinner-party presentation. Don’t be afraid to make them the star of a “mashed potato bar” with your favorite toppings and add-ins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Press a piece of parchment directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming if you want them as silky as when first made.

Freezing

These mashed potatoes also freeze surprisingly well! Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, flatten out for quick thawing, and label them with the date. Frozen Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes will keep beautifully for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of oat milk as needed to restore their creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until just hot. Avoid overheating to keep them fluffy—not gluey.

FAQs

Can I use other non-dairy milks for this recipe?

Absolutely! While oat milk adds wonderful body and mild flavor, almond milk, soy milk, or even cashew milk all work. Choose an unsweetened, unflavored variety for the best-tasting Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is recommended for the creamiest texture, especially with Yukon gold or russet potatoes. If you prefer a more rustic, hearty mash and are using organic potatoes, you can absolutely leave the skins on—just scrub them well.

Can I make Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes oil-free?

You can skip the olive oil used for roasting garlic if you prefer, though it does help caramelize the cloves. For the butter, choose your favorite oil-free plant-based spread or substitute with more oat milk; just note, the potatoes may be a touch less rich.

How do I prevent gummy mashed potatoes?

Use a potato ricer or food mill rather than a food processor, which can make the potatoes gluey. Also, don’t overmix once you add the milk and butter; gentle folding is all you need for fluffy Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Every ingredient in these Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes is naturally gluten-free, so they’re safe for most guests and family members without any substitutions needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a creamy, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s endlessly comforting, it’s time to try Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes. They’re simple to make, unforgettable to eat, and sure to become a new staple at your table. Whip up a batch and savor every garlicky, fluffy bite!

Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Creamy and flavorful Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe that is perfect for any occasion. These velvety mashed potatoes are infused with roasted garlic and dairy-free ingredients, creating a delectable side dish.

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic:

1 large head of garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil

Mashed Potatoes:

3 pounds (1.4 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
8 tablespoons (115 g) vegan butter
1 cup (240 ml) oat milk
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Fresh chives or parsley for serving, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 425˚F/220˚C. Cut off the top of the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden brown.
Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, then process them. Squeeze roasted garlic pulp into the potatoes.
Prepare the Milk: Simmer oat milk in a saucepan, then gradually stir into the potatoes until fluffy.
Finalize the Mashed Potatoes: Stir in vegan butter, salt, and pepper. Adjust consistency over low heat if needed. Serve with herbs.