Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a creamy, dreamy, and guilt-free side dish, this Mashed Cauliflower is about to steal the show at your next dinner table. With its velvety texture and buttery flavor, this easy swap for classic mashed potatoes is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or meal prepping healthy lunches. Ready to discover just how delicious healthy eating can be? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Cauliflower
- Low-carb and Keto-friendly, making it great for many dietary lifestyles.
- Quick to prepare—on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Velvety, creamy texture that’s unbelievably satisfying.
- Packed with nutrients and fewer calories than traditional mashed potatoes.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Mashed Cauliflower Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chives or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions: How to Make Mashed Cauliflower
Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it. Add cauliflower florets, cover, and steam for 12-15 minutes, or until the florets are fork-tender. (You can also learn more about steaming cauliflower here.)
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Remove cauliflower from the steamer and let it drain well. For ultimate creaminess, lightly pat florets with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Mash the Cauliflower
Add the steamed, drained cauliflower to a food processor or large bowl. Add butter, sour cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend or mash until very smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides as needed. (A hand blender or potato masher works too, but a food processor gets the creamiest results.)
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and enjoy while hot!
Mashed Cauliflower Notes
- Make sure to drain and dry your cauliflower thoroughly to avoid watery mash.
- For an extra-silky puree, process in batches and don’t overcrowd your food processor.
- Learn more about cauliflower’s nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Mashed Cauliflower Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower Mash: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère for extra richness.
- Herb & Garlic Cauliflower Mash: Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or thyme and a roasted garlic clove.
- Dairy-Free Vegan Cauliflower Mash: Use olive oil and non-dairy yogurt in place of butter and sour cream.
Required Equipment for Mashed Cauliflower
- Large pot and steamer basket (or microwave-safe bowl)
- Food processor, immersion blender, or potato masher
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl and utensils
Mashed Cauliflower Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, stir and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed. Freezing not recommended as texture may become watery.
Mashed Cauliflower Suggested Pairings & Serving Tips
- Serve with roasted or grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Pairs beautifully alongside turkey and gravy for holiday meals.
- Try topped with a fried egg for a satisfying brunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mashed Cauliflower
- For fluffier mash, allow steamed cauliflower to sit uncovered for 5 minutes before blending.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan—it adds a nutty, umami boost, similar to this expert recipe guide.
- Use freshly minced garlic for a richer, more aromatic flavor.
Mashed Cauliflower FAQ
- Can I make Mashed Cauliflower ahead of time? Yes! Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Can I use frozen cauliflower? Absolutely—just steam florets as directed; though fresh offers the best flavor and texture.
- How can I make my mash super smooth? For silky mashed cauliflower, use a high-powered food processor and be sure to blend thoroughly.
Ready to transform your mealtime with this delicious, easy, and versatile Mashed Cauliflower? Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 10-12 minutes until very tender.
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2Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and transfer to a food processor.
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3Add butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
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4Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
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5Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chives if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
110cal
Protein:
4 gg
Fat:
7 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
9 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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