The 10 Best Substitutes for Cream Cheese in Mashed Potatoes

Adding cream cheese to mashed potatoes takes them to the next level of deliciousness.

But what if you have run out of cream cheese or are looking for a lighter alternative?

What are the best substitutes for cream cheese in mashed potatoes? The best substitutes for cream cheese in mashed potatoes include Greek yogurt, ricotta, sour cream, and crème fraîche. You can also use plant-based milks like coconut or almond milk, or even vegan butter or olive oil.

If you’re looking for a healthier option with all the creamy flavor of regular mashed potatoes but without the calories and saturated fat, then these substitutes are for you!

Let’s look at 10 of the best substitutes for cream cheese in mashed potatoes and how you can use them to enjoy your favorite side dish without compromising on taste.

Why Use Cream Cheese in Mashed Potatoes?

Reason	Explanation
Creaminess	Cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture to mashed potatoes.
Tanginess	The tangy flavor of cream cheese can balance out the richness of mashed potatoes.
Binding agent	Cream cheese can help bind the mashed potatoes together, making them less likely to fall apart.
Flavor	Cream cheese adds a subtle, savory flavor to mashed potatoes that complements many other ingredients.
Versatility	Cream cheese can be used in a variety of mashed potato recipes, from classic to more unique variations.
Convenience	Cream cheese is easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores.
Dietary restrictions	Cream cheese is often a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have other dietary restrictions.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Cream Cheese in Mashed Potatoes

When trying to make a lighter version of mashed potatoes, cream cheese is often the go-to substitute for butter. But what if you’re looking for a plant-based or dairy-free alternative?

Here are ten great substitutes that can help you achieve the same creamy texture and flavor without all of the fat and calories:

1 – Sour Cream

Tangy and full of flavor, sour cream offers a smooth texture that makes it an excellent choice for mashed potatoes.

Its thick consistency helps it blend effortlessly into potatoes, creating a creamy base with a hint of tartness.

For best results, use full-fat sour cream; this helps give your mashed potatoes a rich and luxuriant flavor.

It’s also important to add the sour cream slowly while blending; this prevents your potatoes from becoming too wet or lumpy.

2 – Greek Yogurt

Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is an ideal substitute for cream cheese in mashed potatoes.

This creamy dairy product adds moisture to the potatoes, making them more velvety in taste and texture.

Greek yogurt has its own unique tanginess that can be adjusted by adding different seasonings or herbs.

Be sure to buy full-fat Greek yogurt to ensure maximum flavor in your dish.

3 – Cottage Cheese

Low in fat but high in protein, cottage cheese is a popular ingredient among health enthusiasts who are looking to add some nutrition to their meals without sacrificing flavor.

Its mild taste makes it an excellent choice for mashed potatoes as it won’t overpower other ingredients like butter or cream cheese would.

To get the most out of your cottage cheese mash, opt for small curd varieties over larger ones—the smaller curds will create an even smoother texture when blended into the potatoes.

4 – Mascarpone Cheese

If you want something luxurious yet light for your mashed potatoes, mascarpone cheese is an ideal option as it has half the fat content of regular cream cheese but still delivers ample richness on the palate.

Unlike many other types of cheeses, mascarpone does not need to be melted before being added; simply stir it directly into your heated mashed potato mixture until each morsel is evenly coated with its creamy goodness.

5 – Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese lends itself especially well to mashed potato dishes due to its slightly grainy texture that breaks down easily under heat and pressure—perfect for achieving extra fluffiness during mashing!

Adding ricotta gives a depth of flavor while contributing additional protein content that acts as an excellent binder and extends shelf life should you plan on storing leftover portions of your dish.

Be sure to choose whole milk ricotta rather than part-skim alternatives; this ensures maximum richness and savoriness throughout your final dish!

6 – Boursin cheese

Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese typically flavored with herbs and garlic.

Its flavor profile complements mashed potatoes nicely, adding a unique depth of flavor without compromising its creamy texture.

To incorporate Boursin cheese into mashed potatoes, simply add it in while mashing and blend until evenly distributed.

This method ensures your mashed potatoes retain their smooth consistency while providing a savory kick.

7 – Neufchâtel cheese

Neufchâtel cheese is an excellent substitute for cream cheese in mashed potatoes.

Its rich and creamy texture creates a perfect emulsification with starchy potato varieties like russets or yukon golds, resulting in a velvety texture.

For best results, melt Neufchâtel before adding it to your mashed potatoes.

The subtle tanginess of this mild-flavored cheese pairs nicely with herbal or citrus seasonings, giving your dish an exciting twist on the classic favorite.

8 – Feta Cheese

Made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk, feta cheese boasts a crumbly texture and slightly salty flavor that pairs excellently with mashed potatoes.

As feta has less fat than cream cheese, it produces lighter and fluffier mashed potatoes that won’t overpower other ingredients.

To prepare feta-infused mashed potatoes, place chunks of crumbled feta within the mixture as you mash for added flavor and texture complexity.

9 – Blue Cheese

Blue cheese adds an intense flavor profile to dishes like mashed potatoes due to its pungent aroma and tangy taste.

This type of cheese also has low moisture content compared to cream cheeses which helps create light yet flavorful spuds that pair well with chives or roasted garlic cloves.

To incorporate blue cheese into your recipe, crumble it over your prepared mashed potato dish just before serving for an irresistible presentation.

10 – Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan is widely appreciated for its nutty aroma and sharp flavor profile which makes it an excellent substitute for cream cheeses in recipes like mashed potatoes.

This type of hard Italian cheese imparts an unmistakable umami taste while lending its grainy texture to create fluffy yet hearty spuds without any added fat from traditional cream cheeses.

For best results, grate the parmesan finely before stirring it into your mixture so it can be evenly distributed throughout the dish without altering its consistency too much.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cream cheese is a popular ingredient in mashed potatoes, there are many great alternatives that can be used to achieve similar results.

From sour cream and Greek yogurt to mascarpone and blue cheese, there are a variety of options to choose from depending on your personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Experimenting with different substitutes can lead to delicious and unique mashed potato dishes that are sure to impress.