Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Are you tired of making the same mashed potatoes over and over again? Switch things up with creamy mashed cauliflower! This simple, 20-minute recipe is a delicious alternative. It pairs perfectly with baked thin chicken breasts and a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad for a well-rounded family dinner. And my secret touch? A little parmesan cheese in the cauliflower mash for that extra burst of flavor! 😉
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Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: This mashed cauliflower recipe is incredibly simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet side dish in your kitchen in only 20 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: When cauliflower is in season, it costs just a few dollars and makes a fantastic, affordable side dish.
- Kid-approved: My kids absolutely loved it! The addition of parmesan cheese really makes a difference.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Cooking every night can be exhausting, which is why quick and easy recipes like this mashed cauliflower are lifesavers. It’s the perfect choice for a healthy dinner in a pinch.
This mashed cauliflower recipe is amazing! It’s so creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, love the touch of parmesan. Super easy to make and a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Definitely making this again!
Britt
📝 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cauliflower head: Cut into florets. Look for a firm, white cauliflower head without any brown spots.
- Water and vinegar: Soaking the cauliflower briefly in this mixture helps clean and freshen the florets.
- Butter: I use organic butter, but you can substitute it with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Minced garlic: Garlic fried in butter adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this healthy side dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano, as the Italians call it, elevates the mashed cauliflower to a new level. I much prefer it to the classic mashed cauliflower with cream cheese.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
For a full list of ingredients, check the recipe card below 👇
Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower Mash: Add shredded cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for an extra cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused Mash: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
- Garlic and Chive Mash: Stir in roasted garlic and fresh chives for a savory, aromatic dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the butter for olive oil or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How To Make Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into florets, and don’t discard the stalk—chop it up as well.
Step 2: Soak cauliflower florets in water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes (optional).
Step 3: Place the cauliflower in a large saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Step 4: In the same saucepan (no need to wash it), melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the cooked cauliflower back to the pan and stir for a few minutes, combining the garlic butter with the cauliflower.
Step 6: Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor along with parmesan cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot!
☀️ Top Tips
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the cauliflower after boiling, to avoid a watery mash.
- Blending in a food processor gives the smoothest texture, but you can also use an immersion blender or a potato masher for a more rustic, chunky mash.
🍴 What To Serve With Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower can be used just like mashed potatoes! It pairs wonderfully with dry rub chicken wings or lemon butter blue grenadier.
You can also serve it alongside creamy baked salmon or gluten-free chicken stew, where it will soak up all those delicious sauces.
❄️ How to Store
Refrigerate: Leftover mashed cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze mashed cauliflower for up to 2 months. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little butter or cream if needed to restore its creaminess.
Recipe FAQs
You didn’t drain the cauliflower well enough. You can cook it on low heat for a couple of minutes to thicken it.
Soaking cauliflower in vinegar is an effective way to remove any dirt, pesticide residue, and hidden bugs before cooking. This simple step ensures that your cauliflower is clean and ready for your delicious recipes.
A grainy texture in cauliflower mash can occur for a few reasons. First, if the cauliflower isn’t cooked thoroughly, it won’t blend into a smooth consistency. Make sure to simmer it until tender. Second, over-blending can break down the cauliflower too much, resulting in a grainy texture. Lastly, using a food processor instead of a high-powered blender may also lead to a less creamy result. To achieve the smoothest mash, ensure even cooking, blend in small batches, and stop blending as soon as you reach the desired consistency.
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, frozen cauliflower is a great alternative when fresh cauliflower isn’t in season. Just make sure to drain it really well, as frozen cauliflower tends to have more moisture than fresh.
More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Happy Cooking! 🧑🍳
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
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Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower cut into small florets
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to season
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into florets, and don’t discard the stalk—chop it up as well.
- Step 2: Soak cauliflower florets in water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes (optional).
- Step 3: Place the cauliflower in a large saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Step 4: In the same saucepan (no need to wash it), melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Add the cooked cauliflower back to the pan and stir for a few minutes, combining the garlic butter with the cauliflower.
- Step 6: Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
Sehr Sehr lecker und leicht zubereiten.
Delish!!! I’m so glad I tried this. Fresh, delicious flavors! Thank you!