Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with these 18 creamy mashed cauliflower recipes! Cauliflower has become a staple in many health-conscious households, and for good reason – it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. But let’s be real, plain old steamed cauliflower can get boring after a while. That’s why we’ve gathered the most delicious, creative, and mouth-watering mashed cauliflower recipes to spice up your mealtime routine.
From classic comfort foods to international twists, these recipes showcase the versatility of this humble vegetable. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, cheesy, or herby, there’s a mashed cauliflower recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
So go ahead, get creative, and mash those cauliflowers!
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy, cheesy, and aromatic Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted cauliflower, butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower Casserole
A creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This casserole is a delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, with the added nutrition of cauliflower.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut into florets and steam until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, butter, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mash until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Mashed Cauliflower with Chives
A delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the savory flavor of fresh chives. Perfect as a side dish or topped with your favorite protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add cauliflower, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
6. Stir in chives and heavy cream (if using). Mash with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon and Cheddar
This creamy side dish is a game-changer for cauliflower lovers! By adding crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic, you’ll create a decadent treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted cauliflower, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, grated cheddar cheese, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Blend until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Mashed Cauliflower with Coconut Milk
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and comforting vegan mashed cauliflower recipe, featuring the rich flavor of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or scallions) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, coconut milk, and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (roasting) + blending time
Spicy Mashed Cauliflower with Jalapeños
Add a kick to your side dish routine with this simple recipe that combines the comfort of mashed cauliflower with the heat of jalapeños. Perfect as a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. Toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted cauliflower, chopped jalapeños, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and grated cheddar cheese (if using). Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A Twist on Traditional Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and flavorful recipe that combines roasted garlic with tender cauliflower.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. While cauliflower is roasting, place garlic cloves on a separate baking sheet and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Roast garlic for 15-20 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
6. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, roasted garlic, softened butter, and broth.
7. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more broth if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Dill Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe takes the traditional mashed potato and gives it a bright and zesty makeover with lemon and dill. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with butter, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower with Sour Cream
This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, using cauliflower instead and adding a tangy touch of sour cream. Perfect as a side dish or even as a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the processed cauliflower, heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and creamy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Truffle Oil Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with Truffle Oil Mashed Cauliflower, a rich and decadent twist on the classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup truffle oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with butter and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, truffle oil, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more cream if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buffalo Style Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this Buffalo Style Mashed Cauliflower recipe, where the bold flavors of buffalo wings meet creamy mashed cauliflower. Perfect for a snack or as a unique accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: crumbled blue cheese crumbles and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove leaves and stem.
3. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles mashed potatoes.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add chicken broth, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir until combined, then add processed cauliflower.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve hot, garnished with blue cheese crumbles and scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cauliflower Mash with Caramelized Onions
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of caramelized onions with the creaminess of cauliflower mash.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (vegetarian) or crumbled feta cheese (non-vegetarian)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
4. Once cauliflower is done, mash in a bowl with a fork or potato masher. Add cooked onions and mix well.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add grated cheese and stir to combine.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Curry Spiced Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe transforms cauliflower into a creamy, aromatic side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With the added warmth of curry powder, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut into florets and pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cauliflower to the skillet and stir to combine with curry mixture.
6. Pour in heavy cream or half-and-half and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Paprika Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your mashed cauliflower game with a hint of smokiness from smoked paprika. This recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic dish, perfect for a side or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove leaves, stem, and florets.
3. Toss with butter, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Mash with a fork or potato masher to desired consistency. Add chicken broth if needed to achieve creamy texture.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the richness of pesto with the comfort of mashed cauliflower. Perfect for a quick and easy accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, pesto sauce, chicken broth, and butter.
5. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more chicken broth if needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional pesto and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cauliflower Mash with Goat Cheese
Transform cauliflower into a rich and creamy side dish by combining it with tangy goat cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower head and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. Toss the cauliflower with butter and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, goat cheese, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Season to taste and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the savory flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a delicious and healthy side dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this mashed cauliflower is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Add the processed cauliflower to the skillet and stir until well combined with the tomato mixture.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
8. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cauliflower Mash with Rosemary and Thyme
Elevate your mashed potato game with this flavorful Cauliflower Mash recipe infused with the savory aromas of rosemary and thyme!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Transfer roasted cauliflower to a blender or food processor with butter and blend until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serve: Enjoy your Cauliflower Mash as a side dish, topped with crispy bacon or grilled chicken for added flavor!
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy mashed cauliflower dishes! This article brings you 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of this nutritious vegetable. From classic Garlic Parmesan to bold Buffalo Style and vegan-friendly options like Coconut Milk Cauliflower Mash, there’s something for everyone. Try adding some smoky flavor with Smoked Paprika or go green with Pesto Mashed Cauliflower. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking for new ideas, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
