Vegan Mashed Potatoes That Kids Will Actually Eat

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Making mashed potatoes … easy, right? A no-brainer?

I’d say yes… and no. Hear me out.

We all know the worst part of mashed potatoes is peeling them. Wait — do we have to peel them? I actually like the texture with the peel, but my son? No way. He won’t touch a potato with the peel. He’s the same with apples. Go figure. (Side note: potato peels are actually super nutritious, so there’s that!)

Anyway, peeling, chopping, and boiling seems simple enough. But here’s the tricky part: flavor and texture. You can boil potatoes until your arm hurts, but if you don’t add the right things the right way, your mashed potatoes could end up bland or weirdly lumpy.

That’s where my kid-tested, vegan-approved method comes in. This is how you get mashed potatoes that kids will happily shovel into their mouths — and ask for seconds.

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The Secret to Kid-Friendly Mashed Potatoes

It’s all about what you add, how much, and when:

1. Vegan butter: Not too much, not too little. Just enough to make the potatoes rich and creamy.
2. Plant-based milk: I use unsweetened almond or oat milk. It keeps them soft without making them runny.
3. Garlic and salt: The perfect balance to make them flavorful without overwhelming young taste buds.

Here’s my trick: whisk the butter, milk, garlic, and salt over low heat before adding to the potatoes. Then mash this mixture into the warm potatoes. This method spreads the flavor evenly and keeps the texture soft, creamy, and kid-approved. No clumps. No bland bites. Just perfectly fluffy potatoes every time.

Why Kids Love These Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy and smooth: The texture is just right for little hands and picky eaters.
• Mild, comforting flavor: Not too garlicky, not too salty — just comforting.
• Vegan, but indulgent: Kids don’t notice they’re dairy-free because they’re just that delicious.
• Customizable: Want to sneak in extra nutrition? Add pureed cauliflower or roasted garlic. Kids won’t even know!

Tips for Making a Kid-Friendly Batch

• Use starchy potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold work best for fluffiness.
• Mash gently: Over-mashing can make them gluey. You want soft, not gummy.
• Serve warm: Mashed potatoes cool fast, and kids are less likely to eat cold ones.
• Top with a little extra vegan butter: Because yes, butter makes everything better.

Meal Ideas That Kids Will Love

These mashed potatoes are perfect for:

• Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthday feasts)
• Weeknight dinners with vegan nuggets or chickenless patties
• Pairing with vegan gravy and roasted veggies
• Lunchbox leftovers — just reheat and serve

Final Thoughts

Perfect mashed potatoes aren’t just about peeling and boiling. They’re about flavor, texture, and the way you combine ingredients. My vegan version hits every note: creamy, flavorful, soft, and kid-approved.

Make a batch, watch your kids eat them happily, and maybe sneak in a few bites yourself. Trust me — these mashed potatoes are going to become a staple in your kitchen, no matter the season.

There are countless ways to eat mashed potatoes. Our favorite way to them is with Chickenless Patties. You can find that recipe here.

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