Gravy Substitute for Mashed Potatoes
Butter + Cream
2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream
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
| # | Substitute | Instead of gravy, use | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butter + Cream | 2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream | Close match |
| 2 | Sour Cream | ¼ cup | Different taste |
| 3 | Olive Oil + Herbs | 2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs | Taste and texture differ |
| 4 | Cheese + Milk | ½ cup cheese + ¼ cup milk | Different taste |
| 5 | Yogurt + Herbs | ¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp herbs | Different taste |
| 6 | Cream Cheese + Milk | 2 tbsp cream cheese + ¼ cup milk | Different taste |
Every gravy substitute
Substitutes for Gravy
1. Butter + Cream
Close match2 tbsp butter + ¼ cup cream
Butter with cream is the best gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
2. Sour Cream
Different taste¼ cup
Sour cream is an excellent gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
3. Olive Oil + Herbs
Taste and texture differ2 tbsp oil + 1 tsp herbs
Olive oil with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
4. Cheese + Milk
Different taste½ cup cheese + ¼ cup milk
Cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
5. Yogurt + Herbs
Different taste¼ cup yogurt + 1 tsp herbs
Yogurt with herbs is a healthy gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
6. Cream Cheese + Milk
Different taste2 tbsp cream cheese + ¼ cup milk
Cream cheese with milk is a rich gravy substitute for mashed potatoes.
What changes
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