The 10 Best Substitutes for Butter in Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that is a staple at dinner tables around the world.

But what if you’re trying to cut down on the amount of butter in your recipes?

What are the best substitutes for butter in mashed potatoes? Butter can be replaced with a variety of ingredients like olive oil, Greek yogurt, or Vegan margarine. Other alternatives like plant-based milk, cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese can also be used to make your mashed potatoes creamy and delicious.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or just want to try something new, these 10 substitutes all make fantastic additions to your mashed potato recipe!

Let’s take a closer look at all the best options for replacing butter in mashed potatoes.

Why Use Butter in Mashed Potatoes?

Butter is a common ingredient in mashed potatoes because it adds richness, creaminess, and flavor to the dish.

Here are some reasons why butter is used in mashed potatoes:

Reason	Explanation
Flavor	Butter has a rich and savory flavor that complements the taste of potatoes.
Creaminess	Butter adds a smooth and creamy texture to mashed potatoes.
Moisture	Butter helps to keep mashed potatoes moist and prevents them from becoming dry.
Binding	Butter helps to bind the mashed potatoes together, making them easier to serve and eat.
Appearance	Butter gives mashed potatoes a glossy and attractive appearance.

Overall, butter is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of mashed potatoes.

However, there are also many other substitutes for butter that can be used in mashed potatoes for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for healthier options.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Butter in Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, loved by many.

For those who wish to reduce their dairy consumption, here are ten excellent butter substitutes that can be used in mashed potatoes to achieve the same creamy texture and savory flavor:

1 – Olive Oil

A kitchen staple for centuries, olive oil provides a unique flavor profile as well as numerous health benefits.

Its high monounsaturated fatty acid content makes it a heart-healthy option and its fruity aroma adds depth to many dishes.

When substituted for butter in mashed potatoes, olive oil adds an earthy flavor while maintaining a creamy consistency.

To use it, simply replace the butter with an equal amount of extra-virgin olive oil before mashing your potatoes for a delicious and healthful side dish.

2 – Coconut Oil

The many nutritional benefits of coconut oil have made it one of the most popular health foods in recent years.

Its high lauric acid content supports hair and skin health, while its low boiling point makes it ideal for cooking applications.

As an alternative to butter in mashed potatoes, coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and delicate aroma without compromising the traditional creamy texture.

To use coconut oil instead of butter, melt it and mix it into your mashed potatoes just before serving for remarkable results every time.

3 – Vegan Margarine

Vegan margarine is becoming increasingly popular among those who wish to enjoy all the flavors of traditional margarine without any animal products.

It offers a rich, creamy texture with a mildly sweet flavor profile that’s suitable for baking or cooking applications alike.

When used as a substitute for butter in mashed potatoes, vegan margarine imparts all the same qualities without any animal products being involved.

Simply replace butter with vegan margarine to achieve the same results without sacrificing taste or texture.

4 – Yogurt

Yogurt is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods thanks to its abundance of vitamins and minerals and probiotic bacteria that support digestive health.

While most commonly enjoyed plain or sweetened with fruit or honey, yogurt also works well as an ingredient in various dishes such as mashed potatoes.

Replacing butter with yogurt can create a smoother consistency while imparting a subtle tanginess to your dish.

To use yogurt in place of butter, combine equal parts yogurt and boiled potatoes before mashing until desired consistency is reached.

5 – Applesauce

Applesauce has long been prized for its natural sweetness and versatility in both savory and sweet dishes.

It is also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels over time.

When used as an alternative to butter in mashed potatoes, applesauce adds moisture while reducing calories from the added fat content.

To substitute applesauce for butter, use half the amount called for in your recipe, adding more if needed. This simple swap keeps your potato mash soft, light, and deliciously flavorful.

6 – Sour Cream

Offering a slightly tangy taste, sour cream adds a unique twist to mashed potatoes.

Its high-fat content ensures your dish will remain creamy and delicious.

To use it as a butter substitute, add small amounts until you reach the desired consistency.

Sour cream also helps preserve the texture of your potatoes by preventing them from becoming gummy or overcooked.

This makes it an invaluable addition to your culinary toolkit.

7 – Cream Cheese

Another popular alternative to butter is cream cheese, which provides a rich and velvety texture while adding subtle notes of sweetness.

It’s widely used in baking recipes but is equally at home as a mashed potato topping.

When used correctly, cream cheese creates an irresistibly creamy consistency without compromising on flavor or texture.

Start with small amounts and adjust according to desired taste and thickness.

8 – Buttermilk

Buttermilk’s unique combination of acidity and richness makes it an excellent choice for replacing butter in mashed potatoes.

Its low fat content means you won’t need to use much to achieve the desired results; simply add enough buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.

Drizzle over your finished dish for extra decadence or substitute butter entirely for lighter mashed potatoes with all the same flavor characteristics.

9 – Mayonnaise

Although mayonnaise may seem like an odd substitution for butter, its mild flavor pairs remarkably well with mashed potatoes, creating a velvety smooth texture and unmistakable taste sensation that’s impossible to replicate with other ingredients.

Start by adding small amounts of mayo until you reach the desired level of richness, then drizzle more over your finished dish if desired!

The savory tanginess will bring out remarkable depth in your creation without overpowering it with fat content like butter would do.

10 – Parmesan Cheese

For those looking for additional flavors without significantly increasing fat intake, Parmesan cheese is a wonderful option that can transform basic mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary!

Simply sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of your finished dish and enjoy its pungent aroma as it melts into creamy potato perfection!

The salty flavor complements any type of mashed potato effortlessly while adding umami complexity that will keep guests coming back for more!

Conclusion

In conclusion, butter is a common ingredient in mashed potatoes that adds flavor, creaminess, and moisture to the dish.

However, there are many alternatives to butter that can be used for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for healthier options.

Olive oil, coconut oil, vegan margarine, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, applesauce, and Parmesan cheese are all great substitutes for butter that can add unique flavors and textures to your mashed potatoes.

By experimenting with these alternatives, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that meets your dietary needs and preferences.