• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Elise Tries To Cook
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Meal Prep Friendly Recipes
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact Me
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact Me
    • About Me
    • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Gluten Free Recipes / Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes

    Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes

    Published: Oct 31, 2022 · Modified: Jul 25, 2023 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These creamy Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes are a lightened up version of classic mashed potatoes. Made without milk or cream, and just a dab of butter. This is a great gluten-free side dish to pair with your main course! Ready in 30 minutes. 

    A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with salt, pepper, butter, and chives.

    I like eating clean and healthy when I can, and this mashed potatoes recipe was easily made gluten free and lightened up with a few simple swaps. I omit using whole milk or heavy cream and opt for starchy potato water to make these potatoes extra creamy.

    These are a great side dish for an easy weeknight meal, and delicious enough to serve for a holiday or with your Thanksgiving turkey! 

    Jump to Recipe

    Why this recipe works

    This recipe is:

    • Simple recipe made with limited ingredients
    • Easy and ready in under 30 minutes
    • Gluten free
    • Can be easily made Dairy free and Vegan by swapping out for vegan butter

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed for gluten free mashed potatoes.

    Russet Potatoes

    For this gluten-free recipe, I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are more starchy, and make a fluffier mashed potato, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a waxier consistency and are great for making mashed potatoes with a more creamy texture. Both will work well for this recipe! 

    Although potatoes did not make the dirty dozen list of 2022, they are number 13, making them fairly high in pesticides. Because of this, it is best to buy organic potatoes when possible!

    Unsalted butter

    I like using unsalted butter so I can control how much salt goes in. If you want to keep these mashed potatoes vegan and dairy free, trade the butter for a vegan butter. 

    Fresh Herbs 

    I love the classic combination of chives and potatoes, but you can always substitute with your favorite fresh herbs. I recommend chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Mashed potatoes can be a heavy dish, so fresh herbs are the best element to add to brighten them up. You can also use dried herbs like dried chives or oregano, or even an Italian seasoning mix!

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements. 

    Instructions

    First prepare your potatoes. You can choose to remove the skins for a creamier mash, or keep them on to save time.

    Dice your potatoes into small pieces, about ½ inch. 

    Place potatoes in a medium sized pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. 

    A bowl of diced potatoes.
    Dice potatoes into ½ inch chunks.
    A bowl of diced potatoes with garlic salt and butter.
    Add butter and garlic salt before mashing.

    Reserve 1 cup of starchy water before draining the potatoes. Place drained potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

    Add ½ cup starchy water, garlic salt and butter to the drained potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the large chunks potatoes. Once the potatoes are lightly mashed, add ¼ cup more starchy water to the potato mixture.

    Continue to mash until the potatoes are to the desired consistency; adding more starchy water if needed, one tablespoon at a time.

    A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with salt, pepper, butter, and chives.

    Top off your potatoes with fresh herbs, and serve warm!

    Serving Suggestions

    These mashed potatoes would be a great side dish for these main courses. 

    • Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
    • Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Fig Glaze
    • Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Herb Salsa Verde

    Variations

    • You can change up this potato recipe and swap out the white potatoes for sweet potatoes instead!
    • I made these without milk, but if you would rather you can use dairy-free milk in place of the potato water. 
    • Make it vegan - Make these gluten free mashed potatoes vegan and dairy free by using vegan or dairy free butter.
    • Make a loaded mashed potato by adding some crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives. 

    Expert Tips

    • Dice your potatoes the same size! Cutting your potatoes the same size helps them boil evenly, meaning you won’t have under-boiled potatoes along with over-boiled potatoes. Cutting the potatoes smaller helps them boil quicker.
    • I find that Russet Potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes are the best potatoes for mashing!
    • How to store - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 
    • How to reheat - These mashed potatoes reheat easily in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen them back up. 
    A bowl of mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon topped with salt, pepper, butter, and chives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should I peel the potatoes?

    You don’t need to peel the potatoes for mashing potatoes. Some recipes keep the skin to add texture, but I prefer a creamy mashed potato!

    Are mashed potatoes gluten free?

    Most mashed potatoes are gluten free. Be careful with instant mashed potatoes, as they may be made with gluten ingredients. 

    How to reheat mashed potatoes?

    These mashed potatoes reheat easily in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen them back up. 

    More Gluten Free Recipes

    • Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
    • Green Pasta Sauce (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
    • Vegan Cauliflower Tacos Al Pastor
    • Protein Pasta Salad (Gluten Free + Vegetarian)

    If you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below so I know what you think! Follow Elise Tries to Cook on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Featured image of A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with salt, pepper, butter, and chives.

    Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes

    Elise Shivamber
    These creamy Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes are a lightened up version of classic mashed potatoes. Made without milk or cream, and just a dab of butter. This is a great gluten-free side dish to pair with your main course! Ready in 30 minutes.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 218 kcal

    Equipment

    • Vegetable Peeler
    • Potato masher
    • Large pot
    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 medium Russet potatoes or Yukon golds
    • 6 cups water
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
    • Chives optional

    Instructions
     

    • Remove skins of potatoes for a creamier mash, or keep on to save time.
    • Cut potatoes into ½” dice.
    • Place in a medium or large pot on the stove and add water.
    • Bring water to a boil.
    • Continue on a boil until potatoes are tender, or when they break apart when pierced with a fork or knife, about 15 minutes.
    • Reserve 1 cup of starchy water to the side and drain potatoes. Place drained potatoes in a large bowl.
    • Add ½ cup starchy water, garlic salt and butter to the drained potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes.
    • Once the potatoes are lightly mashed, add ¼ cup more starchy water to the potato mixture.
    • Continue to mash until the potatoes are to the desired consistency; adding more starchy water if needed, one tablespoon at a time.
    • If using chives, add to the mashed potatoes and stir gently in.
    • Enjoy while warm.

    Notes

    • How to store - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
    • How to reheat - These mashed potatoes reheat easily in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen them back up.
    • Dice your potatoes the same size for more even cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 1192mgPotassium: 890mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 177IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword 4-ingredient, gluten free, potatoes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Elise Shivamber in a kitchen.

    Ever since she taught herself how to cook, Elise has been making simple recipes with fresh ingredients. She believes the best recipes highlight the ingredients by using the best of cooking techniques. She’s an avid juicer and has juiced each and every fruit and vegetable there is. She also creates savory recipes inspired by what’s available in California. Many of her authentic Mexican recipes are passed down from her from mother in law and is a huge influence on her cooking.

    More Gluten Free Recipes

    • A grid of four pictures in a grid: watermelon salad top left, roasted carrots top right, a spinach kale salad bottom left, and street corn on the bottom right.
      20+ Best Gluten Free Sides
    • close up of roasted halloumi on a sheet pan with roasted peppers and onions
      Sheet Pan Halloumi Fajitas
    • Gluten free turkey burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion served with fries.
      Gluten Free Turkey Burgers
    • Gluten free chicken burger topped with cheese, red onion and lettuce.
      Gluten Free Chicken Burgers

    Sign up!

    For clean eats and drinks recipes sent directly to your inbox!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elise Shivamber in a kitchen.

    Hey there, I’m Elise! I use fresh, simple ingredients to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. With clean ingredients, these recipes will make your heart and belly happy. Thanks for making me a part of your cooking journey!

    About →

    Reader Favorites

    • A baking sheet with crispy carnitas, garnished with lime wedges.
      Dutch Oven Carnitas (Authentic Mexican Carnitas)
    • A featured image of two ginger turmeric shots with a measuring cup of the extra juice in the back.
      Ginger Turmeric Shots
    • Featured image of mandarin juice in a glass.
      Mandarin Juice
    • Blue bowl filled with a spinach and kale salad, with lemon wedges on top.
      Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
    Sign Up! For weekly emails.

    Healthy Weeknight Recipes

    • Beef enchiladas with green sauce on a white plate topped with cilantro.
      Healthy Green Chile Beef Enchiladas
    • Overhead view of gluten free meatballs seared in a pan.
      Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
    • A featured image of a pan seared salmon filet on a plate with a fork piercing a piece of salmon.
      How to Cook Salmon without that White Stuff
    • Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

    Fave Fall Recipes

    • A close up view of a burgundy mug filled with hot cocoa.
      Creamy Oat Milk Hot Chocolate
    • Pumpkin seed butter spread on a piece of toast on a pink plate.
      Homemade Pumpkin Seed Butter
    • A featured image of a close up of three cashew butter cups stacked vertically.
      Cashew Butter Cups (3 Ingredients!)
    • Featured image of a pumpkin chai latte on a wooden table.
      Pumpkin Chai Latte (Dairy Free)

    Newest Recipes

    • Dutch oven pork chops with pan sauce, potatoes, onions, and kale.
      Healthy Dutch Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes
    • Oat milk turmeric latte featured image.
      Oat Milk Turmeric Latte
    • Types of Mexican Meats outlined with four images of different types of Mexican meats.
      Types of Mexican Meat
    • A cold glass of carrot ginger turmeric juice.
      Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice

    As Featured In

    the food gawker logo of a bowl above food gawker text
    the feed feed logo of circle surrounding two spoons

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Let's Connect!

    • Find us on Facebook
    • Find us on Instagram
    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2023 Elise Tries to Cook

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.