Healthy Holiday Hacks: Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but traditional recipes often rely on butter for that creamy texture.
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to add a healthier touch to favorite dishes. That's why I’m excited to share this flavorful Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes recipe.
As I continue my healthy holiday hacks series, it wouldn’t be complete without a mashed potato recipe. While traditional mashed potatoes are loaded with butter, heavy cream, and salt - my version swaps the most of the saturated fats and sodium for better-for-you ingredients.
Why Greek Yogurt?
Greek yogurt is a nutritious substitute for butter in this recipe. It adds a rich creaminess and a boost of protein - most Greek yogurt contains anywhere from 16-18 grams of protein per serving.
Healthier and Creamier: The Benefits
By replacing butter with Greek yogurt, this recipe cuts down on saturated fat and boosts the protein content. For comparison, traditional mashed potatoes contain anywhere between 9-16 grams of fat per serving, whereas, swapping for Greek yogurt reduces the fat to 3-5 grams per serving, plus added fiber, and minimal sodium. This small change elevates the nutritional value of the dish without sacrificing flavor!
Bottom Line
These creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side dish for a variety of meals – from hearty dinners to holiday feasts. The inclusion of Greek yogurt not only brings out the creamy texture but also enhances the nutritional profile.
My hope through this healthy holiday hacks series is that you will learn that healthier choices in the kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. With simple swaps like using Greek yogurt instead of butter, you can create satisfying and nourishing dishes without compromising flavor.
I promise not to tell your family about the swaps in the recipes if you won’t :)
Stay tuned for more nutritious and delightful recipes. Bon appétit!
Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Prep: 30 min Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
2 pounds of potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or a fork until they reach your desired consistency.
In a small saucepan, heat the broth and minced garlic over low heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the garlic flavor into the broth. Remove from heat.
Add the Greek yogurt and the garlic-infused broth to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are creamy. Add more broth if needed for desired consistency.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme.
Serve the mashed potatoes hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
