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    Home » Meals » Side Dishes

    Vegan Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    Published Nov 15, 2022 · Updated Nov 15, 2022 · Leave a Comment

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Creamy, cheesy vegan mashed potatoes made with dairy-free cheddar shreds and cream cheese. This side dish is a welcome variation of regular ol' mashed potatoes at the dinner table, especially for the holidays.

    A baking dish full of cheesy vegan mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon.

    We are a mashed potatoes obsessed household. Sometimes I eat them for a meal - just mashed potatoes with a little vegan butter. It's a warm bowl of comforting goodness, you know? I usually love them made simply with a little salt, pepper, and garlic. But every now and then, I'm craving a different flavor profile for this classic side dish.

    Enter: Vegan cheesy mashed potatoes. Creamy, baked, with a cheddar flair. (Without the actual cheese, of course!) These potatoes feel and look fancy, but they are pretty easy to whip up.

    Enjoy alongside a roast for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, or all year round with a delicious dinner like vegan meatloaf.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Less than 10 ingredients (4 of which are basic seasonings.)

    Ingredients laid out on a table in bowls.
    • Potatoes: Can't have mashed potatoes without the potatoes. I prefer the texture of russets for mashed potatoes.
    • Vegan cheese: I recommend using cheddar shreds for the best flavor. Use your favorite brand. I enjoy Follow Your Heart.
    • Vegan cream cheese: For that extra creamy mouthfeel.
    • Dairy-free milk: Oat milk is my preference, but any plain, unsweetened milk works.
    • Vegan butter: Or margarine.
    • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Trying to go vegan? Sign up for our (FREE) Vegan Beginner's Guide!

    How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    A pot of cubed potatoes.

    Clean, peel, and cut potatoes into 2-inch chunks.

    Pot of freshly cooked potatoes.

    Cover with water. Bring to a boil until fork tender. Drain and return to the pot.

    Potatoes mashed in a pot, with a potato masher.

    Mash until relatively smooth.

    All ingredients added into the pot (cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings.)

    Stir in the remaining ingredients.

    Cheesy mashed potatoes mixed together in the pot.

    It's okay if the cheese doesn't melt fully - it will later.

    Potatoes added to a baking dish.

    Add to a baking dish.

    Vegan cheesy mashed potatoes freshly baked with golden edges.

    Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

    Tip: If you serve right away, the potatoes may seem too runny. I recommend letting them sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

    Substitutions

    • Vegan cheese: Try ⅓ cup of nutritional yeast instead.
    • Vegan cream cheese: You can leave this out and substitute with additional butter or non-dairy milk to get the consistency you desire.
    • Non-dairy milk: Vegetable stock is a great substitute for milk in these potatoes - just note that the potatoes won't be as creamy.
    • Vegan butter: You may omit the vegan butter.

    Variations

    I love how versatile mashed potatoes are!

    • Cheese: Try a different type of cheese, like a vegan pepper jack for a spicy kick.
    • Chives: Add chives in or on top of your cheesy vegan mashed potatoes.
    • Bacon bits: Yup, those imitation bacon bits are vegan!
    • Roasted garlic: Love garlic? Mash some roasted garlic in there, too.
    Baked vegan mashed potatoes with golden edges in a dish topped with chives.

    Equipment

    I highly recommend investing the $10-15 on a potato masher to make the process easier, but you can use a fork if needed. If you like ultra smooth potatoes, a ricer is the way to go!

    Storage

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    You can even freeze mashed potatoes! Scoop them into a freezer bag or freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to get as much air out of the bag as possible to avoid freezer burn.

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    Recipes Include:

    • Taco Casserole
    • Sweet Potato Chili
    • "Cheesy" Potato Burritos
    • ...and way more!
    A spoonful of potatoes.

    Love potatoes? Try this vegan potato soup next!

    Recipe

    Cheesy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

    Karissa Besaw
    Vegan cheesy mashed potatoes...without the dairy! Instead, we're using non-dairy cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Bake Time 20 mins
    Total Time 47 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 6
    Calories 355 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pounds russet potatoes
    • ¾ cup non-dairy milk plain, unsweetened
    • 3 tablespoons vegan butter
    • ½ cup vegan cream cheese softened at room temperature
    • 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the potatoes if desired. Then, cut them into 2 inch chunks.
    • Add potatoes to a large pot. Fill with cold water, about an inch or two above the potatoes. Bring to a boil and let cook until the potatoes are soft and fork-tender, about 12-16 minutes.
    • Carefully drain the potatoes into a colander. Then, put the potatoes back into the warm pot.
    • Mash with a potato masher. Then mix in the remaining ingredients.
    • Transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are browned.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 719mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 332IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Vegan Sides

    • Maple Roasted Carrots
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    • Garlicky Sautéed Green Beans
    • Vegan Green Bean Casserole
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    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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