Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions Recipe

These creamy caramelized onion mashed potatoes are rich, buttery, and packed with savory flavor. The recipe calls for five whole white onions, slowly caramelized until golden and folded into buttery Yukon Gold potatoes. Blended cottage cheese is added for extra protein and a silky texture without lumps. The result is a comforting, elevated take on classic mashed potatoes that works for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.

What you need for this recipe

• Potatoes: Yukon Golds are preferred for their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor. If you substitute, Russets or Idaho potatoes will work but may need extra moisture or blended cottage cheese to reach the same creaminess.
• Onions: Five medium white onions. Caramelizing reduces their volume considerably, so start with plenty. Slice them thinly and evenly—using a mandoline helps ensure consistent caramelization.
• Blended cottage cheese: Blend cottage cheese until smooth before adding it to the potatoes to boost protein and creaminess without curds. Unblended cottage cheese will leave visible curds and change the appearance.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control seasoning at the end. If you use salted butter, taste carefully to avoid over-salting.

Ingredient spotlight: potatoes — the best kind for mashing

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes. Their naturally creamy texture and subtle buttery taste make them easy to mash into a smooth, velvety finish. Peel and quarter the potatoes before boiling so they cook evenly and become fork-tender throughout.

If you use Russet or Idaho potatoes, expect a slightly different texture: they can be fluffier and drier. To compensate, add extra blended cottage cheese or a splash of milk to reach the desired creaminess.

How to make these mashed potatoes

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Avoid high heat so they don’t burn.
2. Boil the potatoes: While the onions cook, place peeled, quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes depending on your stove.
3. Make the mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to a large bowl. Add the butter, 1 cup of blended cottage cheese, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Use an electric mixer on low to combine until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Fold in the onions: Gently fold the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes. Reserve a small portion of onions for garnish if desired.
5. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra caramelized onions, a pat of butter, and additional salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for perfectly creamy potatoes

Two key tips: use Yukon Gold potatoes, and blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth before adding it to your mash. Blended cottage cheese contributes body and protein without leaving curds or lumps, and Yukon Golds provide the buttery base that makes these potatoes feel indulgent yet balanced.

Serving ideas

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with a pad of butter and an extra sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper. For festive meals, serve them alongside a savory gravy—either turkey or a mushroom-based vegetarian gravy complements the caramelized onions nicely. They also pair well with roasted vegetables, spatchcock turkey, or a hearty stuffing.

Storing & reheating

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can become grainy and less appealing.

Make-ahead instructions

You can prepare these mashed potatoes a few days in advance to free up oven space on the big day. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through. If the potatoes thicken while chilled, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of blended cottage cheese to loosen their texture before serving.

More delicious potato recipes

• Whipped Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes
• Lightened Herby Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes
• Baked Potatoes in Foil

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