Many people love adding a splash of milk to their mashed potatoes as it adds an extra dimension of creaminess to the dish.
But what if you don’t have any milk laying around?
Or maybe you’re just looking for something a bit more unique? In either case, you’ll be delighted to discover that you can substitute the milk with other delicious ingredients to create equally delicious mashed potatoes.
From almond milk to Greek yogurt, there’s a variety of different options out there that food enthusiasts should definitely give a try.
Find out which five substitutes make the ideal mash and how they can provide a new twist on the classic potato side dish.
What Does Milk Do to Mashed Potatoes?
Incorporating milk into mashed potatoes is a great way to make them creamier and lighter, but it also helps to make them more flavorful.
It provides an additional layer of flavor that can be further accentuated with butter, cheese or spices.
Milk also adds a bit of moisture, which can help ensure that the potatoes stay light and fluffy while being cooked.
When using milk in mashed potatoes, always use full-fat or whole milk for the best results.
If you’re looking for a less rich option, you could use evaporated milk as well since its reduced sugar content makes it healthier than cream or heavy cream.
Plain yogurt can also be used as a dairy-free alternative to provide similar results.
When adding milk to your mashed potatoes, start by stirring in about 1/4 cup per pound of potatoes and add more until you get the desired texture and richness.
While cooking your potatoes, check the consistency often so that they don’t become too runny or dry out beyond rescue – if necessary add a few tablespoons of butter along with the hot liquid ingredients such as broth or water.
The 5 Best Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes
While milk has traditionally been the most widely used liquid for whipped potatoes, there are a variety of other liquids most commonly used as substitutes for milk.
Depending on the desired texture and flavor, these liquid substitutions can provide an even better mashed potato experience.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best milk substitutes for mashed potatoes, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened Soy Milk | Dairy-free and made from soybeans. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. | Use the same amount as milk |
| Coconut Milk | Creamy and rich, with a distinct coconut flavor. It adds a tropical twist to mashed potatoes. | Use the same amount as milk |
| Cashew Milk | Made from ground cashews, it has a creamy texture and a subtle nutty taste. | Use the same amount as milk |
| Almond Milk | Made from ground almonds, it is smooth and slightly sweet. It adds a delicate almond flavor to mashed potatoes. | Use the same amount as milk |
| Hemp Milk | Made from hulled hemp seeds, it has a slightly nutty flavor and a thinner consistency compared to dairy milk. | Use the same amount as milk |
Now let’s explore each substitute in more detail:
1 – Unsweetened Soy Milk
Unsweetened soy milk is a great choice for anyone looking for a dairy-free yet creamy and flavorful mashed potato alternative.
As it is lactose-, gluten-, and cholesterol-free, this makes it ideal for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or on special diets.
Due to its slightly sweet flavor, adding a few dashes of garlic powder or minced garlic can help balance out the taste.
Additionally, those with nut allergies can opt for an unsweetened, gluten-free oat milk instead.
2 – Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a great choice for vegan mashed potatoes as it adds rich, creamy texture and flavor.
To make the potatoes with coconut milk, heat one cup of coconut milk in a medium saucepan.
Once it reaches a simmer, add a tablespoon of butter (or margarine if vegan) and stir until it melts completely.
Then add the boiled potatoes to the pan and mash until smooth.
You can also add other seasonings to taste such as garlic, salt, pepper or your favorite herbs like rosemary or oregano.
For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of coconut cream or heavy whipping cream (if not vegan).
Keep in mind that the amount of liquid needed for the mashed potatoes may vary depending on how starchy they are so adjust accordingly.
3 – Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is a great way to enjoy the creaminess of milk without the dairy.
It provides an excellent creamy texture and neutral flavor, which makes it ideal for mashed potatoes.
Cashews are naturally high in healthy fats, and these fats help to enrich mashed potatoes.
Additionally, cashew milk is rich in vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium and zinc.
For best results when using it as a substitute for dairy milk in mashed potatoes, you should always use unsweetened varieties or homemade cashew milk that uses less sweetener than store-bought varieties.
To get the desired finish, add a dab of butter or some other flavored oil when mashing the potatoes with cashew milk.
4 – Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great substitute for cow’s milk in mashed potatoes.
It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that goes well with the flavor of mashed potatoes, and it provides the same creamy texture.
Almond milk also lends itself to additional flavoring, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
When choosing an almond milk product, make sure it’s ideally unsweetened or made with minimal or no added sugars to avoid making your mashed potatoes too sweet.
Be aware that almond milk works best when used in place of dairy sources containing fat — like cream or whole milk — rather than skimmed or reduced-fat sources.
5 – Hemp Milk
Hemp milk may not taste like “real” milk, but it is an amazing dairy-free alternative for mashed potatoes.
It is made by blending hemp seeds with water and has a subtle nutty flavor that only improves the flavor of mashed potatoes.
Plus, hemp milk is rich in beneficial fatty acids and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
Hemp milk also contains essential minerals and vitamins that you won’t find in traditional cow’s milk.
Typically, this recipe needs only one cup of hemp milk for every four cups of cooked potatoes.
To make your mashed potatoes even creamier, you can use a combination of one part hemp milk to three-parts broth or stock for the perfect texture and taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that milk and other dairy products add creaminess and richness to mashed potatoes.
Milk also enhances the flavor of mashed potatoes, providing a nutty sweetness that complements many other flavors.
However, if you are looking for a substitute for milk in your mashed potatoes, there are many great options available to you.
Alternatives such as vegetable stock, butter and cream cheeses offer similar results but with different flavor profiles.
Plant-based milks and coconut cream can also be viable substitutes for those who do not want to use dairy in their mashed potatoes.
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing the right milk substitute for mashed potatoes, there is no one right answer as every chef has their own preferences.
Experiment with different ingredients until you find the best combination of flavors and textures that work best for you.
The 5 Best Milk Substitutes for Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 – Unsweetened Soy Milk
- 2 – Coconut Milk
- 3 – Cashew Milk
- 4 – Almond Milk
- 5 – Hemp Milk
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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