These creamy mashed potatoes with cottage cheese are buttery and perfectly seasoned. Cottage cheese adds extra protein to these fluffy potatoes so they are perfect for adults and kids alike! Whether preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, cottage cheese mashed potatoes is a crowd-pleaser.
A fluffy bowl of potato goodness for you. 😋
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COTTAGE CHEESE MASHED POTATOES
Let me help you "up" your mashed potatoes game this Thanksgiving with a nutritious twist—whipped cottage cheese!
If you’ve been using sour cream in your mashed potatoes, let me introduce you to your new go-to: mashed potatoes with cottage cheese.
This swap adds a creamy, flavorful boost, and it’s packed with extra protein too! It's delicious served with sauces, gravy or stews.
The secret lies in blending the cottage cheese until it's silky smooth. Instead of the usual dairy suspects, mashed potatoes cottage cheese style gives you that rich, tangy flavor with a lighter, whipped consistency.
It’s a super easy way to upgrade your traditional mashed potatoes while keeping things nutritious and delicious.
Imagine your Thanksgiving spread—fluffy potatoes, but healthier.
No one will ever guess they’re made with whipped cottage cheese instead of sour cream!
❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS.
- A boost of protein: Cottage cheese is a rich source of high-quality protein giving these potoates a protein punch. 👊🏽
- Simple + straightforward: This recipe is SO easy to make and uses simple ingredients. It's hard to get it wrong.
- Great for a holiday recipe such as Christmas or Thanksgiving or just an easy mid-week dinner.
🥔 IS COTTAGE CHEESE GOOD IN MASHED POTATO?
Cottage cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to mashed potatoes. You're also incorporating an extra protein dose, which can benefit those looking to increase their protein intake.
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
POTATOES: use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for a fluffier texture.
COTTAGE CHEESE: cottage cheese needs to be blended to make it smooth.
BUTTER: butter or olive oil
WHOLE MILK: milk of choice such as regular, almond, soy, or oat milk, if vegan
SALT AND PEPPER: to taste
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
Blend the Cottage Cheese: Before starting the potatoes, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Boil the Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a large pot (you can peel them or leave the skin on). Cover with cold water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft and fall apart when poked with a fork.
Drain the potatoes: return them to the pot, and place the pot back on low heat to let any excess water evaporate for about 1 minutes. Remove from heat and cover with a lid to keep warm.
Melt the Butter and Heat the Milk: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter and warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat (or microwave them together until the butter is fully melted and the milk is warm). Set aside.
Mash the Potatoes: Mash the hot potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.
Add Melted Butter and Milk: Pour the melted butter and warm milk over the mashed potatoes. Stir to combine until the potatoes absorb the liquid.
Fold in the Blended Cottage Cheese: Gently fold the blended cottage cheese into the mashed potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Consistency & Season: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add more milk to reach your desired creaminess.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Garnish: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while the mashed potatoes are still warm and creamy.
📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold.
Adjust Consistency: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add it gradually to avoid over-thinning.
Season Well: Potatoes absorb flavors differently, so taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Consider adding garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
Mash, Don't Blend: Avoid Using a Hand-Held Beater or stand mixer because they can overwork the potatoes, making them gluey and dense instead of light and fluffy. Mashing by hand keeps the texture smooth and creamy. If you have the time and patience, you can push the potatoes through a sieve for an ultra-smooth texture—though fair warning, it might feel like it takes forever!!
❓FAQS
Yes, you can use any cottage cheese based on your preference. Some may prefer small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture, while others might enjoy the added texture of large-curd cottage cheese.
If your mashed potatoes are too thin, you can thicken them by adding more mashed potatoes or by placing them on low heat and stirring to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of instant potato flakes.
Absolutely! Mashed potatoes with cottage cheese are versatile. Consider adding roasted garlic, herbs, grated cheese, or even a splash of sour cream to customize the flavor to your liking.
Cottage cheese mashed potatoes pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted or grilled meats (such as chicken or steak), sautéed vegetables, and hearty stews.
I would sauté two minced garlic cloves with the butter until soft and tender, then add to the milk mixture.
Make-ahead, Storage, and reheating
MAKE-AHEAD: You can make mashed potatoes two days ahead of time.
STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
REHEATING: *Pro Tip- Make extra milk and butter (about ¼ cup milk and 3 tablespoons of butter melted) and slowly add it to the mashed potatoes as you reheat.
Reheat on the stovetop on medium to low heat until hot. Make sure to stir as the mashed potatoes will burn.
Reheat in the microwave on 75 % power, stirring every 2 minutes until hot.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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CREAMY MASHED POTATOES WITH COTTAGE CHEESE
- Total Time: 5 Min Prep + 20 min Cook Time = 25 min Total Time
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These creamy mashed potatoes with cottage cheese are buttery and perfectly seasoned. Cottage cheese adds extra protein to these fluffy potatoes so they are perfect for adults and kids alike! Whether preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, cottage cheese mashed potatoes is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
5 pounds (about 2 kg's) of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are best)
2 teaspoons salt (to add to the water)
7 tablespoons butter
1 cup (250 ml) milk
4 ounces cottage cheese
To garnish
chopped fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or basil.
Instructions
1. Blend the Cottage Cheese: Before starting the potatoes, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a large pot (you can peel them or leave the skin on). Cover with cold water and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft and fall apart when poked with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes: return them to the pot, and place the pot back on low heat to let any excess water evaporate for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and cover with a lid to keep warm.
4. Melt the Butter and Heat the Milk: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter and warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat (or microwave them together until the butter is fully melted and the milk is warm). Set aside.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Mash the hot potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.
6. Add Melted Butter and Milk: Pour the melted butter and warm milk over the mashed potatoes. Stir to combine until the potatoes absorb the liquid.
7. Fold in the Blended Cottage Cheese: Gently fold the blended cottage cheese into the mashed potatoes until smooth and creamy.
8. Adjust Consistency & Season: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add more milk to reach your desired creaminess.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Optional Garnish: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while the mashed potatoes are still warm and creamy.
11. If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold.
Mash, Don't Blend: Avoid Using a Hand-Held Beater or stand mixer because they can overwork the potatoes, making them gluey and dense instead of light and fluffy. Mashing by hand keeps the texture smooth and creamy. If you have the time and patience, you can push the potatoes through a sieve for an ultra-smooth texture—though fair warning, it might feel like it takes forever!!
Adjust Consistency: If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add it gradually to avoid over-thinning.
Season Well: Potatoes absorb flavors differently, so taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Consider adding garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
REHEATING: *Pro Tip- Make extra milk and butter (about ¼ cup milk and 3 tablespoons of butter melted) and slowly add it to the mashed potatoes as you reheat.
How do I add garlic to mashed potatoes? I would sauté two minced garlic cloves with butter until soft and tender, then add to the milk mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions. Nikki x