Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, and Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes have become a staple on our table every year. There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about digging into a big pile of fluffy, golden-brown potatoes, topped with creamy, savory goodness. Growing up, my mom would spend hours in the kitchen, perfecting her famous mashed potatoes recipe. But as I got older and became more conscious of my diet, I knew I had to find a way to recreate that Thanksgiving magic without the dairy and animal products.
That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. These potatoes are just as indulgent and flavorful as the traditional version, but with a fraction of the guilt. Plus, they’re so easy to make, and they always steal the show at our Thanksgiving feast.
Why This Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
The secret to these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes is in the technique. Instead of simply mashing the potatoes, you’ll be gently smashing them, creating a delightfully textured dish that’s both creamy and chunky. The key is to strike the perfect balance between fluffy and crispy, and that’s exactly what this recipe delivers.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have a naturally creamy texture that’s perfect for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes.
- Unsweetened almond milk: This dairy-free milk adds a rich, creamy element to the potatoes without the heaviness of traditional dairy.
- Vegan butter: For that irresistible buttery flavor without the animal products.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Fresh chives: A sprinkle of finely chopped chives brings a pop of color and a hint of onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season the Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes to perfection.
Step-by-Step Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are a breeze to make, and the end result is absolutely worth the effort. The total prep and cooking time is around 45 minutes, and you’ll need a large pot, a potato masher or fork, and a baking sheet.
1- Start by peeling and cutting the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
2- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the potato cubes and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3- Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot for a minute or two, to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
4- Grab your potato masher or a sturdy fork and gently smash the potatoes, leaving some nice, chunky pieces throughout.
5- Add the unsweetened almond milk, vegan butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and continue to mash and stir until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy.
6- Transfer the Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes to a baking sheet, spread them out, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes is to not overmash them. You want to maintain a nice, rustic texture, with some chunky pieces throughout. Additionally, be sure to let the potatoes dry out a bit before adding the dairy-free milk and butter, as this will help them get that irresistible crispy top.
Serving and Storing Your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, perfect for any festive gathering. Serve them alongside your favorite vegan roast, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a truly memorable Thanksgiving feast. They also make a delightful accompaniment to grilled vegetables, roasted mushrooms, or a fresh green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the edges.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
Creative Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Variations
Get creative with your Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes by adding a variety of delicious toppings. Try sprinkling them with crispy fried onions, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of vegan gravy for a heartier dish. You could also mix in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or freshly chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Making Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes Diet-Friendly
To make these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes gluten-free, simply ensure that the vegan butter and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. For a low-carb version, you can swap out some of the potatoes for steamed cauliflower florets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato for Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes?
A: While Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for their creamy texture, you can certainly use other types of potatoes, like russet or red-skinned. Just keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
Q: How can I make my Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes even crispier?
A: To get an extra-crispy top, try broiling the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, or even adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or panko before baking.
Q: Can I make Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These potatoes are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them up to 3 days in advance, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How much should I make for a crowd?
A: As a general rule, plan for about 1/2 pound of potatoes per person. This recipe serves 4-6 people, but you can easily scale it up to feed a larger crowd.
Q: What if my Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes come out too wet?
A: If your potatoes seem too wet or soft, simply bake them for a few extra minutes to help evaporate any excess moisture. You can also try adding a bit more vegan butter or milk to help firm them up.
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the savory, buttery goodness of these Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes – a delicious and effortless side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these smashed potatoes are loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. – Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. – Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, gently smash the potatoes, leaving some chunks.
4. – In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the seasoned oil over the smashed potatoes and gently toss to coat.
5. – Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
– For extra crispy potatoes, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
– Try different herb and spice combinations to customize the flavor.
– Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Vegan Thanksgiving-Style Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that will have your guests raving. With their perfectly crispy edges, fluffy interior, and rich, savory flavors, these potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite. So why not give this easy, plant-based recipe a try this Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a comforting, indulgent potato dish? I promise, it won’t disappoint!