Creamy Garlic Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese Recipe

• Quick and practical: Steamed Yukon gold potatoes cook in about 12 to 16 minutes, making this recipe manageable even on busy days.
• Extra creamy texture: Blended cottage cheese gives the mashed potatoes a smooth, rich consistency without relying on heavy cream.
• More protein than classic mashed potatoes: Cottage cheese adds a protein boost while keeping the recipe comforting and familiar.
• Great for holidays or weeknights: Serve these garlic mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or an easy everyday side dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the milk, herbs, cheese, and seasonings to match your preferred flavor and texture.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make creamy garlic mashed potatoes with cottage cheese:

Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. You can also use russet potatoes, red potatoes, or another potato variety you enjoy. The final texture may change slightly depending on the type of potato.

Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is the ingredient that makes these mashed potatoes extra creamy while adding protein. For the smoothest result, blend it with the milk before adding it to the potatoes. If you prefer a substitute, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or heavy cream can provide a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt.

Almond Milk: Almond milk helps loosen the potatoes and blend the cottage cheese smoothly. You can replace it with cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or another milk of your choice. Add a little more or less depending on how thick you like your mashed potatoes.

Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or another cheese that melts well. A dairy-free cheese alternative may also be used if needed.

Butter: Butter adds classic mashed potato flavor and helps soften the garlic. If you want a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you do not have fresh garlic, use garlic powder, roasted garlic, or jarred minced garlic. Adjust the amount to taste.

Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds freshness and color. Dried parsley, basil, oregano, or chives can be used if fresh parsley is not available.

Onion Powder: Onion powder adds savory depth without changing the texture. If you prefer fresh onion or shallots, mince them finely and sauté them before adding them to the potatoes.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. A small pinch of cayenne pepper can be added if you enjoy a mild kick.

Step 1: Steam the Potatoes

Peel the Yukon gold potatoes and chop them into evenly sized chunks. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook at the same rate and makes the mashing process easier.

Place the potatoes in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add hot tap water until it reaches the bottom of the basket, then cover the pot with a lid. Cook over medium-high heat for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

If you do not have a steamer basket, place the chopped potatoes directly in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese, Garlic, and Cottage Cheese Mixture

While the potatoes cook, shred the parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and finely chop the parsley. Set everything aside so it is ready when the potatoes are done.

Add the cottage cheese, milk, salt, and onion powder to a blender or immersion blender cup. Blend until completely smooth. This step removes the curd texture from the cottage cheese and helps it mix evenly into the mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

When the potatoes are fork-tender, remove them from the steamer basket and place them in a bowl. Pour out the hot water, remove the basket, and return the empty pot to the stove.

Set the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Stir for a short time until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burned garlic can taste bitter.

Turn off the heat. Add the steamed potatoes, blended cottage cheese mixture, and shredded parmesan cheese to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or whip with a hand mixer until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more milk, salt, or pepper as needed.

Stir the chopped parsley into the pot or sprinkle it over each serving just before serving.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe Notes

Steaming vs. boiling: Steaming uses less water than boiling and can help the potatoes keep more of their natural flavor. Boiling also works well, especially if you do not have a steamer basket.

Cottage cheese texture: Blending the cottage cheese with milk creates a smooth mixture that disappears into the potatoes. If you enjoy a chunkier texture, you can skip blending and mash it in directly.

Seasonings: Adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. Parsley, basil, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper all work well with creamy mashed potatoes.

Consistency: Use less milk for thicker mashed potatoes. Add more milk for a softer, lighter, and fluffier consistency.

Make-ahead tip: These mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk during reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Taste before serving: Potatoes often need a little extra seasoning. Taste at the end and adjust the salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs as needed.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

• Holiday dinner: Serve with turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
• Weeknight comfort meal: Pair with roasted chicken and steamed vegetables for a simple dinner.
• Steak night: Serve alongside steak, asparagus, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Vegetarian meal: Top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted root vegetables.
• Leftover idea: Use the mashed potatoes as a topping for shepherd’s pie or stir them into soups and stews for extra creaminess.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese

Gluten-Free