Description

This recipe delivers incredibly creamy and rich mashed cauliflower, making it a perfect healthy, low-carb side for busy weeknights or any family meal. It transforms humble cauliflower into a flavorful dish everyone will ask for.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head (approx. 2 lb) fresh cauliflower, florets separated
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2–3 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1–2 tablespoons full-fat plant-based milk or cream, optional

Instructions

Prep the Cauliflower: Wash the large head of cauliflower and cut it into uniform florets.
Cook Until Tender: Fill a large pot with 1 inch (2-3 cm) of water, use a steamer basket, and steam the florets, covered, over high then medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until very tender.
Drain Thoroughly: Carefully remove the steamer basket and drain the cooked cauliflower in a colander for 5 minutes, shaking gently to remove excess moisture.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the hot, drained cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2-3 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper.
Achieve Creaminess: Use a sturdy potato masher, immersion blender, or food processor to mash until mostly smooth. Add an optional 1-2 tablespoons full-fat plant-based milk or cream if a looser mash is desired.
Taste and Serve: Taste the mash and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese or yogurt. Frozen cauliflower florets can be used for convenience (cook straight from frozen). Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly drained and cooked until very tender to prevent a watery or lumpy mash. An immersion blender provides the fastest and smoothest results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Steaming, Mashing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (180 g)
Calories: 150 calories
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: mashed cauliflower, low carb, healthy, creamy, easy, side dish, steaming, vegetarian