Mashed cauliflower is an easy-to-make side dish paired with any meal as a tasty low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. But don’t see it as just a substitute– it’s delicious! Like mashed potatoes, serve the tasty cauliflower side with Sunday pot roast, stew, and roasted chicken.
Key Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower has a nutty, earthy flavor. Break down a head of cauliflower into smaller florets, or purchase a bag of pre-cut cauliflower.
- Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream for extra creamy mashed cauliflower.
- Butter: Like mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is even better with a little salted butter.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the natural flavor of cauliflowers.
How to Make Mashed Cauliflower
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Boil or steam the cauliflower in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the florets soften.
Step 2: Add the cooked cauliflower to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Then, add cream, butter, and parmesan cheese, and mix well.
Step 3: Taste and season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
If you enjoy mashed cauliflower, pair it with one of these dinner recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Boneless Leg of Lamb
- Baked Tandoori Chicken, Roasted Chicken
- Tandoori Turkey
- Bison Steak, Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Pesto Flounder
- Braised Short Ribs
- Chili Con Carne with Beans, Beef Bourguignon
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze: Let the dish to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Mashed cauliflower freezes for 3-4 months. However, the texture may change some because of the dairy.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to eat it, defrost the side dish in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave!
- Repurpose: Make cauliflower pancakes or risotto using leftover cauliflower mash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mashed cauliflower in the Instant Pot?
1. In an Instant Pot, steam cauliflower on manual high pressure for 2 minutes with a quick release.
2. Add cooked cauliflower to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Then, add cream, butter, and parmesan cheese, and mix well.
3. Taste with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
More Side Dish Recipes:
Mashed Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into smaller florets
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- kosher salt, to taste
- coarse black pepper, to taste
- Boil or steam the cauliflower in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the florets soften.
- Add the cooked cauliflower to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Then, add cream, butter, and parmesan cheese, and mix well.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Liam M
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
Mashed cauliflower, you've won my heart! It's not just a low-carb alternative. It's delicious and perfect with our Sunday meal.
Tressa Jamil
Wednesday 20th of September 2023
I feel the same way about mashed cauliflower. I am happy you enjoyed it.
Karen
Monday 13th of February 2023
I made this mashed cauliflower dish last night and it was amazing! I was a bit skeptical at first, but it turned out better than I expected. It was a perfect side to my roasted chicken and I loved that it was a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes. Highly recommend giving it a try!