If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes, this Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent side dish that pairs well with various proteins like chicken, beef, pork or fish. This easy-to-make side dish recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Why You Will Love this Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or a comforting meal, this Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is sure to be a hit.
- Low-Carb Alternative: This keto-friendly side dish is a great low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this cauliflower side dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy whipping cream, butter and cheeses makes this side dish irresistibly creamy, and cheesy.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Fresh is best, but you can use frozen. Substitute with broccoli, for a different flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor. You can use vegetable stock or water for a vegetarian cauliflower mash.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded is best. Substitute with yellow cheddar, Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess. Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: For garnish. Substitute with chives, green onions or cilantro, for a different flavor.
How to Prepare Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
- Add the cauliflower florets, along with the chicken stock to a pot.
- Boil hard for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, heat up the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
- Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot.
- Add the warmed cream and butter mixture to the pot.
- Add in half of the cheeses, and blend with an immersion blender.
- Add the remaining cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste for salt.
- Spoon the mashed cauliflower into a bowl and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a few pats of butter.
How to Serve and Store Mashed Cauliflower
Serving:
- Serve as a side dish with your favorite proteins such as:
- Grilled or Air Fryer Chicken
- Salmon
- Braised Beef Short Ribs
- Baked Fish
- Pork Chops
Storing Leftovers:
- Place the creamy cheesy mashed cauliflower in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave until heated through.
More Cauliflower Recipes to Love
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Parmesan
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Buttermilk Fried Cauliflower
- Roasted Cauliflower
Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to mashed potatoes, this Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent side dish that pairs well with various proteins like chicken, beef, pork or fish.
Ingredients
- 1 large, or 2 small heads of cauliflower
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 5-ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into florets.
- Add the cauliflower to a pot with the chicken stock.
- Boil hard for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, heat up the heavy cream and two tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
- Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot.
- Add the warmed cream and butter mixture to the pot.
- Add in half of the shredded white cheddar cheese and blend with an immersion blender, until partially smooth.
- Add the remaining cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste for salt.
- Spoon the mashed cauliflower into a bowl and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a few pats of butter.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Fresh cauliflower is best. However, you can substitute with frozen (just add to the pot in the frozen state with the stock).
- Use freshly shredded white cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the cauliflower longer until you achieve the desired texture.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer as an alternative to blending with an immersion blender (texture may not be as smooth using either alternative).
- Add roasted garlic and/or a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
- Taste for salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
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