Learn how to make the best ever Mash Potato without butter or milk with this really easy recipe! This mash is rich, creamy and flavourful, as well as vegan, dairy free and gluten free.

Whether you’re dairy free or vegan, or you’ve simply run out of butter, this is the mash recipe you need in your life.

Creamy and smooth and made using olive oil instead of butter, it’s a healthy mashed potatoes recipe that won’t disappoint.

But don’t just go pouring oodles of olive oil into your potatoes and start mashing, you need to get the right balance of ingredients! We’ve tested this lots of times to get the perfect balance. We want the texture from the olive oil, but we still want our mash to taste like potato!

So read on for this crowd-pleasing recipe… your taste buds will thank you.

Plate with pork chops, mash potato without butter, and green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Mash Potato Recipe

Completely dairy free and vegan
Creamy texture without butter, milk or cream
Super simple ingredients and recipe

Dairy Free Mash Potato Ingredients

Ingredients for mashed potatoes without butter.

Potatoes – Use starchy potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet. Avoid waxy potatoes as they do not mash well.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & black pepper
Cooking water – retain the cooking water for best flavour.

How to Make Mash Potato Without Butter

Hands chopping potatoes on a cutting board.

Step 1 – Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks: halve small potatoes or cut large potatoes into quarters or sixths. Be sure to cut them all a similar size so they cook evenly.

Step 2 – Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a tablespoon of salt and bring to the boil. Reduce to medium heat and gently boil until the potatoes are fork tender, around 15-20 minutes.

A ladleful of potato cooking water is poured into a jug.

Step 3 – Turn off the heat. Using a ladle, remove a couple of spoonfuls of water into a separate jug and place it to one side for a moment. Drain the cooked potatoes into a colander and then return them to the pan.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is added to the potatoes to make a creamy texture.

Step 4 – Once the potatoes are drained, start by adding 2 tablespoons reserved potato cooking water and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mash the potatoes and continue adding the water and oil (2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon oil each time) and mashing, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Be careful not to add too much in one go – it’s better to go slowly and adjust as you go. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Mash potato without butter served on a plate with Pork Chops and roasted green beans.

Leftovers

In the fridge Once cooled to room temperature, place the cooked mash potato in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat Place the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. You may want to add a little bit of water or olive oil to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding more water or oil if needed. Alternatively, microwave on high for 1 minute at a time, until the centre of the potato is heated through.

Goes Well With…

Dairy Free Chicken & Dumplings

Dairy Free Chicken Pot Pie

Frequently Asked Questions

You can substitute olive oil for another neutral flavoured oil like avocado oil, or use a vegan butter substitute and a splash of dairy-free milk such as Almond Milk.

Adding the water and oil gradually and mashing thoroughly will give a creamy consistency. Use a potato masher or a ricer to prevent lumps.

Yes. Make the mash ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a little water or olive oil to loosen up the texture.

Lumpy Continue to mash with a masher or use a potato ricer.

Too dry Add 2 more tablespoons reserved cooking water and one tablespoon olive oil at a time until it reaches the creamy consistency you’d like.

For extra flavour try mixing in roasted garlic cloves, fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or use a flavoured olive oil. You could also boil your potatoes in vegetable broth or stock.

Yes, it is suitable for vegans. While many recipes for mash potato without butter use egg instead, our recipe is fully vegan friendly.

This recipe is also gluten free.

Mashed potatoes can be a healthy option, especially when made with Extra Virgin Olive Oil in place of butter or vegan butter substitutes. Also, using reserved cooking water can keep this dish lower in calories compared to traditional mashed potato recipes that include butter, double or heavy cream or whole milk.

A bowl of dairy-free mashed potatoes, garnished with chives.

If you make this Vegan and Dairy Free Mash Potato recipe I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram (@thesunshinepantry) or Facebook so I can see your amazing creation!

Simple Mash Potato without Butter (Dairy Free)

These dairy free mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and made with olive oil instead of butter. This simple recipe is perfect as a gluten free, dairy free or vegan side dish and is easy to prepare. Ideal for weeknight family dinners, holidays or any time you crave a delicious dollop of potatoes!

Rebecca Tufnell

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

1 kg potatoes preferably Maris Piper, Russet or King Edward
1 tablespoon salt

For mashing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
6 tablespoons reserved potato cooking water divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Peel and chop the potatoes into equal-sized pieces.
1 kg potatoes
Place a large pot of salted water on a high heat and bring to a boil.
1 tablespoon salt
Add the potatoes, then reduce the heat so that it is simmering. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, until very soft. They should fall apart when poked with a fork.
Using a ladle, remove a few large spoonfuls to cooking water to a jug. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add 6 tablespoons reserved cooking water and 3 tablespoons olive oil, season and then mash the potato. For a looser mash, continue adding water and oil (2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon oil each time) and mashing, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 6 tablespoons reserved potato cooking water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Notes

Calories per serving approx 285 kcal.

Best Mash Potato Recipe Without Butter or Milk

Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Mash Potato Recipe

Dairy Free Mash Potato Ingredients

How to Make Mash Potato Without Butter