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Love mashed potatoes but don’t want all the carbs? Then this mashed cauliflower recipe is perfect for you. It is a low-carb alternative to the traditional mashed potatoes. It is super tasty, creamy, and easy to make.
You may also like my boursin mashed potato or my vegan mashed potato recipe.
I loved making this cauliflower mash and my kids loved it too. The flavor is so good and have way less carbs than traditional mash potatoes plus it tastes just like it! This dish will be the perfect side dish for those watching their macros and carb intake. I flavored it with some garlic and fresh herbs and then topped with some butter, which can also be replaced with some olive oil.
Serve it this holiday season with Thanksgiving turkey roast or maple-glazed roasted turkey breast.
Summary
- Simple side dish: It doesn’t need a whole lot to put this dish together.
- A low-carb option: Skip all the high carbs found in your traditional mashed potatoes and swap the potatoes with cauliflower. Same great taste.
- So tasty: You will love the taste of my “cauliflower” mashed potato recipe. It is packed with flavor.
Ingredients you will need
- Head Cauliflower, leaves removed and broken into large florets
- Garlic Cloves, finely chopped and divided: please use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Water, or more as needed: to make it blend easier
- Butter, or olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh Chopped Herbs, to garnish if desired
Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
How to make cauliflower mash
Watch my video tutorial for an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to make mashed cauliflower.
- Cook Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot and cover with broth and water. Add in half of the garlic and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender.
- Strain and process cauliflower: Using a colander, strain the cooked cauliflower and place it into a food processor. Add in the remaining garlic and butter; process until smooth and pureed.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then arrange it into a serving bowl/platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs. Enjoy!
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
- Use medium-sized garlic cloves or else it will have a strong garlic taste. If using large garlic cloves, then use only 4.
- If you do not want to use butter you can use olive oil.
- Use fresh herbs, if possible, for the best flavor.
- Try not to overcook the cauliflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cauliflower is high in fiber, which slows down digestion and promotes the feeling of fullness. Cauliflower is low in calories so you can have a huge serving without worrying about loads of calories. Therefore, they are a great substitute for high-calorie foods like potatoes and rice.
Either way you choose will depend on how quickly you need your cauliflower and what you will be doing with the cauliflower. Steaming seems to be a bit better than boiling because when steaming, most of the nutrients from the cauliflower are retained as opposed to boiling which eliminates some of the nutrients. Also, boiling is fine if you are using the broth for soup.
Cauliflower has a mild taste to it when compared to other vegetables. Furthermore, they can have a slightly nutty and bitter undertone flavor.
Yes. If you would like to add in potatoes, you can do that as well. You can go with a 50/50 ratio on this, and it will taste great.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, place them in a sealed container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply use the microwave and reheat a single serving or 2 for 1-2 minutes or until it is heated through.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
- Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
What to serve with cauliflower mash
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Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 Large Head Cauliflower, leaves removed and broken into large florets
- 4-6 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped and divided
- 2 Cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 Cup Water, or more as needed
- 2 tablespoon butter, or olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh Chopped Herbs, to garnish if desired
Instructions
- Place the 1 Large Head Cauliflower florets in a large pot and cover with 2 Cup Chicken or vegetable broth and 4 Cup Water.
- Add in half of the garlic ( 4-6 Garlic Cloves) and a good pinch of Salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until cauliflower is fork-tender.
- Using a colander, strain the cooked cauliflower and place it into a food processor. Add in the remaining garlic and 2 tablespoon butter; process until smooth and pureed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then arrange it into a serving bowl/platter and sprinkle with Fresh Chopped Herbs. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder
- The amount of garlic might be a lot for some. I recommend using 2-3 medium garlic if you do not like garlic much.
- Swap the butter with olive oil
- Do not over-cook the cauliflower
- Go ahead and add in some boiled potatoes as well with the cauliflower if you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thanks for the delicious recipe. I am currently without a blender so we enjoyed it as small florets; it would present nicer as a puree.
Yes! glad you loved it.
I can’t find where you specify what kind of herbs you can add for flavoring. Thanks!