These are classic creamy mashed potatoes with a gentle smokiness, as if they'd been cooked over a fire. You don't need a smoker: smoked salt and smoked paprika do the job, with a drop of liquid smoke if you want it stronger.
They're a good side for a holiday dinner, especially next to a mushroom gravy, and they make an excellent shepherd's pie topping.
The original Princess Tofu blog published a smoked mashed potatoes recipe back in 2013, and food sites still link to it. This is our own fully vegan version, written from scratch.
Ingredient notes and swaps
- Smoked salt: smoked paprika alone gives a gentle smoky flavor.
- Oat milk: any unsweetened plant milk.
Tips for success
- Warm the milk and butter before mashing.
- Don't use a blender; it makes potatoes gluey.
Variations
- Garlic: roast a bulb of garlic and mash it in.
- Loaded: top with vegan bacon bits and chives.
Recipe
Smoky Mashed Potatoes
Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
MakesServes 6 as a side
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2⅔ lb) floury potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 tbsp vegan butter
- 150 to 200 ml (⅔ to ¾ cup) warm oat milk
- 1 tsp smoked sea salt, or ½ tsp regular salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, plus extra to serve
- A few drops of liquid smoke (optional)
- Black pepper
- Chopped chives, to serve
Method
- Put the potatoes and garlic in a pan of cold salted water, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender.
- Drain well and leave in the colander for 2 minutes to steam dry.
- Return to the pan and mash or rice with the vegan butter.
- Beat in the warm oat milk a little at a time until creamy.
- Stir in the smoked salt and smoked paprika, and liquid smoke a drop at a time if using. Season with pepper.
- Serve with chives, a pinch of smoked paprika and more butter.
Notes
Smoothest mash: use a potato ricer and warm the milk first.
Smoked salt is also good on roast vegetables and avocado toast.
FAQ
What is liquid smoke?
A seasoning made by condensing wood smoke into water. A few drops go a long way.
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead?
Yes. Reheat in a pan with extra warm milk.
How do you make mashed potatoes taste smoky?
Smoked salt and smoked paprika give a gentle smoky flavor. For more, add liquid smoke a drop at a time.
What are the best potatoes for mash?
Floury potatoes such as Rooster, Maris Piper, King Edward or russet. Waxy potatoes turn gluey.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make it up to 2 days ahead and reheat with an extra splash of warm oat milk.