Gluten-Free Mashed Potatoes

Gluten-free mashed potatoes are a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish made with simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients. With creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, warm milk, and a touch of garlic, this recipe delivers rich, fluffy mashed potatoes perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

This recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes for a rich, buttery texture, plus garlic, warmed milk or cream, and plenty of butter for a silky finish. It also includes easy swaps to keep the recipe dairy-free if needed, while remaining gluten-free.

Why you’ll love this gluten-free mashed potatoes recipe

Naturally gluten-free ingredients: This recipe sticks to whole-food basics, potatoes, milk or cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, so there are no flours or thickeners to worry about.

Ultra creamy, not gluey: Using Yukon Gold potatoes, warming the dairy, and drying the potatoes briefly after boiling helps you get fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that aren’t gummy.

Flexible for different diets: You can easily swap in dairy-free milk and butter to make the recipe dairy-free while still keeping it gluten-free.

Perfect for holidays and weeknights: The ingredient list is simple, the method is straightforward, and the flavor works with turkey, chicken, beef, or a vegetarian main.

Recipe ingredients

For this batch of gluten-free mashed potatoes, you’ll need:

• Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• Garlic, minced
• Salt, divided
• Whole milk or heavy cream, warmed (or dairy-free milk of choice, warmed)
• Unsalted butter, at room temperature (or dairy-free butter)
• Ground black pepper
• Minced chives, optional for garnish

Ingredient notes and gluten-free tips

• Potatoes: All fresh potatoes are naturally gluten-free. Yukon Golds create a rich, naturally “buttery” flavor and creamy texture without needing extra mix-ins.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is naturally gluten-free; avoid jarred garlic if the brand uses questionable additives, and always check labels if you’re highly sensitive.
• Salt and pepper: Pure salt and plain black pepper are naturally gluten-free; just be cautious with mixed seasoning blends that may contain anti-caking agents or added flavorings.
• Milk or cream: Dairy milk and cream are naturally gluten-free. For dairy-free, choose an unsweetened, gluten-free-labeled plant milk (like almond, cashew, oat, or soy) and avoid flavored or sweetened varieties.
• Butter: Butter itself is gluten-free. If you use dairy-free butter, check the package to be sure it’s certified gluten-free and processed in a gluten-free facility.
• Chives: Fresh herbs are naturally gluten-free and add a bright, fresh finish.

How to make gluten-free mashed potatoes step by step

Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 2‑inch chunks so they cook evenly.

Add the potatoes to a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with cold water by about an inch. Stir in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of the salt.

Bring the pot up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well, return the potatoes to the pot, and set over low heat for a few minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.

Mash the potatoes in the warm pot with a potato masher or sturdy wooden spoon until mostly smooth; a few small lumps are fine.

Pour in the warmed milk or cream, add the butter, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper, then stir just until the butter has melted and everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Spoon into a serving dish and finish with minced chives, if using, before serving.

Gluten-Free Mashed Potatoes FAQs

Are mashed potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, homemade mashed potatoes are gluten-free as long as you use naturally gluten-free ingredients like potatoes, milk or cream, butter, salt, and pepper, and avoid any flour-based gravy or seasoning mixes.

Which instant mashed potatoes are gluten-free?
Look for instant mashed potatoes that are clearly labeled gluten-free and avoid varieties with wheat, barley, rye, or “contains wheat” in the ingredient or allergen statement.

Are all Idahoan mashed potatoes gluten-free?
Many Idahoan products are gluten-free, but not every flavor is guaranteed, so always choose packages that specifically list “gluten-free” on the label.

Are potatoes with butter gluten-free?
Yes, plain potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper are gluten-free as long as the butter and any seasonings are not contaminated with crumbs or gluten-containing ingredients.

Serving suggestions

Gluten-free mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many mains and sides for everyday dinners and holiday spreads. Here are some gluten-free serving ideas:

With roasted meats: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, or beef roast with a gluten-free gravy made from pan drippings and cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

With gluten-free meatloaf or meatballs: Use certified gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs in your meatloaf or meatballs to keep the whole plate gluten-free.

For a vegetarian plate: Pair your mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, and a lentil or mushroom dish, making sure any sauces or stocks are gluten-free.

As a shepherd’s pie topping: Use this mashed potato recipe as the topping for a gluten-free shepherd’s pie, thickening the filling with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

With simple toppings: Finish with extra chives, sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of garlic-infused oil for a simple but elevated touch.

More gluten-free recipes to make ASAP!

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Recipe
• Gluten-Free Perogies
• Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas
• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup

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