This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Creamy mashed cauliflower is undeniably delicious! It’s simple to make and is such a great side dish for any dinner meal, especially if you’re trying to stay away from carbs.

I love having low carb substitutions for some of my favorite dishes! For example, cauliflower rice for white rice, spaghetti squash for pasta noodles, and this mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes!

mashed cauliflower in a white bowl


Have you Mashed Cauliflower before?

If you’ve never made mashed cauliflower, then this recipe is for you! It’s simpler than you might think and tastes amazing. It has the same smooth consistency as mashed potatoes, but is healthier for you! It’s a win win in my book.

So if you’re always craving mashed potatoes, give this mashed cauliflower recipe a shot! You won’t be sorry. Even my kids love this dish.

Even though this side dish is considered “low-carb” it’s packed with incredible flavors that you will enjoy. Garlic, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, parsley, and a little bit of half and half. So yummy!

cooked cauliflower in a vegetable steamer

How to Make Mashed Cauliflower

It’s easiest to make this recipe if you have a steamer/rice cooker with an insert to steam the cauliflower.

STEAM. Use the steamer with an insert and boil the water. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets. Steam them for about 10-12 minutes or until they are tender.

While the cauliflower is steaming, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic. Cook for just a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

MASH. Transfer the steamed cauliflower, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to grind it all together. Transfer the ground cauliflower mixture to a food processor.

ADD-IN. Add in the half and half and puree it until it gets to the desired consistency that you like. Add any salt and pepper to taste. Garnish the mashed cauliflower with fresh parley and butter. If you need to, you can reheat it a bit over the stove.

Tips for the perfect consistency:

  • Make sure to steam the cauliflower until it’s tender. This will help you get a smoother consistency.
  • Puree it in a food processor until all the lumps are gone.
  • If you don’t have a food processor you can use a blender.
  • If you want it a little thicker, add in a little more half and half or even a tiny bit of heavy cream.
cauliflower mash in a white bowl

Freezing, Making Ahead + Storing

Another great thing about this dish is that it can be made about 3 days ahead of time!

Store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Reheat it over low heat on the stove. Add in more butter if desired.

If you have any leftover, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze mashed cauliflower. Just pour into freezer safe plastic bags and make sure it’s airtight. Flatten the mixture and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to serve it, thaw and heat it over the stove on medium heat.

garlic mashed cauliflower topped with parsley in a white bowl

For more mashed recipes, check out:

5 from 8 votes

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Creamy mashed cauliflower is undeniably delicious! It's simple to make and is such a great side dish for any dinner meal.
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup reduced fat cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tsp garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp half and half
  • fresh parsley and butter for garnish

Instructions 

  • Use a Steamer with an insert and boil water. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets. Steam for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
  • while the cauliflower is steaming heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the minced garlic. Cook for just a few minutes until fragrant. 
  • Transfer the steamed cauliflower, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to grind it all together.
  • Transfer the ground cauliflower mixture to a food processor. Add the half and half and puree until it’s the desired consistency that you like.
  • Add any salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parley and butter if you wish. 
  • If needed, reheat on the stove.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 532mg, Potassium: 317mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 105IU, Vitamin C: 46.4mg, Calcium: 90mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This mashed cauliflower turned out perfectly! I have had problems with my mashed cauliflower being watery in the past, this recipe solved that problem! Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    I am getting so excited about holidays coming up with all delicious food ideas. Mashed cauliflower is such a brilliant invention and my mother’s favourite vegetable. We love this recipe!

  3. 5 stars
    Honestly, i have never heard of mashed cauliflower until recently! And it’s gonna be my new thing for thanksgiving. (I’m loving the minced garlic.)