Out of Gravy, one case
Gravy substitute for mashed potatoes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butter + cream
2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream
The best gravy substitutes for mashed potatoes are butter + cream (2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream), sour cream (¼ cup), or olive oil + herbs (2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs). Butter + cream provides the most similar richness.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- mashed potatoes
One casethe full gravy card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gravy | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butter + creammashed potatoes | 2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup creamWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sour creammashed potatoes | ¼ cupTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Olive oil + herbsmashed potatoes | 2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbsYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Cheese + milkmashed potatoes | ½ cup cheese + ¼ cup milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Yogurt + herbsmashed potatoes | ¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp herbsTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Cream cheese + milkmashed potatoes | 2 tbsp cream cheese + ¼ cup milkTweak it | Tweak it |
Butter + cream
similar taste and texture
Butter with cream is the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides similar richness and creaminess without the need for gravy.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want richness, creamy texture, most applications
Mix butter and cream into mashed potatoes for richness and creaminess. This provides similar satisfaction to gravy without the need for a separate sauce.
Sour cream
different taste, similar texture
Sour cream is an excellent gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides tanginess and creaminess that complements the potatoes well.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want tanginess, creamy texture, convenience
Mix sour cream into mashed potatoes for tanginess and creaminess. This provides a different but satisfying flavor profile.
Olive oil + herbs
different taste and texture
Olive oil with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides richness and flavor without the heaviness of gravy.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want healthy option, herb flavor, light texture
Drizzle olive oil over mashed potatoes and sprinkle with herbs. This provides richness and flavor without the need for gravy.
Cheese + milk
different taste, similar texture
Cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides creaminess and flavor that complements the potatoes well.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want cheese flavor, creamy texture, richness
Mix cheese and milk into mashed potatoes for creaminess and flavor. This provides a satisfying alternative to gravy.
Yogurt + herbs
different taste, similar texture
Yogurt with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides tanginess and creaminess with added health benefits.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want healthy option, tanginess, creamy texture
Mix yogurt and herbs into mashed potatoes for tanginess and creaminess. This provides a healthy alternative to gravy.
Cream cheese + milk
different taste, similar texture
Cream cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. It provides creaminess and tanginess that complements the potatoes well.
- Best for
- mashed potatoes, when you want creaminess, tanginess, richness
Mix cream cheese and milk into mashed potatoes for creaminess and tanginess. This provides a satisfying alternative to gravy.
How it behaves in this recipe
Gravy is traditionally served with mashed potatoes to add moisture, richness, and flavor. When substituting, consider whether you want similar richness (butter + cream), tanginess (sour cream), or a healthier option (olive oil + herbs).
Tips for substituting gravy
7 tips- Gravy substitutes for mashed potatoes should provide richness and flavor
- Butter + cream provides the most similar satisfaction to gravy
- Sour cream adds tanginess that complements potatoes well
- Olive oil + herbs provides a healthy alternative
- Cheese + milk adds creaminess and flavor
- Yogurt + herbs provides tanginess with health benefits
- Cream cheese + milk adds creaminess and tanginess
Notes on gravy
- For a completely different approach, try using other sauces like hollandaise or béarnaise
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different substitutes for layered flavor
- For natural options, consider using pureed vegetables or roasted garlic
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes?
Butter + cream (2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream) is the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. Sour cream (¼ cup) provides tanginess, while olive oil + herbs (2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs) offers a healthy option.
Can I use sour cream instead of gravy on mashed potatoes?
Yes, sour cream is an excellent gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. Use ¼ cup and mix into the potatoes for tanginess and creaminess.
How do I make mashed potatoes without gravy?
Mix butter and cream into mashed potatoes for richness, or use sour cream for tanginess. You can also drizzle olive oil and sprinkle herbs for a healthy alternative.
What's the difference between gravy and butter on mashed potatoes?
Gravy is a sauce made from meat drippings and flour, while butter provides richness and flavor. Both add moisture and flavor to mashed potatoes.
Can I use cheese instead of gravy on mashed potatoes?
Yes, cheese is a good gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. Mix ½ cup cheese with ¼ cup milk for creaminess and flavor.
Why use gravy substitutes for mashed potatoes?
Gravy substitutes provide richness and flavor without the need for a separate sauce. They can be healthier, more convenient, or provide different flavor profiles.
Can I make mashed potatoes without any gravy substitute?
Yes, you can make mashed potatoes without any gravy substitute by using just butter, salt, and pepper. However, gravy substitutes add richness and flavor that many people enjoy.