Description

This Creamy Mashed Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Made with tender boiled cauliflower, garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and optional sour cream, it’s a smooth and flavorful side dish perfect for pairing with a variety of meals. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this comforting low-carb mash is both satisfying and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 kg / 2 lb cauliflower florets (cut into evenly sized pieces)
2 garlic cloves, peeled and whole

Dairy & Fats

2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (25g) parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup (55g) sour cream (optional)

Others

1 – 3 tbsp reserved cooking water (for adjusting consistency)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Melted butter (for drizzling)
Parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the larger cauliflower florets in half or quarter so they’re approximately the same size to ensure even cooking.
Boil Cauliflower and Garlic: Place the cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves into a large pot of boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is very soft and tender.
Reserve Cooking Water: Scoop out about a mug (around 1 cup) of the cooking water before draining the cauliflower.
Drain and Transfer: Drain the cauliflower and garlic well, then transfer them to a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a handheld stick blender directly in the pot.
Add Ingredients and Blend: Add the unsalted butter, parmesan cheese, and optional sour cream to the cauliflower. Start blending without any added water until the mixture is smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Use the reserved cooking water, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve your preferred creamy consistency and to help the puree become extra smooth.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Drizzle melted butter on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy: Serve this creamy mashed cauliflower as a side dish with any meal that you would typically pair with mashed potatoes.

Notes

You can omit the sour cream for a lighter version or to make it suitable for those avoiding dairy rennet.
The reserved cooking water adds flavor and helps adjust the texture; add gradually for best results.
For a garlic-free version, simply leave out the garlic cloves.
If a smoother texture is desired, peel the cauliflower stems before cooking.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as part of a holiday spread.