Potatoes aren’t the only game in town when it comes to creamy mashed sides. Sure, they’re a classic, but there are plenty of other veggies that deserve a spot on your plate. From smooth cauliflower to sweet butternut squash, these alternatives bring just as much comfort without the same old routine.

A bowl of hummus garnished with olive oil, roasted garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. The smooth texture is enhanced by a sprinkle of black pepper, set on a blue wooden surface.
Photo credit: Bites with Bri.
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Creamy Mashed Yuca

Creamy mashed yuca with melted ghee.
Creamy Mashed Yuca. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smooth and creamy, this mashed yuca is a great way to switch things up. Perfect when you’re looking for a comforting, starchy side without the potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Yuca

Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Creamy pumpkin cauliflower mash topped with savory granola and sage leaves in a white baking dish.
Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Combining cauliflower with pumpkin and mascarpone, this mash brings a touch of sweetness and richness. Topped with granola and pecans, it’s a creative take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy and hearty, this mashed rutabaga pairs beautifully with garlic herb butter. An inexpensive side that brings robust flavor without the usual carbs.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Parsnip Puree

Parsnip Puree. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy, with roasted garlic and butter, this parsnip puree brings a smooth, rich side to your plate. A great option for holidays or any dinner where you need a comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Puree

Creamy Mashed Turnips

Creamy Mashed Turnips. Photo credit: From A Chef’s Kitchen.

Creamy and smooth, this mashed turnip dish will make you see this veggie in a whole new light. Rosemary and garlic add just the right amount of flavor, turning a simple root into something great.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Turnips

Mashed Butternut Squash

Mashed Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Flavor the Moments.

This mashed butternut squash is smooth, velvety, and loaded with savory garlic and fresh chives. With just four ingredients, it’s a perfect side you can whip up in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Butternut Squash

White Bean Butternut Squash Mash

White Bean Butternut Squash Mash. Photo credit: Veggie Inspired.

Sweet butternut squash and savory white beans team up for a creamy, colorful mash that’s great for Thanksgiving or a busy weeknight. Easy to make and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Butternut Squash Mash

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Pass Me Some Tasty.

Creamy, garlicky, and ready in 25 minutes, this mashed cauliflower brings out all the great flavors you want in a side without the need for potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Easy Carrot And Swede Mash

Easy Carrot And Swede Mash. Photo credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

Vibrant and easy to make, this carrot and swede mash uses just four ingredients. It’s a budget-friendly side that pairs well with roasts, meats, and vegetarian dishes alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Carrot And Swede Mash

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Creamy cauliflower, blended with sour cream, Parmesan, garlic, and butter, offers a smooth side that’s lighter than traditional mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Healthier Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash

Healthier Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

Let your slow cooker do the work with this mashed butternut squash. It’s an easy, colorful side that fits perfectly into holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash

Butter Bean Mash

Butter Bean Mash. Photo credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

Quick to prepare, this butter bean mash is creamy and mild, with hints of rosemary, garlic, and Parmesan. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, making it a simple, flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Mash

Creamiest Healthy Mashed Cauliflower

Creamiest Healthy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: My Chef’s Apron.

This version skips boiling or roasting and gets straight to creamy with a food processor and a quick sauté. A simple, straightforward way to make a smooth cauliflower mash.
Get the Recipe: Creamiest Healthy Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe. Photo credit: Masala Herb.

This savory mashed sweet potato is vibrant and easy to prepare, whether you use a blender or mash by hand. It’s a versatile side that works with various main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Light-as-Air Sweet Potato Soufflé

Light-as-Air Sweet Potato Soufflé. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

Fluffy and light, this sweet potato soufflé gets its airy texture from whipped egg whites. A touch of maple, fresh orange, and crunchy pecans give it a bit of flair for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Light-as-Air Sweet Potato Soufflé

Roasted Mashed Cauliflower

Roasted Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Bites with Bri.

Creamy, rich, and smooth, this roasted cauliflower mash features garlic, sour cream, and Parmesan. A low-carb option without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mashed Cauliflower

Pumpkin Mash with Cinnamon

Pumpkin Mash with Cinnamon. Photo credit: Bite On the Side.

Simple and quick, this pumpkin mash brings a touch of sweet and savory with cinnamon. Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, it’s a great fall-inspired side.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mash with Cinnamon

Celery Root Mash

Celery Root Mash. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Creamy celery root mash has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well as a potato alternative. Easy to make in one pot, it’s a fitting choice for both holidays and casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Celery Root Mash

Creamy Mashed Broccoli and Cauliflower

Creamy Mashed Broccoli and Cauliflower. Photo credit: I Hacked Diabetes.

Fresh broccoli and cauliflower come together with butter, cream, and herbs for a creamy side. Simple to make, this mash brings a flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Broccoli and Cauliflower

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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