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.
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 RecipeWhy 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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Potato 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
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.
Leave a Reply