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Home recipes Dinner

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

20 minutes
cauliflowergarlic
Posted:11/11/22
Updated:11/15/22
Jump to Recipe

This creamy mashed cauliflower recipe is like mashed potatoes, but made with cauliflower instead! Adding shredded cheese makes it cheesy too!

green bowl filled with mashed cauliflower.

If you are a fan of traditional mashed potatoes then you will love this easy mashed cauliflower recipe because it tastes just as great but contains less starch and carbs!

It’s super creamy, full of delicious cheese and garlic flavors, and goes with many other main dishes as the perfect side. It’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner, your family is going to be shocked when you tell them it’s made from cauliflower!

bowl of mashed cauliflower on table next to main course.

The Best Mashed Cauliflower Recipe 

This is the best cauliflower mash because it’s ultra creamy and has the best flavor. Mix it with just a touch of butter, shredded cheese, garlic and salt for a comforting side dish that doesn’t taste as heavy as mashed potatoes.

And to make this recipe even easier for you, you don’t have to use fresh cauliflower if you don’t have any. If you are trying to find a way to use up your frozen cauliflower florets, that can work for this recipe too. Whichever you choose to use, it’s going to produce the same tasty results. 

This easy recipe is the perfect side dish and will be the perfect addition to make for the whole family this upcoming holiday season. When it comes to delicious and easy side dishes on the holiday table like this one, I’d suggest making extra because I won’t be shocked if everyone comes back for seconds (and maybe thirds)!

bowl of mashed cauliflower with spoon in it.

How to Make Mashed Cauliflower 

Chop up a head of cauliflower into small pieces. This is going to speed up the cooking time.

chopped up cauliflower in bowl.

Bring chicken broth to a boil. Add fresh or frozen cauliflower and continue to boil.

cauliflower boiling in chicken broth in saucepan.

Cook until cauliflower is softened, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks.

cauliflower in broken up pieces in saucepan.

Take off the burner and add the cheese, butter, garlic and salt.

butter and cheese added to cauliflower in saucepan.

Use a potato masher, or spoon to smash and stir until creamy. You can also use a food processor if you want extra creamy mashed cauliflower.

creamy cauliflower in saucepan.

Serve next to your main course (like cheesy meatloaf!) and enjoy!

cauliflower served next to meatloaf and vegetables on pink plate.

Storing/Reheating Leftovers 

Store leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. If stored properly, mashed cauliflower can last up to three days.

To reheat leftover mashed cauliflower, you can do so in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. It should take no longer than one to two minutes but cook until warmed through.

Mashed Cauliflower FAQs 

How do you keep mashed cauliflower from getting watery?

If you feel the mashed cauliflower consistency is too watery you can add more cauliflower, or you can add instant potato flakes at the end when you’re mixing it with the cheese and butter.

What does mash cauliflower taste like?

Mashed cauliflower tastes similar to mashed potatoes. The consistency is fluffy and light. This recipe consists of butter, shredded cheese, garlic and salt—so these are the primary flavors you will taste from this cauliflower mash recipe – much like mashed potatoes!

Is mashed cauliflower better than potatoes?

Mashed cauliflower is a great low carb alternative to regular mashed potatoes. This delicious recipe is a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes but it’s up to you which you prefer. However, I think it’s safe to say that you will love this delicious recipe and it will become a new favorite staple in your household!

Do I use gravy on mashed cauliflower?

Yes, you can use gravy on mashed cauliflower if desired. A mushroom gravy or whichever gravy you prefer will work. If you’re looking to learn how to make gravy, I have a recipe for that as well!

There are also different ways you can garnish this dish, like with fresh parsley, chopped green onions or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this mashed cauliflower recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly by replacing the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the cheese with vegan alternatives.

More Cauliflower Recipes

Check out some of my other favorite cauliflower recipes:

  • Roasted Cauliflower Soup
  • Baked General Tso’s Cauliflower
  • Cheddar Cheese Cauliflower Casserole
  • Creamy Cauliflower Pasta
  • Cheesy Cauliflower

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This creamy mashed cauliflower recipe is like mashed potatoes, but made with cauliflower instead!  Adding shredded cheese makes it cheesy too!
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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

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This creamy mashed cauliflower recipe is like mashed potatoes, but made with cauliflower instead! Adding shredded cheese makes it cheesy too!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped small (or 16 oz bag of frozen cauliflower)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic mined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
  • Add cauliflower and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, breaking up cauliflower with a spoon as it cooks, for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is very soft.
  • Remove saucepan from burner and add shredded cheese, butter, garlic and salt.  Use a spoon (or potato masher) to mash by hand until creamy.  Alternatively, you can add everything to a food processor and pulse a couple of times until creamy.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video:

Course:Side Dish
Cuisine:American
Keyword:cauliflower mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

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  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
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  1. jane doe says

    August 9, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    dissapointed, I clicked on your site because the title says NO butter or milk. That is not true or youve mis typed an extra ingredient.

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      August 10, 2020 at 10:14 am

      Hi Jane, I’m not sure where you’re seeing that, the description says “this easy recipe is just like mashed potatoes but doesn’t use potatoes or milk!” The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon butter, you could easily substitute olive oil for this if you’d like. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    October 21, 2019 at 3:18 am

    really yummy

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      October 21, 2019 at 10:19 am

      Thanks Jenny, glad you liked the potatoes!

      Reply
  3. Paloma says

    February 13, 2016 at 4:57 am

    May I quote you on the blog? The part I’d like to quote is this: Love the mom food idea. One of my proudest acshmplicoments with my children is that they love food as much as my husband and I do. Often, when I make one of my really tasty dinners, my husband will remind the kids how much they’ll appreciate and remember this food, once they move out of the house (especially when they are eating dorm food :-)). I also really believe in the idea of comfort food, which is what mom food is all about. and I can credit it any way you wish.

    Reply
  4. Lidia says

    July 3, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Looks heavenly!

    Reply
  5. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says

    July 2, 2014 at 4:50 am

    This must be delicious.. a new way for me to cook cauliflower. My husband loves it a lot so he will be glad of this new recipe in our house.

    Reply
  6. Ashley says

    July 1, 2014 at 8:43 am

    I love making mashed cauliflower! It’s so good! And I love the new look of your site – looks fantastic!

    Reply
  7. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    July 1, 2014 at 6:27 am

    I don’t know why I’ve never made mashed cauliflower before, I mean it looks delicious and I really love cauliflower. I’ll have to remember to give it a try soon!

    Reply
  8. Consuelo - Honey & Figs says

    June 30, 2014 at 6:34 pm

    Oh lucky you, your cauliflowers look amazing! Ours will never ever grow eeek I wish I knew what’s wrong with them. I guess it must be the climate here 🙁 Anyway, I’d love to try this mash so badly that I’m even willing to use the frozen stuff. It looks delish!

    Reply
  9. Mary Frances says

    June 30, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    I’ve been meaning to try mashed cauliflower. Yours sounds tasty!

    Reply
  10. Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says

    June 30, 2014 at 9:04 am

    Love that picture of you holding fresh picked cauliflower – how awesome is that to grow your own! Love mashed cauliflower!

    Reply
  11. Siv/MoonLight @ AWorldInMyOven says

    June 30, 2014 at 5:37 am

    I’ve never in my life thought of mashing califlower. It’s amazing, all the new things I learn just by reading your blog or roaming the internet.. Plus it has cheese in it, that’s even more amazing. I feel totally inspired to make this for dinner tonight!

    Reply
  12. Megan says

    June 29, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    Cauliflower mash sounds so tasty, and the cauliflower you grew looks gorgeous!

    Reply
  13. Aimee / WallflowerGirl.co.uk says

    June 29, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Cauliflower mash is amazing! I’ve been using it to top shepherds pies and love it! Your cauliflower + kitten tshirt photo is super sweet by the way ^.^

    Reply
  14. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says

    June 29, 2014 at 5:02 am

    This creamy cauliflower mash sounds divine!

    Reply
  15. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says

    June 28, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Looks yummy, Pamela! What a great, healthy way to use that surplus of cauliflower

    Reply
  16. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

    June 28, 2014 at 6:58 am

    Wow, this is amazing … it looks just like a big bowl of regular mashed potatoes. I love that you’ve added all that cheese and garlic – I’d love to try this with that beautiful BBQ chicken!

    Reply
  17. vicky and ruth / May I Have That Recipe? says

    June 27, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    What Beautiful cauliflowers you got from your garden. This cheesy cauliflower mash sounds fantastic.

    Reply
  18. Melanie @ Carmel Moments says

    June 27, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    I love creamy cauliflower. Love that this is straight from the garden!
    So pretty.

    Reply
  19. Kelly says

    June 27, 2014 at 12:29 am

    Wow I am always in awe of the beautiful veggies you grow in your garden, the cauliflower looks sensational! Love this creamy mashed cauliflower – what a healthy and delicious dish 🙂

    Reply
  20. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    June 27, 2014 at 12:19 am

    This mashed cauliflower looks delicious! I always feel so guilty eating mashed potatoes but next time I’ll have to try cauliflower instead! Do you ever get stressed out with the bounty of your garden?! It’s crazy how much it produces!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      June 27, 2014 at 10:27 am

      Hey Linsdsey, hope you give these a shot! I totally get stressed sometimes…. especially when it is tomato and cucumber time!

      Reply
  21. Cailee says

    June 26, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    YUM! I’ve wanted to try this as a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes!! What a great healthy recipe 🙂

    Reply
  22. Natalie says

    June 26, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Healthy and delicious, great recipe!

    Reply
  23. PassTheKnife says

    June 26, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    I’ve been dying to try mashed cauliflower. I’m so impressed with how well your garden is doing. Looking forward to trying out this recipe.

    Reply
  24. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    June 26, 2014 at 10:25 am

    I’ve always wanted to try mashed cauliflower, have heard wonderful things about it! Your pictures are enticing me to try this, and now! Especially with the cream cheese in there…love it!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

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