Creamy mash potato is a totally comforting side dish. But why not give it a nutrition boost by using a mixture of root vegetables, rather than just potatoes? Anything goes with this Vegetable Mash and not only does it add lot of extra vitamins, but flavour and colour too. A great addition to any roast dinner!
We are always looking for more ways to get vegetables into our diet and this vegetable mash is a really easy way. It's like a classic mashed potato dish, but with 5 other vegetables mixed in. Still all that creamy and comforting flavour, but with a nutrition boost.
If your kids aren't huge vegetable fans, then this is a great way for them to enjoy them more. Everyone loves creamy mash, right?! You honestly can't taste the difference, especially when it is loaded with sausages and gravy.
If you are looking for some other mash recipes, then why not try our Mustard Mash, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Carrot and Swede Mash, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, or Microwave Mashed Potato?
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Why You Will Love It
- A good way to boost your vegetable intake
- Low in fat
- 100 calories per portion
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Pretty much anything goes when it comes to this vegetable mash, but we used a mixture of white potatoes, carrot, butternut squash, parsnip, swede and sweet potato. You could add some softer vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli, but I think root vegetables are best.
Using carrots in this vegetable mash makes it nice and sweet, and adds plenty of colour too. We went one step further and used butternut squash and sweet potato for even more sweetness and some extra orange colour too.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How to Make Vegetable Mash - Step by Step
- Step 1: Add the cubes of vegetables to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the vegetables and put them in a bowl.
- Step 3: Mash until desired consistency.
- Step 4: Stir in the milk and cream cheese, if using, and serve.
How to Make Creamy Mash
Mash has to be creamy in my opinion. I don't like lumps in it, so I like it nice and smooth with a creamy consistency. We do this by adding a little bit of milk and herb creamy cheese after the vegetables have been mashed.
You can use grated cheddar, or a plain cream cheese, but I think a herb cream cheese adds lots of extra flavour.
How to Use this Mash
We serve it with sausages, chicken, any kind of roast meat on a Sunday. However, this creamy vegetable mash makes a great topping for shepherd's pie or cottage pie. A traditional comfort food dish that you can give a little vegetable boost to.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to use a mixture of vegetables, and you could even add some broccoli and cauliflower too.
- You don't have to make this mash creamy, but a little bit of milk and some cream cheese make it extra creamy and comforting.
- You can cook this on the hob, but it also cooks well in the microwave.
- If you are going to freeze the mash, make sure it has plenty of fat added to it otherwise it won't freeze successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recipe below is for mash made on the hob, but we often make it in the microwave too. What is the advantage of making it in the microwave? It takes less time, and it saves space on the hob which is essential when you are cooking for a big crowd.
To make it in the microwave, just add all the vegetables to a microwavable bowl, cover and then cook for 8 minutes. Then mash and continue to follow the instructions below.
Yes, you can can freeze this side dish and it would save you even more time when you are making a roast dinner. To freeze, wait until the mash has cooled down and then add big scoops on to a lined baking tray (so you have several mounds of mash) and then put in the freezer.
Once they are frozen, you can put them in a freezer bag and back in the freezer, and then take out a lump as and when you need it.
You can reheat it on the hob, in the oven or in the microwave. The key to successfully freezing mashed potato is to make sure it has plenty of fat in it, so make sure to add milk, butter and cheese.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you’ve tried this root vegetable mash recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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Recipe
Vegetable Mash
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cups) Potato - peeled and cubed
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Carrot - peeled and cubed
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Butternut squash - peeled and cubed
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Parsnips - peeled and cubed
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Swede (rutabaga) - peeled and cubed
- 100 g (0.75 cups) Sweet potato - peeled and cubed
- Milk and cream cheese - optional
Instructions
- Add the cubes of vegetables to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables and put them in a bowl and mash until desired consistency.
- Stir in the milk and cream cheese, if using, and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Feel free to use a mixture of vegetables, and you could even add some broccoli and cauliflower too.
- You don't have to make this mash creamy, but a little bit of milk and some cream cheese make it extra creamy and comforting.
- You can cook this on the hob, but it also cooks well in the microwave.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I love the look of this! I like sweet potato mash, but I've never tried adding in more veg; it's a great way to get kids to eat veg too... and me, I'm a salad dodger haha!
Meghna says
I love this vegetable mash. It looks delicious and can be a perfect healthy candidate for any meal.
Danielle Wolter says
OMG this is such a great idea! like a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes and i love it! def going to be trying this soon.
Maya says
This would make a great dinner side with some chicken or turkey! I think I will try it this Sunday, thanks for the great idea!
Chantal says
Love this! Colorful food is way more fun anyway. Bet this would be killer on top of Shepards pie
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
I love that you can freeze this and rehear it for a quick side with dinner!
Matt Ivan says
I’ve only ever done mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash. Curious to try it with the extra veggies!
Anita says
I actually had to look it up what a swede is, and it turns out it's the same as rutabaga, haha. Your root vegetables mash looks delicious and I'm sure so much healthier compared to the usual mashed potato. Will definitely try this the next time I prepare my usual mash.
Suzy says
I love that anyone of all ages can enjoy this side!
Jessica Formicola says
It's so hard for me to get my kids to eat veggies - I can't wait to try this! I bet they'd love it!
Michele says
Thanks for the tips on adding the cream cheese and freezing the mash! I never thought of using a baking sheet- brilliant!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
Easy and healthy side dish for every day!
Gloria says
What a GREAT idea. I love all these root vegetables. Mashing them all together is such a great way to enjoy them all at once.
Veena Azmanov says
This is such a healthy mash. Love the vegetable used to making this delicious mash. Looks tasty.
Noelle says
What a great way to enjoy getting your veggies in! I bet my little ones would like this recipe without even knowing how healthy it is, thank you:)