Skip to content

Out of gravy?

Gravy Substitute for Mashed Potatoes

Use this

Butter + Cream

2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream

Close matchBest for mashed potatoes

The best gravy substitutes for mashed potatoes are butter + cream (2 tbsp butter + 1/4 cup cream), sour cream (1/4 cup), or olive oil + herbs (2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs). Butter + cream provides the most similar richness.

At a glance

Every option on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Gravy substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of gravy, use
1Butter + Cream2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream
2Sour Cream¼ cup
3Olive Oil + Herbs2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs
4Cheese + Milk½ cup cheese + ¼ cup milk
5Yogurt + Herbs¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp herbs
6Cream Cheese + Milk2 tbsp cream cheese + ¼ cup milk

Every gravy substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Gravy

  1. 1. Butter + Cream

    Close match

    2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream

    Butter with cream is the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

  2. 2. Sour Cream

    Different taste

    ¼ cup

    Sour cream is an excellent gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

  3. 3. Olive Oil + Herbs

    Taste and texture differ

    2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs

    Olive oil with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

  4. 4. Cheese + Milk

    Different taste

    ½ cup cheese + ¼ cup milk

    Cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

  5. 5. Yogurt + Herbs

    Different taste

    ¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp herbs

    Yogurt with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

  6. 6. Cream Cheese + Milk

    Different taste

    2 tbsp cream cheese + ¼ cup milk

    Cream cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.

    What changes

    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.

This page covers one situation. For the full ranked comparison, see all 6 gravy substitutes.

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

  • 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

What's the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes?

Butter + cream (2 tbsp butter + 1/4 cup cream) is the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes. Sour cream (1/4 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 1/4 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 1/2 cup cheese with 1/4 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.

More gravy substitutes

Browse the full guide, or the 2,551 ingredients in the index.