Seeking dairy-free comfort food? Lauren Hartmann’s Vegan Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is what you need. It blends fluffy Yukon gold mashed potatoes with crunchy tofu nuggets and roasted veggies. Topped with rich vegan gravy, it’s perfect for vegan holiday recipes or plant-based side dishes, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
This versatile recipe lets you customize your dish. Add toppings like vegan feta, guacamole, green onions, and vegan bacon bits. Whether it’s a main course or a side, this vegan dish means plant-based eaters don’t miss out on traditional mashed potato comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Cooking Time: Bake the potatoes for 40-70 minutes. An example time is 42 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Potatoes: Large Russet potatoes are best for this recipe. You can also use red or gold potatoes.
- Sour Cream and Cheese: Use homemade tofu sour cream or Kite Hill brand. For cheese, try Violife Cheddar.
- Health Benefits: This fun, customizable recipe offers a nutritious, dairy-free alternative with 189 calories per serving.
Introduction to Vegan Loaded Mashed Potatoes
If you’re craving savory comfort food, look no further. Vegan loaded mashed potatoes are healthy and yummy. They give you the warm, comforting feel of regular mashed potatoes. But they do it without dairy or meat.
Why Choose Vegan Mashed Potatoes?
Opting for vegan mashed potatoes marries health with ethics. For example, a couple on a plant-based diet since June 2018 shed over 280 pounds together. These meals mix nutritious vegan ingredients. They’re good for you and the planet.
Choosing vegan meals can be about saving animals, getting healthier, or trying new tastes. Vegan cooking brings rich flavors and textures. You won’t miss traditional comfort foods.
Key Ingredients for a Dairy-Free Delight
To make delicious vegan mashed potatoes, pick the right plant-based items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: Combining Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes gives about 7-8 cups of the best texture.
- Vegan Butter: Adding 80g of vegan butter, plus a little more for topping, makes them creamy.
- Dairy-Free Milk: 170ml of Forager Project oat milk or soymilk brings the creaminess needed without dairy.
- Vegan Sour Cream: Mix in ½ cup of vegan sour cream for a richer taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, parsley, or chives add a lovely, fresh aroma.
Using these ingredients right is key. Start by boiling 2 lbs each of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes with garlic and salt. They should be soft in about 15-20 minutes. Keep ½ cup of the water from boiling. It makes them creamier when blended with a hand mixer.
Serve your mashed potatoes with vegan gravy or extra melted vegan butter. This way, each bite is rich and enjoyable.
The Best Potatoes for Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Choosing the right potatoes for your vegan mashed potatoes is key. You want ones that make your dish creamy and tasty.
Russet Potatoes: A Classic Choice
Russet potatoes are perfect for mashing because they’re high in starch. This means they break down easily and become light and fluffy. For traditional mashed potatoes, russets are the way to go.
Yukon Gold Potatoes for Creaminess
For the creamiest vegan mashed potatoes, go with Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a naturally buttery taste and smooth texture. Between russet vs Yukon Gold, many choose Yukon Gold for its richness. It goes great with vegan butter and cream.
Other Potato Varieties to Consider
There are more types of potatoes to try beyond russet and Yukon Gold. Red potatoes are firmer and a bit sweet. White potatoes make your mash smooth and even. Remember to think about each potato’s starch and flavor to make your dish great.
Step-by-Step Vegan Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Dive into making vegan mashed potatoes with this guide. With innovative culinary tips, you’ll get closer to perfection.
Preparing Your Potatoes
Start by picking waxy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creaminess. Peel and cube the potatoes. Steaming keeps the nutrients and cooks them faster. Put them in a steamer basket. Cook until tender, which takes about 20 minutes.
Mashing Technique: Creating the Perfect Texture
For the ideal texture, focus on mashing techniques. Use a potato masher or a ricer on the tender potatoes. Mashing them while hot prevents gumminess and makes them smooth. You can also use instant mashed potatoes as a quick option.
Flavor Enhancements: Vegan Butter, Milk, and Spices
Add vegan butter and unsweetened non-dairy milk, like almond, soy, or coconut, for creaminess. Consider infusing herbs like rosemary or thyme for a richer flavor. Blend soaked cashews for an extra creamy texture. Season with ½ to 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Follow these tips to prepare vegan loaded mashed potatoes quickly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.
The Perfect Vegan Gravy to Complement Your Potatoes
Rich vegan gravy makes mashed potatoes creamy and flavorful. vegan gravy recipe is easy with common ingredients. It makes a simple dish a delicious experience.
Simple Ingredients for a Tasty Gravy
For great vegan gravy, you need:
- 1 Cup Vegetable broth
- ¼ Cup Vegan butter
- 3 Cups Low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 Tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Poultry seasoning
- Onions
- All-purpose flour
- Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor
This mix makes a tasty gravy that’s easy to prepare. The vegan gravy recipe is also low in calories, with just 150 per serving. It’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Steps to Make the Best Vegan Gravy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes. Begin by finely chopping onions.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes. Melt vegan butter in a pan and cook onions until translucent.
- Mix in the flour, cooking briefly and stirring to prevent lumps.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, soy sauce, and vegan Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.
- Throw in the poultry seasoning and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary. Let it simmer until it reaches your preferred thickness.
- Enjoy it hot over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or as chickpea meatloaf glaze.
Follow these gravy-making tips for sauce that’s tasty and smooth. It goes great with mashed potatoes, making them creamy and tasty. It takes about 30 minutes to make and serves four people. Perfect for family meals or parties. Your table will love this vegan gravy’s savory flavor!
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 150 |
| Storage | 4 days in refrigerator or 3 months in freezer |
| Rating | 4.97 out of 5 (from 58 votes) |
Creative Vegan Toppings for Loaded Mashed Potatoes
If you want your vegan mashed potatoes to stand out, add some unique toppings. Using a variety of vegan toppings can make your dish burst with flavor and texture.
Crispy Tofu Nuggets
Crispy tofu makes a great topping for creamy mashed potatoes. First, coat tofu cubes with a mix of non-dairy milk, flour, and panko breadcrumbs. Once baked, they become golden and crunchy. This crunchy topping matches the smooth mashed potatoes perfectly, offering a delightful contrast.
Roasted Vegetables and Corn
Roasted vegetables are another fantastic topping choice. Mixing veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers with sweet corn adds both taste and color. The roasting process brings out their flavors, and the corn’s sweetness completes the dish. Spread them on your mashed potatoes and enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and healthy.
- Coat tofu in a mixture of non-dairy milk, flour, and breadcrumbs before baking.
- Roast a medley of vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Sprinkle sweet corn for added balance in flavor.
| Ingredient | Cost | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Tofu | $1.50 | 180 kcal |
| Roasted Vegetable Medley | $2.00 | 120 kcal |
| Sweet Corn | $0.50 | 90 kcal |
Adding these toppings to your mashed potatoes not only makes your meal look good but also adds amazing flavors and textures. Both crispy tofu and a mix of roasted veggies can elevate your dish. They ensure a dining experience you’ll remember.
Health Benefits of Vegan Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Vegan loaded mashed potatoes bring lots of good stuff to the table. They taste amazing and are very good for your health. This makes them a great choice for any meal.
These potatoes are cholesterol-free and usually have fewer calories than regular mashed potatoes. That means they’re better for keeping a balanced diet.
Adding these high-protein mashed potatoes to your meals is a smart move. Instead of the small amount of protein in regular mashed potatoes, these have up to 7 grams per 100 grams. This helps you stay energetic all day.
They’re made with different potatoes like Russet, Yukon Gold, and Red Bliss. Each offers about 2 grams of protein per 100 grams. They’re full of complex carbs, vitamins, and fiber. This mix is great for digestion and overall health.
Lentils in these potatoes pump up the protein a lot. For example, red lentils add 9 grams of protein per ½ cup. They make any meal much healthier.
Ingredients like coconut milk and vegan butter make the potatoes creamy but still healthy. Coconut milk, in particular, keeps things creamy and is a better option.
Packed with proteins and vital nutrients, these vegan loaded mashed potatoes are an embodiment of the nutritional benefits of vegan diet.
If you want a creamy, tasty, and nutritious dish, this is a great choice. It’s perfect for family dinners or special events. It makes everyone happy and healthy.
| Potato Type | Protein Content (per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Russet | 2.1g |
| Yukon Gold | 2.1g |
| Red | 2.0g |
| Fingerling | 1.9g |
| High Protein Mash | 7g |
Add these healthy plant-based meals to your festive events. They make for a memorable and health-focused celebration.
For another great recipe, try these slow-cooker mashed potatoes. They’re nutritious and keep the creamy taste you love!
Tips for Making the Creamiest Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Learning to make creamy vegan mashed potatoes is about mastering a few key cooking techniques. By preparing and mashing your potatoes the right way, you’ll get a fluffier, smoother dish. It will taste just as good as traditional recipes.
Importance of Soaking and Rinsing Potatoes
Soaking and rinsing potatoes before cooking is important. This step cuts down on excess starch, which can make the potatoes gummy. For the best creamy vegan mashed potatoes, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes. Then, rinse them well with fresh water to get rid of leftover starch.
Using a Potato Ricer for Fluffiness
For fluffy mashed potatoes, using a potato ricer is a top cooking technique. This tool breaks the potatoes into small, uniform pieces. It stops them from getting overworked, keeping the texture light and airy. The potato ricer benefits include easy, smooth mashed potatoes that are hard to get with a simple masher.
Perfect Tools and Ingredients
To make these tasty creamy vegan mashed potatoes, collect these ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons of vegan butter
- ¼ – ½ cup of reserved potato cooking water
- ¼ cup of unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
You’ll also need these kitchen tools:
- Potato peeler
- Large pot
- Potato ricer or masher
| Steps | Details | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Boil Potatoes | Boil prepared potatoes for 15 minutes until very soft | 15 minutes |
| 2. Mash Potatoes | Mash with macadamia nut milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt | 5 minutes |
| 3. Season to Taste | Add vegan butter, black pepper, and reserved cooking water | 5 minutes |
Follow these tips for perfect vegan mashed potatoes. They’re both healthy and delicious. The potato ricer will give you creamy, fluffy potatoes that elevate your meals!
How to Make Vegan Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time
Getting your meals ready ahead of time can be a huge time-saver, especially for holiday cooking. Making your vegan mashed potatoes early means you have one fewer thing to stress about on the big day. We’ll look into how to store, freeze, and reheat them properly.
Storing in the Refrigerator
First, let your mashed potatoes cool down completely. Then, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal planning. This method ensures your vegan mashed potatoes are ready anytime.
Freezing Your Vegan Mashed Potatoes
To keep your mashed potatoes for a longer time, you can freeze them. Use a muffin tin to freeze individual servings. After they’re frozen, move the servings to a bag or container that’s safe for the freezer. Frozen mashed potatoes may not be as smooth, but they’re still enjoyable. Just let them thaw in the fridge before you’re ready to eat them.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
When reheating your vegan mashed potatoes, it’s important to be gentle to bring back their creamy texture. To reheat in the oven, put them in a dish and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. Improve their flavor and consistency by adding some non-dairy milk, like oat or almond, and some Earth Balance vegan butter. If you’re short on time, use the stovetop or an Instant Pot instead. These methods help your mashed potatoes taste fresh, enjoying your prep work to its fullest.
FAQ
Why choose vegan mashed potatoes over traditional versions?
Vegan mashed potatoes are a healthy and kind choice. They taste great without dairy. They’re perfect for everyone’s diet.
What are the key ingredients for creating a delicious vegan mashed potato dish?
You need Yukon Gold potatoes, vegan butter, almond milk, and fresh veggies. These make the dish creamy and full of flavor.
Which type of potatoes works best for vegan mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are great for their creamy taste. Russet potatoes are good too. They become fluffy when cooked.
What’s the best technique for mashing vegan potatoes to achieve the perfect texture?
First, boil the potato cubes until they’re soft. Then, mash them well. Add vegan butter and non-dairy milk for creaminess.
How can I enhance the flavor of my vegan mashed potatoes?
Add vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and spices. For more taste, include savory vegan gravy.
What are the steps to make a tasty vegan gravy?
Make a roux with vegan butter and flour. Then, add vegetable broth and spices. Stir until it thickens into a great gravy.
Can I add toppings to my vegan mashed potatoes for extra flavor and texture?
Absolutely! Crispy tofu, roasted veggies, and corn add texture. They make your mashed potatoes more interesting.
What health benefits do vegan loaded mashed potatoes offer?
They are cholesterol-free and can have fewer calories. Toppings add vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s a healthy meal choice.
What tips can you offer for making the creamiest vegan mashed potatoes?
Soak and rinse potatoes to cut starch. Use a potato ricer for fluffiness. These steps give you smooth mashed potatoes.
How should I store vegan mashed potatoes if I want to prepare them in advance?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for four days. Or freeze in portions. Warm up with non-dairy milk and vegan butter to bring back creaminess.