What to Put in Mashed Potatoes if There Is No Butter

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 survey, over 40% of people have used a food substitute in the last year. Knowing what to put in mashed potatoes if there is no butter is a common culinary challenge that presents the chance to explore new flavors and textures.

Quick Summary

Several substitutes can recreate the creaminess of butter in mashed potatoes. These include extra virgin olive oil, vegan butter, and sour cream. Vegetable or chicken broth, infused oils, and plant-based milks are also excellent options for adding moisture and flavor. A healthy alternative is roasted garlic or nutritional yeast.

Key Points

Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich and heart-healthy alternative to butter.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a tangy, creamy texture by incorporating a few spoonfuls of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Achieve a low-fat, savory mash by using warm broth to replace butter's moisture and flavor.
Roasted Garlic: Squeeze in roasted garlic for a sweet, mellow, and savory flavor that adds creaminess.
Nutritional Yeast: For a vegan and cheesy flavor profile, stir in nutritional yeast, especially when paired with a plant-based milk.
Plant-Based Milk: Achieve a smooth consistency by adding unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk to your potatoes.
Season Liberally: Season generously with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors pop, as potatoes need plenty of seasoning.

Unexpected Ingredients to Replace Butter in Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be delicious, flavorful, and creamy without butter. Many recipes rely on butter and dairy for richness, but various ways exist to achieve a comforting mash. Substituting butter offers the chance to experiment with new flavor profiles.

Dairy Alternatives for Creaminess

Several dairy products can provide the necessary moisture and fat for a smooth texture.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A few spoonfuls of sour cream or Greek yogurt add a creamy texture and a delightful tang. Greek yogurt offers a healthier, lower-fat option while providing a luscious mouthfeel.
Cream Cheese: For an ultra-rich and decadent result, use a small amount of cream cheese. Its high fat content and tangy flavor mimic butter's best qualities and create an incredibly smooth, silky mash.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolk that can make for surprisingly creamy mashed potatoes. It adds richness and helps keep leftovers from becoming dry.
Buttermilk: Using buttermilk can lend a distinctively tangy flavor and a smooth texture to mashed potatoes.

Non-Dairy and Vegan Options

For those avoiding dairy, there are several vegan and dairy-free alternatives that won't compromise flavor or texture.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic substitute for butter, providing heart-healthy fats and a rich flavor. Drizzling it over the top just before serving can add an extra punch of flavor.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Use warm vegetable or chicken broth to add moisture and flavor. Reserve some of the starchy potato cooking water to thin the mash, which helps add flavor without fat.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy can be used to add creaminess. Be sure to choose an unsweetened, plain variety to avoid sweetness.
Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast is a vegan staple, known for its cheesy flavor. When combined with a liquid like plant-based milk or broth, it adds a savory dimension.

Building Layers of Flavor and Texture

Beyond fat and liquid replacements, other ingredients can elevate mashed potatoes.

Roasted Garlic: Roasting a head of garlic mellows its pungent flavor, turning it sweet, nutty, and creamy. Squeezing the roasted cloves into the potatoes provides a deep, savory foundation.
Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, parsley, or thyme for a bright, aromatic finish.
Infused Oils: If you have flavored olive oils, such as rosemary or garlic-infused varieties, they can provide a layered flavor profile.
Spices and Seasonings: Consider spices like smoked paprika for a smoky, warm flavor, or a touch of mustard for a subtle kick.
Caramelized Onions: Adding slow-cooked caramelized onions brings a savory sweetness and a luxurious texture to the mash.

Comparison of Butter Alternatives


Attribute	Olive Oil	Sour Cream / Greek Yogurt	Broth	Nutritional Yeast	Roasted Garlic	Mayonnaise
Flavor Profile	Fruity, Earthy	Tangy, Rich	Savory	Cheesy, Nutty	Sweet, Mellow	Tangy, Rich
Texture	Silky, Velvety	Creamy, Thick	Lighter, Smooth	Adds Body, Creaminess	Adds Body, Creaminess	Velvety, Thick
Health Benefits	Heart-Healthy Fats	Probiotics (Yogurt), Lower Fat	Low-Fat	B Vitamins, Vegan	Antioxidants	Lowers Cholesterol (Canola Mayo)
:---	:---	:---	:---	:---	:---	:---

Conclusion

Not having butter is an opportunity. By exploring dairy, non-dairy, and flavoring alternatives, you can create a mashed potato dish that is just as creamy and delicious. The key is to add a source of liquid for consistency and a source of fat or flavor to replace butter. Whether olive oil, sour cream, or roasted garlic, your mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a success.

Authoritative Sources

A Reddit thread discussing dairy substitutes for mashed potatoes, highlighting personal experiences and preferences for flavor.
An article from Quora discussing substitutes like olive oil and sour cream, providing personal insights into their effects on taste and texture.
An article from Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen detailing the benefits of using olive oil in mashed potatoes, including its health benefits compared to butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make mashed potatoes creamy without butter, you can use dairy alternatives like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese. For non-dairy options, extra virgin olive oil, plant-based milks, or roasted garlic will provide a velvety texture and rich flavor.

Yes, you can use oil instead of butter. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for a rich, fruity flavor and silky texture. You can also use other oils like avocado oil for a neutral taste.

For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a combination of extra virgin olive oil and unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond or soy. Adding nutritional yeast can also create a cheesy, savory richness.

Yes, using broth is a great way to replace butter, especially if you want a lower-fat option. Both vegetable and chicken broth add moisture and a savory depth of flavor to the mash.

To enhance flavor when skipping butter, try adding ingredients like roasted garlic, fresh herbs (chives, rosemary), or a pinch of smoked paprika. You can also infuse oil with herbs for an aromatic touch.

Yes, mayonnaise is a surprisingly effective substitute for butter in mashed potatoes. It provides a creamy, velvety texture and richness without a distinct mayonnaise flavor when used in moderation.

The secret to fluffy, butter-free mashed potatoes is using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold and allowing excess moisture to evaporate after cooking. Mash gently with a ricer or masher and incorporate a liquid like warm broth or milk, then add your fat source.