Creamy Mashed Root Vegetables

These creamy Mashed Root Vegetables make for a simple, delicious, and unique side dish to serve with any fall meal.  This recipe is hearty, healthy, and pairs well with just about anything.

We’ve kept things pretty plain-Jane in this recipe, but feel free to add other flavors like garlic, fresh thyme, grated horseradish, sour cream, and chopped chives. And if you’re looking for mashed potato recipes, we’ve got you covered with these Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Gruyere Mashed Potatoes, and these easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.

Root Vegetable Mash

Mashed potatoes will, of course, always hold a special place in our hearts.  But there is also something so appealing about the earthy flavors of root vegetables, which got us thinking that perhaps we could give them a chance to join the party.

This recipe for mashed root vegetables a great alternative to mashed potatoes. It is made just like mashed potatoes, with the addition of other root vegetables and whatever other seasonings you’d like.  We’ve given you our suggestions for the best mashed vegetables and flavorings to use, but this is by no means an exhaustive list!

If you like your root vegetable mash a little on the chunkier side, simply don’t mash as much.  However, if you like yours extra creamy, we suggest mashing a little further and adding a little extra butter and half and half or cream.  

If you’re wondering what to make with these mashed veggies, be sure to try our Oven Baked BBQ Chicken, Simple Chicken Breast, Honey Mustard Chicken, or some of our favorites such as Turkey, Crockpot Rump Roast, or Kalua Pork.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Root Vegetables – any combination of potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, rutabaga, carrots, parsnips, beets or celery root.
• Butter – you can use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe, or even olive or avocado oil if you want to be a little healthier.  You’ll need some for mashing into the veggies and some for a garnish.
• Half and Half – you can also use milk or heavy cream.
• Salt – we like to use sea salt.
• Parsley – this is an optional garnish.
• Garlic Powder– You can play around with this a little. We like to add about a 1/2 teaspoon of ground garlic powder for yet another layer of flavor.

How to Make Mashed Root Vegetables

1. Wash and peel the vegetables and cut into 1″ cubes. 
2. Place the vegetables in a large pot, add 2 teaspoons of salt and cover with hot water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender and no longer stick to a fork when poked.
4. Once cooked, drain the water then return vegetables to the pot.  Add in the butter, half and half and about 1 teaspoon of salt (more or less, to taste) and garlic powder (if desired)
5. Mash potatoes with a potato masher or potato ricer, getting out all of the largest chunks and mashing as chunky or smooth as you like.  (Note: you may also use a standing mixer with the whisk attachment, but just be sure not to overmix or it will get gummy.)
6. Scoop the mashed vegetables into a serving dish and finish with a pat of butter and chopped parsley.  Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: store in an airtight container or freezer bags in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Make-ahead: to make ahead just boil, mix, and mash your potatoes as directed, but don’t add quite all of the butter.  Let them cool to room temp, and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
• To reheat: you can transfer to a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave. Or, add a touch of milk and reheat slowly over medium heat on the stovetop. You can also warm in a preheated oven.

More Holiday Side Dishes

• Oven Brussels Sprouts
• Acorn Squash Soup
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Ham and Cheddar Cheeseball
• Best Stuffing Recipe
• Oven Turkey Breast
• Chocolate Cheesecake

More of the best mashed potato recipes

• Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
• Gruyere Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
• Holiday Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes Casserole
• Cheesy Holiday Potatoes
• Best Potato Recipes
• More Holiday Recipes
• All of our Potato Recipes
• More Side Dish Ideas

This Mashed Root Vegetables side dish is hearty, healthy and pairs well with just about anything.  Any mashed potato lover is sure to enjoy this delicious fall favorite.