Low-Fat Mashed Potatoes

Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Creamy low-fat mashed potatoes with a hint of onion and seasoned with pepper, perfect as a comforting side dish for family meals or gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 5 Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 c. low-fat milk
  • 1 qt. water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 4 whole peppercorns
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut up
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Put potatoes into a large pan with the low-fat milk, water, bay leaf, halved onion, and peppercorns.
  2. Add enough additional water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring the liquid to a boil, then lower the heat and let it bubble steadily for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender and almost falling apart.
  3. Lift the potatoes from the cooking water and transfer them to a bowl. Discard the bay leaf, onion, and peppercorns. Do not discard the cooking water.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid to mash the potatoes with a potato masher or pastry blender until blended.
  5. Add 2 more tablespoons of the water and continue to mash until the potatoes are light and fluffy. Add another tablespoon if necessary.
  6. Beat in the unsalted butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, try using unsweetened almond milk instead of low-fat milk. You can also replace the butter with a low-fat spread if desired. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a clove of garlic to the cooking potatoes. Make sure to season the water generously with salt to enhance the potatoes' flavor as they cook.

Serving Suggestions

These low-fat mashed potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish and make a great side for any American recipes. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For an extra flavor kick, top with chives or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of low-fat milk and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Low-Fat Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 574 calories, with 12g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1308mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

574 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12g 24% DV
Total Fat 26.2g 34% DV
Carbs 74g 27% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 9.1g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1307.6mg 57% DV
Potassium 1710.9mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 17.6mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 93.7mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 24mg 27% DV
Vitamin D 2.1mcg 10% DV
Calcium 250.6mg 19% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other starchy potatoes like red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?

To make these mashed potatoes vegan, simply substitute the low-fat milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, and replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative. The result will still be delicious and creamy!

What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?

Leftover mashed potatoes can be used in various dishes, such as potato pancakes or added to soups for thickness. You can also incorporate them into a casserole or use them as a filling for savory pies like Minister'S Pie.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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