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.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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.
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 love the side dish, pair it with one of these tasty dinner favorites!
Serving Suggestions
- Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe
- Baked Tandoori Chicken, Roasted Chicken
- Tandoori Turkey
- Bison Steak Recipe, Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
- Baked Flounder Recipe, Sriracha Salmon
- Braised Short Ribs
- Chorizo Burrito
- Chili Con Carne with Beans, Beef Bourguignon
What to do with the 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!
Mashed Cauliflower
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into smaller florets
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 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!