Patrick Oconnell
Cheesy mashed potatoes are a delicious comfort food, but how many calories do they contain? Well, it varies depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. For example, a serving of Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes contains 140 calories, while a serving of a more indulgent recipe made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and egg contains 360 calories. So, while cheesy mashed potatoes can be a good source of protein, fiber, and potassium, they are also relatively high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 45% carbs, 42% fat, 13% protein |
| Daily Value of protein | 21% |
| Daily Value of fiber | 18% |
| Daily Value of potassium | 22% |
| Suitable for | Kids with cystic fibrosis |
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What You'll Learn
A serving of Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes contains 140 calories
The Velveeta mashed potatoes' macronutrient breakdown is 55% carbs, 33% fat, and 12% protein. This is relatively standard for a dish like this, with carbs typically forming the majority of the macronutrient content. However, the fat content is relatively low compared to similar dishes, which often have a fat content of over 40%.
The recipe for Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes is likely to be simpler than other recipes, which may explain the lower calorie count. The dish is typically made by mashing potatoes and adding cheese, with optional ingredients such as onion, salt, and pepper. More complex recipes may include additional ingredients such as cream cheese, sour cream, egg, and bacon, which will increase the calorie count.
The calorie content of mashed potatoes can be important for certain dietary requirements. For example, this dish is recommended for children with cystic fibrosis, who often need additional calories to meet their nutritional needs. The recipe is also a good source of calcium, which is important for maximizing bone density. However, it is always recommended to seek professional advice before making significant dietary changes or starting a new diet regimen.
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A high-calorie recipe for kids with cystic fibrosis
Children with cystic fibrosis often require additional calories to meet their nutritional needs. This recipe for cheesy mashed potatoes is a tasty way to add some extra calories to their diet.
To make this high-calorie dish, you'll need the following ingredients: mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, bacon, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, butter, and bread crumbs. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, bacon, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic. You can prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling them until tender and then mashing them with cream cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients of your choice. This will form the base of your dish.
Next, you'll create a topping that will add a delicious, crunchy texture. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, parmesan cheese, bacon, and bread crumbs. Mix these ingredients well. Now, take a greased 2-quart casserole dish and fill it with the potato mixture. Spread the topping mixture over the potatoes.
Finally, bake this dish for around 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown. This recipe is a good source of protein, fiber, and potassium. The calorie count for this dish can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities. For example, one serving can be around 360 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 45% carbs, 42% fat, and 13% protein. However, other recipes with different ingredient combinations may yield servings of around 140 calories.
This cheesy mashed potato recipe is a tasty and nutritious option for children with cystic fibrosis, providing them with the extra calories they need to support their health.
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Macronutrient breakdown: 45% carbs, 42% fat, 13% protein
One serving of cheesy mashed potatoes contains around 360 calories. The macronutrient breakdown of 45% carbohydrates, 42% fat, and 13% protein is in line with general nutritional guidelines. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, 45-65% of daily calories should come from carbohydrates, 20-35% from fats, and 10-35% from protein.
Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel, providing energy for muscles and the central nervous system during movement and exercise. While simple carbohydrates like refined sugars have a lower nutritional value, complex carbohydrates are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fats are another essential macronutrient, providing structure to tissues, including cell membranes, organs, muscles, hair, skin, nails, bones, tendons, ligaments, and blood plasma.
Protein, the third macronutrient, also plays a crucial role in bodily functions and has been linked to better weight loss results. While the ideal ratio varies depending on individual factors such as age, health, and goals, it typically ranges from 10-35% of daily calorie intake.
It is important to note that calories are not the sole determinant of a healthy diet. The quality of calories and the types of macronutrients consumed also play a significant role in overall health and weight management.
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A good source of protein, fibre, and potassium
While mashed potatoes are a good source of potassium, protein, and fibre, they are often loaded with toppings such as cheese, butter, milk, cream, and bacon, which add saturated fat and sodium to the dish. The calories in mashed potatoes come primarily from these added fats. A half-cup serving of homemade mashed potatoes contains 108 calories, while a serving of cheesy mashed potatoes contains 140 to 360 calories.
Potatoes are a starchy vegetable, which means they deliver more calories and typically less fibre. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that our body breaks down into glucose to use as energy. Potatoes are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that aids in the functioning of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. A medium 5.3 oz potato with skin contains 620 mg of potassium, which is 15% of the daily value and more than a medium-sized banana.
The potato skin contains fibre, which is important for digestive health. A medium 5.3 oz potato with skin provides 2 grams of fibre, or about 7% of the daily value. Fibre has numerous health benefits, including improving blood lipid levels, regulating blood glucose, and increasing satiety. It also contributes to digestive health by keeping bowel movements regular, which helps prevent colon diseases.
Potatoes also contain protein, with a medium 5.3 oz potato with skin providing 3 grams of plant-based protein. A serving of mashed potatoes offers about 2 grams of protein. In addition, potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, while iron is involved in making proteins that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
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Calories vary depending on ingredients and quantities
The number of calories in a serving of cheese mashed potatoes can vary depending on the ingredients used and their quantities. For example, a serving of Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes contains 140 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 55% carbs, 33% fat, and 12% protein. On the other hand, a serving of cheesy mashed potatoes made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, onion, egg, salt, and pepper contains 360 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 45% carbs, 42% fat, and 13% protein.
The difference in calories between these two dishes can be attributed to the different ingredients used and their quantities. For example, the Velveeta mashed potatoes may have a lower calorie count due to the use of processed cheese, which tends to be higher in fat and lower in protein than natural cheese. Additionally, the serving size can also affect the calorie count. A smaller serving of the Velveeta mashed potatoes may result in a lower calorie count, even if the macronutrient breakdown is similar.
Another factor that can affect the calorie count of cheese mashed potatoes is the type of cheese used. Different types of cheese have different calorie contents. For example, cheddar cheese is higher in calories than Swiss cheese. So, if a recipe calls for cheddar cheese, it will likely result in a higher-calorie dish compared to one that uses Swiss cheese.
Furthermore, the addition of other ingredients can also increase the calorie count of mashed potatoes. For example, the recipe for cheesy mashed potatoes for kids with cystic fibrosis includes bacon, which adds extra calories and fat to the dish. The topping, made with butter, parmesan cheese, more bacon, and bread crumbs, also contributes to the overall calorie count of the dish.
It's important to note that the cooking methods and preparation techniques can also affect the calorie content of a dish. For example, if the mashed potatoes are baked in the oven, they may absorb more fat and calories from the other ingredients, resulting in a higher calorie count. Similarly, if milk or cream is added to the potatoes during mashing, it can increase the calorie count, especially if a full-fat variety is used.
In conclusion, the number of calories in cheese mashed potatoes can vary significantly depending on the ingredients used, their quantities, and the cooking methods employed. It's important to consider the nutritional content of each ingredient and how they contribute to the overall calorie count of the dish. This information can be especially relevant for those with specific dietary needs or those trying to maintain a calorie-controlled diet.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the recipe used. One source states that a serving of cheesy mashed potatoes contains 360 calories. Another recipe for Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes contains 140 calories per serving.
The macronutrient breakdown of cheesy mashed potatoes is typically 45% carbs, 42% fat, and 13% protein. For Velveeta cheesy mashed potatoes, the breakdown is 55% carbs, 33% fat, and 12% protein.
Cheese mashed potatoes are a good source of protein, fiber, and potassium. However, they are also high in calories and fat, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, cheese mashed potatoes can be a good way to add extra calories to the diet of a child with cystic fibrosis, who may have increased nutritional needs. This dish is also a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
