Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Name: Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 lb potatoes (about 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes); 2 tablespoons plant-based butter; 1/4 cup plant milk; salt and pepper (to taste)

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How to Make Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave | Creamy vegan microwave mashed potatoes are easier than ever by making use of a microwave. Just pop some holes in the potatoes with a fork and microwave for about 10 minutes – easy, hands-off, and so customizable!

Potatoes are versatile, affordable, and nutritionally dense, making them a great plant-based basic ingredient.

Potatoes can be prepared in so many ways and are a great canvas for flavor. Make these microwave mashed potatoes and keep it simple with plant-based butter and milk or take it up a level with some roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or cheese.

What potatoes are best for mashing?

High-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are best for mashing because their light texture yield the fluffiest, smoothest texture when mashed. You can also use a mix of the two.

Ingredients

This is a brief overview of the ingredients used in this recipe followed by substitution ideas. Read the recipe card for measurements.

potatoes: I use Yukon Gold potatoes for mashed potatoes – they are a starchy potato with a smooth texture.
plant butter: I use this store brand plant butter.
plant milk: I like the unsweetened cashew or oat milk by Earth’s Own and Silk.
salt and pepper: for seasoning, don’t skip it

Substitutions

butter + milk: Use regular dairy if you consume it.
potatoes: try Russet potatoes instead or a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet.
add-ins: Add in fresh herbs, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, cheese or a vegan cheese replacement product, nutritional yeast, cream or a vegan cream replacement product.

Instructions

Prep Tips

Takes 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes
Appliance: Microwave
Measure butter and milk and any optional add-ins

These potatoes take 15 minutes or less from start to finish. Microwave the potatoes and then peel and mash!

Poke a bunch of holes in the potatoes using a fork so they don’t burst in the microwave.

Set the potatoes on a microwave safe plate.

Set the time for 5 minutes. Test the potatoes with a fork. A fork will easily slide into the potato when it’s cooked through. Small ones will be done. Larger potatoes will needed to be flipped and cook for another 5 minutes.

Peeling the skin off of potatoes with a fork.

Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes to make them easier to handle or just handle them carefully and quickly like I do. Use a fork to pull the skin off. You can also leave washed potatoes with the skin on.

Mash the potatoes. You can use a masher or a fork.

Add the plant butter and season with salt and pepper. Mash the butter into the potatoes. The potatoes should be hot and the butter should melt easily.

Add a splash or two of plant milk and mash it into the potatoes. Add more to your liking. More plant milk with loosen the potatoes and make them lighter.

Serve the mashed potatoes hot. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes

Potatoes are low in fat and high in fiber, potassium (more than a banana!), Vitamin C and other antioxidants, as well as magnesium. Potatoes are lower in calories than the same amount of rice or pasta.

Tips for Microwaving Whole Potatoes

poke holes: make sure to poke holes in your potatoes to let the steam escape while they cook. They can burst if you don’t and make a mess all over your microwave.
fork-tender: microwaved potatoes are done when the skin separates in spots from the potato and wrinkles and they are fork tender. This means you can slide a fork into the middle widest part of the potato with ease.
flavor ready: hot mashed potatoes are ready to soak up flavor like butter, cream or milk, yogurt or sour cream, cheese or fresh herbs. Get creative!
leftovers: potatoes make great leftovers. You can make double the amount and leave some whole in the fridge for another day. You could then reheat and mash them, or cube them and fry them with some onions and garlic for breakfast potatoes.

What to serve with Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can go with almost anything because they are so versatile and open to flavor options. Try them in a Loaded Potato Bowl, with easy Veggie Balls, under a ladle of gravy or with a variety of roasted vegetables like roasted jalapeños.

Storage

Store leftover mashed potatoes or whole microwaved potatoes in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat for a few minutes in the microwave.

FAQ

How long does it take to microwave whole potatoes?

Cooking whole potatoes in the microwave takes 5-10 minutes depending on the size and amount of potatoes.

Is it faster to boil or microwave potatoes?

Microwaving whole potatoes takes between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on size, while boiling potatoes takes about 20-25 minutes. When boiling potatoes, it takes about 5 minutes for the water to come to a boil and then 15-20 minutes for the potatoes to cook, depending on how big or small they are cut.

How do you mash potatoes?

You can mash potatoes with a typical potato masher or by using a simple dinner fork. Using a fork takes longer but still results in mashed potatoes. For super fluffy and smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer.