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Mashed Cauliflower is smooth, creamy, and light. It’s the perfect side dish if you’re looking to for something low in carbohydrates and calories. You won’t even miss potatoes with this flavorful mash.

Whether you’re in need of a low carb side or just want a delicious creamy dish, this Mashed Cauliflower is for you! They’re just as yummy as mashed potatoes. Pair them with Garlic Butter Herb Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin, or Lemon Garlic Butter Flank Steak with Mushrooms.

Mashed cauliflower in a bowl

Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed Cauliflower is so flavorful and even easier to whip up than mashed potatoes. No peeling! If you’re making these to follow a diet or just to enjoy cauliflower, you won’t miss potatoes one bit.

mashed cauliflower in a pot

How to make Mashed Cauliflower?

  • Fill a 4-quart pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add in the cauliflower florets, cover, and cook 6-8 minutes until tender. Pour in a colander to drain.
  • Use the same pot to melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Remove pan from heat.
  • Add the cauliflower back to the pot along with the Parmesan cheese and salt & pepper. Use a hand blender to mash the cauliflower. (If you don’t have one, use a regular blender, working in batches.)
  • Transfer mash to a serving bowl and garnish with extra melted butter and Parmesan cheese.

Cauliflower and Cauliflower shredded

What can I add to mashed Cauliflower?

  • Garlic– This gives it a punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cauliflower.
  • Parmesan Cheese– This adds a strong nutty cheese flavor which tastes delicious in classic mashed potatoes and this mashed cauliflower.
  • Butter– This allows you to cook the garlic to allow it to release its flavor. It also adds rich and creaminess to the mash. Salted or unsalted can be used.

Does Mashed Cauliflower taste the same as Mashed Potatoes?

Exactly the same? No. But pretty close. The texture is smooth and creamy but a little bit lighter. Yes, it tastes like cauliflower but the addition of garlic and Parmesan help it taste similar to your favorite mashed potatoes.

Cauliflower being mashed up in a pot

How to make Mashed Cauliflower creamy?

Let the cauliflower steam off. After cooking the cauliflower, drain it in a colander in the sink while melting the butter and cooking the garlic. Allowing the cauliflower to sit and let the steam escape will prevent your mash from being watery.

For extra creamy mash, add in a little cream cheese or sour cream.

Looking for more healthy side dish recipes? Enjoy these:

Mashed cauliflower in a bowl with butter on top

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Mashed Cauliflower

By: Melanie Dueck
Mashed Cauliflower is smooth, creamy, and light. It's the perfect side dish if you're looking to for something low in carbohydrates and calories. You won't even miss potatoes with this flavorful mash. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5 people

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Fill a 4 quart pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add in the cauliflower florets, cover, and cook 6-8 minutes until tender. Pour in a colander to drain.
  • Use the same pot to melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Remove pan from heat.
  • Add the cauliflower back to the pot along with the Parmesan cheese and salt & pepper. Use a hand blender to mash the cauliflower. (If you don't have one, use a regular blender, working in batches.)
  • Transfer mash to a serving bowl and garnish with extra melted butter and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 182mgPotassium: 353mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Melanie Dueck

Melanie is the cook and photographer behind the blog Garnish & Glaze. When she’s not playing princesses with her two little girls, she’s experimenting in the kitchen. She takes simple ingredients and creates everything from healthy dinners to indulgent desserts.

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