Alright, let’s talk mashed potatoes—but not just any mashed potatoes. These Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes are about to blow your mind. We’re talking creamy, dreamy spuds that are packed with flavor and protein. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and the perfect side dish for pretty much any meal. So, grab your peeler, get those potatoes ready, and let’s make something you’ll want to eat all week long!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Protein-Packed: These mashed potatoes are loaded with protein, thanks to the cottage cheese. Perfect for fueling your day without sacrificing flavor!
→ Vegan & Gluten-Free: Everyone can enjoy this one! Whether you’re plant-based or avoiding gluten, this recipe’s got you covered.
→ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-to-go side for the whole week.
→ Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff here! Just basic, wholesome ingredients that come together in a snap.
→ Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at your next dinner, and watch everyone go back for seconds. They’re that good!
Trust me, these mashed potatoes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
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What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about the stars of this recipe:
→ Potatoes 🥔: The humble potato is the base of this dish, and for good reason. They’re hearty, filling, and super versatile. Plus, they soak up all those tasty flavors, making every bite delicious!
→ Cottage Cheese 🧀: This ingredient might surprise you, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. It adds a rich creaminess and boosts the protein content without weighing down the dish. A total win for flavor and texture!
→ Garlic 🧄: Can you even imagine mashed potatoes without garlic? It brings that savory kick we all crave, making these spuds extra mouthwatering.
→ Butter 🧈: A little butter goes a long way in making these potatoes so smooth and creamy. It’s like giving your mashed potatoes a comforting hug.
→ Reduced-Fat Milk 🥛: To keep things light but still creamy, we use a splash of reduced-fat milk. It adds just the right amount of smoothness without making the dish too heavy.
Each of these ingredients works together to create a side dish that’s not just tasty, but full of protein and flavor. So simple, yet so satisfying!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 30 mins
1. Boil those taters!
Toss your peeled and cubed potatoes into a pot of salted water. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender and ready to be mashed. Drain ’em!
2. Smooth it out!
While the potatoes are cooking, pop your cottage cheese into a food processor and blend it up until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Mash, mash, mash!
Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty (but in the best way possible). Mash the potatoes with the butter, cottage cheese, milk, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Keep mashing until it’s smooth—or stop a little earlier if you like it with a bit more texture. You do you!
4. Garnish & Serve!
Top it off with some fresh chives and serve it up hot! Enjoy these creamy, protein-packed mashed potatoes.
And hey, if you’re looking for a tasty dish to pair these with, check out my Cowboy Pie and Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipes right here on my website! Enjoy!
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Here are some recipe swap ideas and tweaks to make the Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes even more fun and customizable:
Recipe Swaps:
1| Swap Cottage Cheese for Tofu 🧀 → If you’re looking to make this recipe fully plant-based or just want to avoid dairy, use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese. It will blend to a smooth, creamy texture and still add a protein boost.
2| Butter Swap 🧈 → If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, swap butter with vegan butter or even olive oil for a lighter, healthier twist.
3| Milk Swap 🥛 → Instead of reduced-fat cow’s milk, you can go with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version, depending on what suits your taste.
4| Add Nutritional Yeast 🧀 → For a cheesy flavor without the dairy, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast! It adds a subtle cheesy taste and is packed with B vitamins.
5| Use Sweet Potatoes 🍠 → Want to mix things up? Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor and extra nutrients. Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamin A.
Tweak Ideas:
1| Add Herbs & Spices 🌿 → Mix it up with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra burst of flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper will give the potatoes a nice kick!
2| Mix In Veggies 🥦 → Boost the nutrient content by mixing in some finely chopped spinach, kale, or cauliflower. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra greens while still keeping the potatoes delicious.
3| Make it Garlic Lover’s Dream 🧄 → If you’re like me and can’t get enough garlic, add roasted garlic instead of fresh minced garlic. It gives the potatoes a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
4| Top With Vegan Cheese 🧀 → After serving, sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get that cheesy, crispy layer.
5| Spicy Kick 🌶️ → Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you’re craving a little heat in your mashed potatoes.
Feel free to get creative with these swaps and tweaks to make the recipe your own!
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Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make your Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes even better:
1| Use Starchy Potatoes 🥔
For the smoothest, creamiest mash, go for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down easily and give you that perfect texture.
2| Don’t Overcook the Potatoes ⏲️
Keep an eye on the potatoes while they cook. You want them fork-tender, but overcooking can make them waterlogged, affecting the texture of the mash.
3| Warm the Milk and Butter 🧈🥛
To keep your mash extra creamy, warm up the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. Cold liquids can make the mash a bit lumpy.
4| Mash While Hot 🔥
For the smoothest mashed potatoes, mash them while they’re still hot. Cold potatoes can be tough to mash, and you’ll end up with lumps.
5| Adjust Texture to Your Liking 💁♂️
Whether you like your mash silky smooth or with a little texture, feel free to adjust the mashing! Use a potato masher for a chunkier texture, or a food processor for a super smooth finish.
6| Season to Taste 🧂
Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or garlic to suit your personal preferences. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a nice depth of flavor.
7| Make Ahead for Meal Prep 🥣
These mashed potatoes hold up really well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make them ahead of time for easy meal prep. Just reheat with a splash of milk to bring them back to life!
8| Garnish with Extra Flavor 🌿
Top your mash with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a burst of color and flavor. It also makes your dish look extra fancy!
These simple tips will help you get the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes every time!
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Serving Ideas
Here are some fun and delicious serving ideas to make your Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes shine:
1| As a Side for Hearty Mains 🍖
Serve these creamy mashed potatoes alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon for a protein-packed, comforting meal. The creamy potatoes complement rich, savory mains perfectly.
2| Pair with Cowboy Pie 🥧
If you’re looking for a complete meal, serve your mashed potatoes alongside my Cowboy Pie for a hearty, satisfying dinner. The flavors work so well together!
3| Veggie Lover’s Dream 🥦
Serve the mashed potatoes with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. It’s an easy way to balance out the richness of the mash with some fresh, colorful veggies.
4| Topped with Vegan Gravy 🍽️
Pour a little homemade vegan gravy over the top for an extra layer of flavor. It’s like your mashed potatoes just got a cozy upgrade!
5| Mashed Potato Bowls 🍲
Create a fun, customizable mashed potato bowl! Top with sautéed greens, chickpeas, avocado, or even a poached egg for a tasty and satisfying meal in a bowl.
6| Garnish with Crispy Onions 🍳
Add a little crunch by topping your mashed potatoes with crispy fried onions or roasted shallots. The contrast of textures makes it irresistible.
7| Stuffed in Sweet Potatoes 🍠
For a fun twist, stuff your Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes into baked sweet potatoes. It’s a hearty and filling dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients!
8| On the Side of a Soup or Stew 🍲
Serve these mashed potatoes alongside a warm bowl of soup or stew. Think creamy mashed potatoes next to a bowl of tomato soup or a hearty vegetable stew—comfort food at its finest!
These serving ideas will take your mashed potatoes from a side dish to the star of the show! Enjoy!
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Storage Options
Here are some easy and effective storage options for your Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes:
1| In the Fridge 🧊
Store your mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. When you’re ready to serve, just give them a quick reheat with a splash of milk to bring them back to life!
2| For Meal Prep 🍽️
If you’re prepping ahead, divide the mashed potatoes into individual portions and store them in small, airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a serving whenever you need it throughout the week!
3| Freezing for Later ❄️
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat. You may need to add a little milk or butter to smooth them out again.
4| Using a Mason Jar 🏺
For a cute, space-saving option, store your mashed potatoes in mason jars. They’re perfect for portioning out individual servings, and they stack neatly in the fridge or freezer.
5| Adding Extra Liquid 💧
When storing, if you feel like your mashed potatoes might dry out, add a splash of milk or broth before refrigerating or freezing. This will help keep them moist when reheating.
These storage options will help you enjoy your Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes for days (or even weeks!) without any hassle!
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Final Thoughts
And that’s it, folks! You’ve got yourself a bowl of creamy, protein-packed mashed potatoes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. They’re easy to make, totally vegan, and, trust me, they’ll be a hit at the dinner table. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes, like the Cowboy Pie or Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, to make a full meal. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Recipe Card
Protein Boosted Mashed Potatoes
Get ready for the creamiest mashed potatoes ever! These Protein Boost Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but packed with protein, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free! Serve them with anything for a side dish that’s sure to please. 🥄✨
Ingredients
Instructions
-
1. Boil those taters!
Begin by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes. -
2. Smooth it out!
In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. -
3. Mash, mash, mash!
Transfer the drained potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter, blended cottage cheese, reduced-fat milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mash the mixture until smooth or to your desired texture. -
4. Garnish and Serve!
Garnish the mashed potatoes with fresh chives and serve immediately.
-
Pair:
And hey, if you're looking for a tasty dish to pair these with, check out my Cowboy Pie and Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon recipes right here on my website! Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 278kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Total Carbohydrate 46g16%
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
