This mashed potato recipe with cottage cheese takes a classic comfort food and makes it extra creamy and rich! The addition of large curd cottage cheese brings a tangy flavor and luxurious texture, making these mashed potatoes anything but ordinary.
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Mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish, but adding cottage cheese? Now that’s a game changer!
I’ve been obsessed with using cottage cheese in all sorts of recipes, especially in my ice cream creations—like vanilla, pumpkin pie, maple coffee, and spiced chai ice creams. Cottage cheese has become my secret ingredient for making desserts creamier, more decadent, and packed with protein.
If it works wonders in my ice cream, why not in mashed potatoes? Cottage cheese brings a delightful richness and tanginess to these fluffy mashed potatoes while also giving them a protein boost. It’s the perfect addition to a classic side dish, making it a little healthier and a lot tastier!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Extra Creamy: Cottage cheese gives the potatoes an unbelievably smooth and creamy texture.
- Protein-Packed: The cottage cheese boosts the protein content, making this a more nutritious side dish.
- Flavorful: Garlic, butter, and the slight tang from the cottage cheese make these mashed potatoes stand out.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, these mashed potatoes are versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Potatoes: Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest texture. They mash well and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious, savory depth to the mashed potatoes.
- Cottage Cheese: I used low-fat cottage cheese. It adds creaminess, richness, and flavor while making the dish more nutritious.
- Half-and-Half: This adds extra creaminess to the potatoes without making them too heavy.
- Butter: A classic addition for richness and that irresistible buttery flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a little kick to balance the creaminess.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Additions
- Potatoes: You can substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier version of this dish.
- Garlic: If you’re not a garlic fan, skip it, or try roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- Cottage Cheese: If you prefer, you can swap cottage cheese with ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a smoother texture.
- Half-and-Half: You can use heavy cream or whole milk for a richer, creamier result.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or olive oil instead.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese: Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy variation.
How To Make Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water, add 2 cloves of garlic and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the cooked garlic.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them until smooth. Pour in the garlic butter.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Stir in the cottage cheese and half-and-half. Continue mashing or mixing until the cottage cheese is fully incorporated, and the potatoes are creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Garnish with green onions or a sprinkle of pepper for extra flavor, and serve hot!
Variations
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant twist.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Swap regular garlic for roasted garlic to add a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Bacon-Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for an indulgent, savory kick.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cottage cheese for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Sweet Potato and Cottage Cheese Mash: For a healthier twist, use sweet potatoes and cottage cheese for a sweet-savory combo.
What To Serve With This
Roast Chicken: The creamy mashed potatoes complement the juicy, tender roast chicken perfectly. It will also work very well for fried crunchy chicken karaage, baked chicken roulade, or honey sesame chicken.
Grilled Steak: A hearty serving of mashed potatoes with cottage cheese makes an excellent side to a perfectly grilled steak like my crying tiger.
Mango Glazed Ham: The sweet and fruity glaze of the ham will complement this creamy dish.
Meatloaf: Pair it with a slice of savory meatloaf or chicken embutido for a classic comfort food combo.
Egg Casserole: Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the savory, fluffy texture of egg casserole for a hearty meal.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of this dish.
Roasted Garlic Butter: Stir into mashed potatoes for an ultra-creamy, savory twist packed with roasted garlic flavor.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Serve alongside a vibrant green beans stir-fry or okra stir-fry for a lighter, plant-based meal.
Baked Salmon: The tanginess of the cottage cheese pairs beautifully with rich, flaky salmon.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover mashed potatoes, let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little butter or milk to restore creaminess.
Rose's Top Tips
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These varieties have the best texture for mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make mashed potatoes gluey. Mash until smooth but avoid overdoing it.
- Warm the Half-and-Half: Warming the half-and-half before adding it to the potatoes helps keep them fluffy and smooth.
- For a Lighter Version: Substitute half of the butter with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy option.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them before serving for less stress during meal prep.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, mashed potatoes freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Russet and Yukon gold potatoes are the best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy texture when cooked.
Yes, this version is healthier because cottage cheese adds protein and reduces the need for excess butter or cream.
More Easy Vegetable Recipes to Try
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Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese
Equipment
- 1 medium pot for boiling potatoes
- 1 food processor or blender optional for cottage cheese
- 1 potato masher or hand mixer optional for mashing potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 small Yellow Potatoes peeled
- 3 cloves Garlic crushed
- ¼ cup Cottage Cheese as is or blended
- 3 tablespoon Half-and-Half warm
- 3 tablespoon Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and 1 garlic clove and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the cooked garlic.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them until smooth. Pour in the garlic butter.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Stir in the cottage cheese and half-and-half. Continue mashing or mixing until the cottage cheese is fully incorporated, and the potatoes are creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or a sprinkle of pepper for extra flavor, and serve hot!
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