Mashed Cauliflower – 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 mashed cauliflower with Sunday pot roast, stew, and roasted chicken.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Cauliflower: Break down a head of cauliflower into smaller florets or purchase a bag of pre-cut cauliflower.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is necessary for extra creamy mashed cauliflower.
- Butter: Like mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is best served with butter.
- Parmesan Cheese: I prefer using freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
HOW TO MAKE MASHED CAULIFLOWER
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
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!

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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!
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge 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.
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⭐️ Rate the Recipe
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Mashed Cauliflower
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into smaller florets
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, coarse ground, 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!
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
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!