Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese
Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese for a lighter, protein-rich twist on the classic. Yukon gold potatoes are steamed in under 15 minutes and blended with smooth cottage cheese, butter, and garlic. It’s the perfect side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese have become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I need a side dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down. The combination of tender Yukon gold potatoes, steamed to perfection in under 15 minutes, and the smooth, rich cottage cheese creates a texture that’s as light and fluffy as it is satisfying.
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to make without sacrificing flavor—there’s just enough butter for that classic buttery taste, but it’s the cottage cheese that truly gives it that velvety smoothness. This has become a go-to for my family, whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a special holiday dinner. It’s so quick, yet feels like you’ve put in hours of work! If you’re looking for a mashed potato recipe with a little more protein and a lot of flavor, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Time-Saving: Steamed Yukon gold potatoes are ready in less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Creamy Texture: Blended cottage cheese gives the mashed potatoes a rich, smooth consistency without too much butter.
- Higher Protein: Cottage cheese adds a protein boost, making this a more nutritious option than traditional mashed potatoes.
- Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner or a quick, comforting side on any weeknight.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting creamy garlic mashed potatoes with cottage cheese:
Potatoes: Yukon gold are my favorite potatoes. You can substitute with russet potatoes, red potatoes, or any other type of potato you prefer. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Cottage Cheese: If you want to substitute or omit cottage cheese for dietary reasons or personal preference, you can replace it with Greek yogurt, sour cream or heavy cream for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt.
Almond Milk: If you don’t have almond milk or prefer a different type of milk, you can use regular cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other milk of your choice.
Parmesan Cheese: You can substitute parmesan cheese with regular cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or any other melting cheese of your choice. For a different flavor profile, consider using parmesan, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Butter: To make the recipe dairy-free or vegan, you can replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or vegan butter. Alternatively, you can use olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor.
Garlic: If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, roasted garlic, or minced garlic from a jar as a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste, as the strength of jarred minced garlic can vary.
Fresh Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley, dried basil, or dried oregano for added flavor.
Onion Powder: If you don’t have onion powder, you can use finely minced fresh onions or shallots as a replacement. Sauté them in a little oil or butter to soften and release their flavor before adding them to the recipe.
Pepper: Use ground black pepper as specified in the recipe, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slightly spicy twist.
How to Make My Cottage Cheese Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the yellow potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.
Place the potatoes in a pot with a steamer basket. Fill the pot with hot tap water up to the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the lid on the pot and cook on medium/high heat for 12-16 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
If you don’t have a steamer basket, place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Prep the Other Ingredients
While the potatoes are cooking, shred the parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and finely chop the parsley and set them aside.
While the potatoes are cooking, shred the parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and finely chop the parsley and set them aside.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them in a separate bowl. Pour out the hot water and steamer basket into the sink and return the pot to the stove.
Turn the heat to medium/low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic in the butter until soft and fragrant.
Turn off the heat and add the cottage cheese mixture, steamed potatoes, and shredded parmesan cheese. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, whip the potatoes until smooth. Sample and add more milk, salt or pepper if needed.
You can sprinkle the chopped parsley into the entire pot of potatoes or after the potatoes have been dished.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe Notes
Steaming vs Boiling: Boiling the potatoes takes less time because you don’t have to wait for a large pot of water to come to a boil and the steam cooks them faster than being submerged. And the potatoes retain more of their nutrition and flavor when they haven’t been submerged in water. But you can certainly boil your potatoes for this recipe if you prefer.
Cottage Cheese Texture: If you don’t mind the curdled texture of cottage cheese and prefer chunky mashed potatoes, you do not have to blend the cottage cheese first.
Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. You can add additional herbs like fresh parsley, basil, or chives for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired level of creaminess. If you prefer thicker mashed potatoes, use less milk, and for a lighter, fluffier texture, add more milk.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra milk to maintain the desired creamy consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to make the recipe your own by tweaking the seasonings to suit your taste.
Delicious Serving Suggestions:
- Thanksgiving or Holiday Feast: Serve as a perfect side dish alongside roasted turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
- Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pair with grilled or roasted chicken and steamed vegetables for a balanced and comforting dinner.
- Steak Night: These mashed potatoes are a great complement to a juicy steak and sautéed green beans or asparagus.
- Vegetarian Option: Top with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted root vegetables for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Leftover Mash-Up: Use as a topping for shepherd’s pie, or mix into soups and stews for added creaminess.
Do you love potatoes? Check out more of my easy and nutritious potato recipes:
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- dash pepper
Instructions
- Start by peeling and chopping the yellow potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.Place the potatoes in a pot with a steamer basket. Fill the pot with hot tap water up to the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the lid on the pot and cook on medium/high heat for 12-16 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.If you don't have a steamer basket, place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, shred the parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and finely chop the parsley and set them aside.
- In a blender or immersion blender chopper cup, add the cottage cheese, milk, salt, and onion powder. Blend until smooth.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them in a separate bowl. Pour out the hot water and steamer basket into the sink and return the pot to the stove.
- Turn the heat to medium/low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic in the butter until soft and fragrant. Turn off the heat and add the cottage cheese mixture, steamed potatoes, and shredded parmesan cheese. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, whip the potatoes until smooth. Sample and add more milk, salt or pepper if needed.You can sprinkle the chopped parsley into the entire pot of potatoes or after the potatoes have been dished.
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So tasty!! Just in time for Easter Dinner thank you!
You’re welcome, Tessa! Happy Easter 🙂
Great tasting dinner
Thank you so much, Grant! 🙂
Soooooo creamy and delicious 🤤
Thank you for the feedback, Hannah! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Hulda! 🙂