Cauliflower is having its day in the trending sun as a healthy ingredient substitute in many of our favorite recipes—like this one, where we swap mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes in this silky side dish.
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Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
At first glance, this dish does indeed appear to be one of lush, creamy mashed potatoes just waiting to be draped with a decadent gravy. Or wiped straight from the serving dish with the swipe of your finger. But you, my friend, have just had the vegetable wool pulled over your eyes. Because potatoes it isn’t, and healthier it is.
Say hello to your new favorite mash, mashed cauliflower with Parmesan and chives. And guess who’s never going to miss the extra calories that typically come along for the ride with mashed potatoes? That’s right. YOU!
This recipe is from The Dude Diet cookbook by Serena Wolf of the blog Domesticate Me. She wrote this cookbook to supply healthy-ish/healthier recipes for even the most robust male eater —initially her beloved boyfriend who decided it was time to start watching his food intake a little more closely. We made these cauliflower mashed potatoes to serve alongside Serena’s Epic Meatloaf recipe.
Healthy Mashed Cauliflower
Sure, potatoes in their own right are a great vegetable to love. It’s just all the good stuff that goes into them (cream…butter…all the fixins) that can turn my classic buttery mashed potatoes into sneaky calorie bombs.
This mashed cauliflower recipe turns those facts upside down.
Cauliflower subs in for the potatoes, and chicken broth takes the place of the cream or milk. Simmered together and then puréed in a blender or food processor turns the cauliflower into a silky texture worthy of any mash. Just ¼ cup of Parmesan adds a cheesy bite so good you’ll never miss the butter.
While this side dish may not totally fool your dinner guests into believing these are true-blue mashers, I’m betting they’ll certainly forgive you for the trickery once they discover just how many calories they saved with each and every bite.
Still skeptical? Don’t be. Just try these babies, and then help yourself to seconds.
What’s in This Mashed Cauliflower?
Cauliflower mashed potatoes require very few ingredients to achieve that perfectly creamy consistency. Here’s what you’ll need to make creamed cauliflower:
- Fresh cauliflower
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chives
- Salt and pepper
Really, that’s it! If you need to make vegetarian mashed cauliflower, substitute veggie broth for the chicken broth.
How to Make Mashed Cauliflower
- In a saucepan, combine the cauliflower and broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and let cook until the cauliflower is cooked through.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor using a slotted spoon and puree until smooth. Then, put it in a bowl and stir in the Parmesan, chives, salt and pepper.
Can I Freeze Mashed Cauliflower?
Yes, these cauliflower mashed potatoes freeze well. Simply let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. You can reheat the mashed cauliflower on the stove top.
Can I Add Other Herbs?
Yes, feel free to doctor up this creamed cauliflower recipe just like you would your usual mashed potatoes.
How Long to Cook Cauliflower for Mashed Cauliflower
When cooking the cauliflower in the broth, cook it until it’s just fork tender but not falling apart. If the cauliflower is cooked too long, it won’t become a creamy puree.
For the best flavor, use real Parmesan cheese and not the powdered kind in a shaker can. Trust me on this one!
If you don’t have a food processor, mash the cauliflower by hand with a potato masher or potato ricer. Your mashed cauliflower may not be as creamy, but it’ll still taste delicious.
More Easy Healthy Side Dishes You’ll Love
- How to Make Yummy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- The Best Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes
- Classic Three Bean Salad
- Easy Broccoli with Feta Cheese
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a 
rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Mashed Cauliflower With Parmesan and Chives
Ingredients
- 2 small heads cauliflower , cored and leaves removed and cut into small florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cauliflower and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender, but not completely falling apart.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower to a food processor and puree until silky smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the Parmesan and chopped chives and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
More Healthy-ish Cauliflower Recipes to Try
- Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks with Asian Gremolata
- Penne Pasta with Cauliflower and Pancetta
- Gluten-Free Quinoa and Cauliflower Chowder
- Sriracha and Lime Roasted Cauliflower Tostadas
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Marjorie Berry
Looks great. Can I use riced cauliflower, that comes frozen, instead of fresh?
Hi Marjorie, I’ve only used fresh cauliflower so I’m not sure if it would work or not.
Bronson
This tastes excellent! I just don’t really get the serving size. It says 4grams. Wouldn’t this be like a tablespoon? Also, how is there no fiber?
Anna Bean
This is the best mashed cauliflower recipe I have tried – especially love it has no cream! I love fooling my boys with mashed cauliflower:) So good!! Thanks for featuring my bolognese!
Ana
Really tasty. This was the first time that I had tried to make mashed cauliflower. I think that I ended up with more cauliflower than what was referenced in the two small heads in the recipe so I added a bit more broth. The cauliflower is so creamy that you wouldn’t even know you hadn’t added cream! Thanks for the recipe!
Angela
Hi there – can I make this ahead of time and keep in the fridge and then pop it in the oven before we serve it?
I haven’t tried Angela, but my gut says yes, that should work.
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Erika Lachance
Tried it and loved it! Thank you for posting this
Hunter
Curious on the nutrients label for these :)
Sandy
These are the best couliflower mashed I’ve ever had! I think I are half the batch before it ever hit the table!
Rhonda Galloway
I made this and it had a great taste! It was a little runny, even after draining it. Next time I’ll squeeze over paper towels to get rid of some of the moisture.
arleta miller
I made it and it was awesome. I could not believe the taste with the cheese. Just like potatoes…I will not be making mash potatoes with potatoes but with cauliflower.
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I like Cauliflower Tortillas and i wish to eat.
Mobiel Wallpapers
I like mashed cauliflower. I can’t wait to make it now. Thanks!!.
Laura
Rather, how well does this freeze? :)
Hi Laura, I’m not sure how they freeze as I’ve never had any left over to freeze! If you freeze them, circle back and let us know how thye turn out!
Laura
How well do these freeze?
Alaias
It freezes quite well
FB Sniper
I Like Mashed Cauliflower.
This is the best mashed cauliflower recipe I have tried.
Rachel
Can these be made earlier in the day and reheated or will they lose the proper consistency?
Movie leather jacket
i like cauliflower but it’s mashed version is something i pretty despise :( parmesan cheese is my all time favorite of the cheese. we can try this with potatoes as well :) the thought makes me happy :D :D
Jenn Kosar
This is the best mashed cauliflower recipe I have tried – especially love it has no cream!
Tech Guide
I like mashed cauliflower. I can’t wait to make it now. Thanks!!.
Kelly-Jo Medze
Made this recently, was lovely, shame the hubby didn’t agree
Paula DiGiacomo-Fan
My cauliflower mash is always very watery and runny; doesn’t look like these pictures here. I only wish it did. What’s your secret? I’ve tried the chicken broth route, I’ve used almond milk……… never looks like mashed potatoes. Sorry.
JoAnne
Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess water. Then proceed with the recipe.
Maria
I love fooling my boys with mashed cauliflower:) So good!! Thanks for featuring my bolognese! xo
Laura | Tutti Dolci
Mashed cauliflower is the best – love the parmesan and chives!
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
I have been wanting to try mashed cauli instead of potatoes next time I make meatloaf. Yours look delish