Cottage cheese mashed potatoes are creamy and cheesy without all the butter! They mix fluffy potatoes with rich cottage cheese for a tasty twist on the classic dish.
These mashed potatoes are a family favorite in my house! They’re so easy to whip up, and everyone loves the extra flavor. Perfect for any meal or holiday dinner! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices because they mash well and give a creamy texture. If you want to experiment, try using sweet potatoes for a different taste and color.
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for a smoother consistency. Low-fat versions work too! If you’re avoiding dairy, try ricotta or a plant-based alternative like silken tofu for a similar creaminess.
Milk: Use whatever milk you prefer—whole, low-fat, or even almond milk as a dairy-free option. Adjust the amount for your desired creaminess; a little goes a long way!
Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but feel free to use olive oil for a healthier twist. It gives a nice flavor and keeps the dish dairy-free.
How Do You Make Fluffy and Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes should be fluffy and creamy! Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Start with cold water when boiling potatoes. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t over-mash! Use a potato masher or ricer until just smooth. Overworking potatoes can make them gummy.
- Warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This helps everything blend better and keeps the mash creamy.
- Add cottage cheese gradually—this allows you to adjust the creaminess to your liking.
Enjoy these tips to make your cottage cheese mashed potatoes a hit at any table!
Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped herbs for garnish, such as thyme or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cottage cheese mashed potatoes recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes boiling the potatoes, plus some extra time for mashing and mixing in the cottage cheese and milk. It’s a quick side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. This step helps season the potatoes while they cook.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender. You can test this by poking them with a fork; they should be soft and break apart easily.
3. Drain and Mash:
When the potatoes are ready, drain them well and return them to the pot or transfer them to a large bowl. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until you reach your desired smoothness.
4. Warm the Milk and Butter:
In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk and butter together just until the butter melts. This will help blend everything smoothly into the potatoes.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the warm milk and melted butter into the mashed potatoes and stir well. Then gently fold in the cottage cheese until everything is creamy and well combined. If the mixture seems a bit thick, you can add more milk little by little until you achieve your preferred creaminess.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your delicious cottage cheese mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle over some fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley for a lovely finish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese gives a unique texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cream cheese for extra creaminess, or even shredded cheddar for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount of milk accordingly to maintain creaminess.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and skipping the butter altogether. You can also substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower to reduce carbs while still keeping that creamy texture!
What Should I Do With Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a few hours in advance. Just cover and keep them warm in the pot on low heat, stirring occasionally, or store them in the fridge and reheat before serving. If they thicken, add a bit more milk while reheating to regain that creamy texture.
