Creamy (Protein Boosted) Mashed Potatoes

If I asked you to picture the ultimate comfort food, there’s a good chance mashed potatoes would pop into your mind. Creamy, fluffy, buttery goodness that warms you from the inside out — they’re a classic for a reason. But here’s the thing: as much as I adore traditional mash, it can sometimes feel like it’s missing a little something, especially when it comes to balance.

That’s where my Creamy (Protein Boosted) Mashed Potatoes come in. They’ve got all the rich, creamy comfort of classic mash but with a sneaky, healthy upgrade — cottage cheese. Yep, you read that right! By blending cottage cheese into your mash, you’re not only boosting the protein content, but you’re also making them lighter, creamier, and extra satisfying.

Whether you’re serving them alongside a Sunday roast, pairing with my Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon, or even enjoying them as the star of the show with some sautéed greens, this recipe will quickly earn a place on your weeknight (and special occasion) rotation.

WHY ADD PROTEIN TO MASHED POTAOTES?

Mashed potatoes are usually carb-rich, which is fine — carbs are fuel, after all! But they’re not always the most filling on their own. Adding protein into the mix makes this comfort food work harder for you. It also helps:

• Keep you fuller for longer

• Balance blood sugar levels

• Support muscle repair and recovery (hello post-sweaty Betty workout dinner!)

• Turn a side dish into something that feels more complete.

And don’t worry — the cottage cheese doesn’t make the potatoes taste “cheesy.” Blended until smooth, it adds a subtle tang and creaminess without being overpowering. Think of it as your mashed potatoes’ secret best friend.

CREAMY (PROTEIN BOOSTED) MASHED POTATOES RECIPE.

Serves: 6 people

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

1.5kg (3.3 lbs) mashing potatoes, peeled & cubed

2 tbsp. butter

225g (7.9 oz) cottage cheese

2 garlic cloves, minced

60ml (2 fl oz) cow’s milk (or your milk of choice)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

METHOD.

1. Boil the Potatoes
Pop the cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender — about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well to avoid watery mash.

2. Blend the Cottage Cheese
In a food processor or blender, blitz the cottage cheese until silky smooth. This step is key to getting that dreamy, creamy mash without lumps of curds.

3. Mash It All Together
Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add butter, the blended cottage cheese, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until you reach your preferred consistency — smooth and creamy, or leave it a little rustic if that’s your style.

4. Garnish & Serve
Transfer the mash to a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives, and serve immediately.

TIPS FOR THE BEST CREAMY (PROTEIN BOOSTED) MASHED POTATOES.

Here’s where we take things from “good” to “next level.”

1. Choose the Right Potato

Not all potatoes are created equal. For mash, go with starchy varieties like Dutch Cream, Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down easily and give that fluffy, creamy texture you want. Waxy potatoes (like red or new potatoes) will work but tend to give you a denser mash.

2. Drain Well

Nobody likes watery mash. After boiling, let the potatoes sit in the colander for a minute to steam off any excess moisture. This ensures your mash is creamy, not soggy.

3. Blend the Cottage Cheese First

This one’s non-negotiable. Blending the cottage cheese makes all the difference between smooth, luxurious mash and one with slightly grainy bits.

4. Don’t Over-Mash

Yes, you want creamy mash, but go easy on the mashing. Overworking the potatoes releases starch, which can turn them gluey so my advice is to use a hand masher and not a hand mixer, save the hand mixer for the cottage cheese).

5. Add Garlic for Depth

Cooking the garlic with the potatoes softens its flavour, but if you’re a garlic-lover, you can roast a whole head of garlic and mash the sweet, caramelised cloves in for a serious flavour boost.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

One of my favourite things about mashed potatoes is their versatility. You can dress them up for a dinner party or keep them cosy and simple for a weeknight meal. Here are some ideas:

With Beef Bourguignon: Rich, slow-cooked beef with wine and veggies meets creamy, high-protein mash = heaven on a plate.

With My Grilled Fish Piccata: Light, flaky fish pairs beautifully with creamy mash for balance.

With Steak & Greens: Skip the fries and go with this nourishing alternative.

With Roasted Vegetables: Make it vegetarian with a tray of roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.

As a Breakfast Base: Sounds wild, but top leftover mash with sautéed spinach, a poached egg, and chilli flakes. Comfort food breakfast, sorted.

VARIATIONS TO TRY.

Because who doesn’t love a little flexibility in the kitchen?

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cottage cheese or silken tofu for the protein boost.

• Herby Mash: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme into the mash for an extra burst of flavour.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, parmesan, or Gruyere if you want an extra indulgent version.

• Roasted Garlic Mash: Roast a head of garlic until soft and golden, then squeeze the cloves into the mash for a sweet, mellow garlic flavour.

• Spicy Mash: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, chilli flakes, or even a spoon of horseradish for a kick.

WHY COTTAGE CHEESE IS THE STAR.

Cottage cheese has had a bit of a glow-up in recent years, moving from “diet food” status to a kitchen staple for health enthusiasts. Here’s why it shines in this recipe:

• High in Protein: Around 12–14g of protein per ½ cup.

• Low in Fat (depending on type): Great if you’re balancing calories.

• Packed with Calcium: Important for bone health.

• Creamy Texture: When blended, it mimics sour cream or cream cheese.

• Neutral Flavour: It doesn’t overpower the dish, it just blends right in.

MEAL PREP YOUR MASHED POTAOTES.

Got guests coming over? Or just want to save time during a busy week? Good news: these mashed potatoes can be prepped in advance.

• Up to 2 Days Ahead: Make the mash, let it cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen them up, stirring occasionally.

• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze mash! Portion into freezer-safe containers, defrost overnight in the fridge, and reheat as above.

PAIRING WITH YOUR HEALTHY EATING GOALS.

I’m a big believer in small tweaks that make a big difference to your health. This recipe is a perfect example: by swapping in cottage cheese, you’ve made a comfort food classic more balanced without losing any of the joy.

Some ways to use this in your week:

• Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion for quick sides all week.

• Post-Workout Meal: Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a protein-packed recovery meal.

• Family-Friendly Dinner: It’s creamy, delicious, and kid-approved — a win for everyone at the table.

A COMFORT FOOD WITH BENEFITS.

Food should be enjoyable — and that includes comfort food. The key is finding ways to add nutrients without losing the flavours and textures we love. This Creamy (Protein Boosted) Mashed Potatoes recipe is exactly that. It’s nostalgic, cosy, and comforting, but it’s also smartly balanced with added protein, fibre, and flavour.

So the next time you’re craving mashed potatoes, give this recipe a go. I promise, you won’t even notice the cottage cheese — but you’ll definitely notice how much more satisfying it feels.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you love. It’s about making small, smart tweaks that bring more balance to your plate while still letting you enjoy every bite. These Creamy (Protein Boosted) Mashed Potatoes are a perfect example.

They’re creamy, nourishing, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight — but also special enough to serve when you’re entertaining. Pair them with my Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon for the ultimate comfort meal, or simply enjoy them with some roasted veggies for a lighter twist.

Either way, they’re going to become a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Because at the end of the day, healthy food should never feel like a chore — it should feel delicious, doable, and deeply satisfying.