Mustard mashed potatoes (vegan & gluten-free)

Mustard mashed potatoes give added tang to everyone’s favorite side dish. They go beautifully with vegan sausages or bratwurst. Add them to your holiday dinner for a unique twist on the usual. 

Over the last several months, I’ve been watching a lot of calming, low stress television. I’m especially drawn to things that aren’t attached to current events, and can allow me to escape for a while.

Chef Mary Berry has been making many appearances in our living room. She used to be a judge on The Great British Bake Off. Now she’s judging savory options on Britain’s Best Home Cook.

On one of the episodes of the latter, a number of the cooks were making “mustard mash.” I’d never heard of such a thing!

It’s exactly what you’d expect from the name. In addition to the usual ingredients in mashed potatoes, you add a generous squeeze of mustard.

What a genius idea!

We already know from potato salad that mustard and spuds go very well together.

But then also think about other things that can be served with either mustard or potatoes – like vegan bratwurst and seitan sausages.

If I was having one as a sandwich, I’d add a drizzle of mustard to the bun. But when I serve them with potatoes, poor mustard usually has to hang out in the refrigerator door. Not any longer!

Plus, mustard mashed potatoes have enough specific flavor all on their own, no gravy is necessary.

Since I started adding mustard to my vegan mashed potatoes, I’ve played with the amounts. First I started small, just to see how much I might like it. But then I started getting more generous. After all, if you’re going to call it mustard mash, you should really be able to pick it out.

And if you’re serving the potatoes with other strongly flavored things like vegan bratwurst and sauerkraut, it needs to be able to stand up to those ingredients.

What kind of mustard should I use?

I recommend stoneground mustard. It has more bite than standard yellow mustard. I also love seeing the mustard seeds dotting the potatoes, like vanilla bean dotting non-dairy ice cream.

If you like stronger, nose-clearing Dijon, I recommend starting with a smaller amount, or doing a blend of stoneground with Dijon.

Should I peel the potatoes?

It’s your call!

If you like the added texture and nutrients of the peel, and the flecks in the finished dish, keep the peels on. It saves a step, which is especially convenient if you’re making a double batch.

I tend to leave the peels on. And that’s what’s shown in all of the pictures in this post.

However, if you prefer bright white potatoes that are entirely smooth, peel them first. (If that’s what you decide to do, air fry the peels for a crispy snack!)

How to make mustard mashed potatoes

Here’s what you will need.

Start by cutting Russet potatoes into even, medium-sized pieces.

Put the chopped potatoes into a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a low boil, and cook until the potatoes are tender.

Drain the potatoes in a colander.

Then put them into a mixing bowl.

Use an electric beater, handheld potato masher, or fork to mash them and get out most of the lumps.

Then add stoneground mustard, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating the potatoes until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed in, and the potatoes are soft and pillowy.

Then you can adjust according to your preferences. Whip in more non-dairy milk for thinner potatoes, more vegan butter for richer potatoes, and more salt, to taste.

Make it your own

You can make these mustard mashed potatoes your own by varying the ingredients and amounts.

• Use a different potato like Yukon gold for a dense, creamy consistency
• Vary the mustard or do a mix of stoneground with Dijon
• Include some herbs and seasonings like granulated onion, granulated garlic, and dried parsley (I recommend ½ teaspoon each) or finish with several dashes of Penzey’s Fox Point seasoning
• For even richer potatoes, whip in vegan cream cheese (I especially like Miyoko’s)

How to avoid gluey potatoes

Potatoes are starchy. Depending on the implement you use to mash them, it can over activate that starch, and make the potatoes gluey or gummy in consistency.

To avoid that, use an electric beater, handheld masher, or potato ricer. Even a fork will work.

Gluey potatoes are a product of too vigorous of mashing. That’s why you’ll want to avoid using the food processor, stand blender, or immersion blender.

I love my immersion blender. And truth be told, I still use it for mashed potatoes sometimes because it’s so convenient. However, it can easily overwork the potatoes with unappealing results. So if you want to be sure to avoid that, go for one of the other methods mentioned above instead.

What to serve with it

My favorite way to enjoy mustard mashed potatoes is alongside vegan bratwurst with beer, onions, and sauerkraut. They all play together so beautifully.

Here are some other ideas:

• Serve them with browned vegan sausages, chili dog, or Field Roast Celebration Roast
• Have them as a side with a vegan chicken salad sandwich, jackfruit reuben, Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, or vegan Philly cheesesteak
• Put them on your holiday table along with these vegan Thanksgiving recipes

How to store & reheat them

Mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator in a covered container for 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, take off the cover, and microwave until warm. Remember to stop and stir them once halfway through for even reheating.

If the potatoes have thickened or gotten dry, stir in a splash of non-dairy milk and vegan butter until smooth and creamy.

If you’d prefer to reheat on the stove, put them into a pot, along with a couple splashes of non-dairy milk. Reheat on a medium heat, and stir often, so that it doesn’t stick to the pot.

Can you freeze them?

Yes!

Pop them into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the refrigerator. Then reheat using the directions above.