Substitute for Heavy Cream in Mashed Potatoes

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Don’t have heavy cream or realized you’re all out while you’re making mashed potatoes? Here are the best ways to substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes!

Substitute for Heavy Cream in Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes everybody knows the creamier the better. Heavy cream turns potatoes into the rich, creamy side dish that is loved by many. But, have you ever been about to mash those potatoes and realized you are out of cream, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit? 

I’ve shared how to find good replacements for milk in mashed potatoes, here, and below you’ll find some other ingredients that can be used to make mashed potatoes, but this time, these replacements are for heavy cream.

The below substitutes are close replacements in terms of taste and consistency, meaning that for most of the alternatives,  you can use the exact same amount of these ingredients as a substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes!

So, how do you actually substitute heavy cream in a mash recipe?

The best ways to substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes are with:

  • Whole milk and butter
  • Evaporated milk and butter
  • Cream cheese and butter
  • Half-and-half and butter
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Double cream
  • Crème Fraiche
  • Vegan butter and roasted garlic
  • Vegan butter, roasted garlic, and coconut milk

Let’s discuss each in more detail below where we share why they work as great alternatives in mashed potatoes and the conversion ratios for each.

Substitutes for Heavy Cream in Mashed Potatoes

Whole milk and Butter 

Whole milk and Butter 

Milk and butter are two of the most common ingredients in your fridge, so are an easy substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes.

Melt 1/3 of a cup of butter and mix it with ¾ of a cup of milk. The warm melted butter blends perfectly with potatoes to create a creamy mixture.

One cup of this mixture can be used to replace one cup of heavy cream, at a conversion rate of 1:1.

Evaporated milk and butter

evaporated milk and butter to substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes

A great alternative for heavy cream in mashed potatoes is a combination of evaporated milk and butter. Most people who make their mashed potatoes with evaporated milk use 1 cup of evaporated milk and ¼ cup of butter for every 2 pounds of potatoes. 

The evaporated milk is rich and adds a wonderful creaminess to your mash.

Cream cheese and butter

cream cheese + butter

Another great substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes is a combination of butter and cream cheese.

Ideally, use about 3 oz of cream cheese and about 1/3 cup of melted butter for every 2 pounds of potatoes called for in the mashed potato recipe. See how to make mashed potatoes without heavy cream by checking out this mashed potato recipe with cream cheese here.

Half-and-half and butter

half and half

If you have no heavy cream on hand, a combination of half-and-half and unsalted butter can also work for you. This alternative will add that nice creamy richness to your mash.

Ideally used 1/3 cup butter and 3/4 cups of half-and-half for every 2 pounds of potatoes a mashed potato recipe calls for. 

Sour Cream 

Sour Cream 

Sour cream is a flavorful substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes. It has a similar consistency to heavy cream and can add some creaminess. It also has a bit of a tang to it that adds an extra flavor to your mashed potatoes which can complement many dishes. 

Sour cream can be used in the same amount as heavy cream, at a conversion rate of 1:1. Also, read more about sour cream substitutes for mashed potatoes here. 

Crème Fraiche

Crème Fraiche is a lighter version of heavy cream that has fewer calories but is close in creaminess, taste, and consistency. It also has a tangy flavor to it, to add an extra element to your potatoes.

Use Crème Fraiche if you’re out of heavy cream, or if you’re looking for a low-calorie option.

Crème Fraiche can be used in the same amount as heavy cream, at a conversion rate of 1:1 to make delicious creme fraiche mashed potatoes.

 

Heavy whipping cream

Heavy whipping cream

Another adequate substitute for cream in mashed potatoes is heavy whipping cream. This ingredient is in fact the perfect heavy cream substitution for mashed potatoes because it is very similar to heavy cream. For mashed potatoes, use heavy whipping cream in the same way you would use heavy cream on a 1:1 ratio.

You can easily use heavy whipping cream in mashed potatoes because it is very similar to heavy cream. In fact, they’re pretty much the same thing besides the fact that heavy cream must contain at least 36% milk fat, whereas heavy whipping cream must contain between 30-30% milk fat. 

 

Double cream

double cream

Another great cream substitute for mashed potatoes is double cream. Double cream is mostly used in the UK and is basically a richer version of what is called heavy cream in the US. That is to say, double cream has 48% milk fat, while heavy cream has 36% milk fat. 

This means that double cream will make richer, creamier mashed potatoes, but it can be used as an excellent heavy cream substitute for mashed potatoes if you have some available.

If I were to use double cream in mashed potatoes, I’d start by using less double cream and then adjust until I get my desired results.

 

Vegan butter and roasted garlic

vegan butter and roasted garlic

For a vegan alternative to heavy cream for mashed potato recipes, use vegan butter and roasted garlic.

Also, use Yukon gold potatoes as they’re naturally more rich and creamy.

While there is no dairy in the version of mash, the results will be creamy and luxurious, with a delicious flavor. You have to try this if you’re vegan or dairy free.

Use 1/4 cup of vegan butter and 3-4 cloves of garlic for every 2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes called for in a recipe. 

Coconut milk, vegan butter, and roasted garlic

Coconut milk, vegan butter and roasted garlic

Yet another vegan substitute for heavy cream in mashed potatoes is a combination of coconut milk, vegan butter, and roasted garlic.

Consider using a 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of vegan butter, and 4-5 cloves of roasted garlic for every 2 pounds (1.1 kg) of potatoes.

Also, when it comes to vegan mash, herbs and spices like chives and black pepper will help enhance the flavor even more!

Final thoughts

There are many ways to replace heavy cream in a mashed potato recipe. Today, I’ve shared 10 of my favorite ways to do so. Hopefully, you find these heavy cream replacements for mashed potatoes useful too!

And, if you’re looking for more ways to replace heavy cream in your everyday recipes, check out how to substitute heavy cream in mac and cheese, how to replace heavy cream in caramel sauce, alternatives for heavy cream in Alfredo sauce, substitutes for heavy cream in soups, as well as substitutes for heavy cream in pasta.

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