Fluffy, garlicky, parmesan mashed cauliflower is a lower carb alternative to mashed potatoes that might just be better than the original.
Mashed cauliflower. Can we get it a new name, because this...this is the kind of thing I dream about at night 🤩.
This post was originally published September 2014, and was updated July 2019 with recipe tweaks, updated photos and a video.
I love revisiting old favorites, and this is one of the best! Over the years, I've found new methods to get these cauliflower mashed potatoes even fluffier...even creamier...and it was time to share with you!
Mashed cauliflower is super simple to make, and with the right ingredients, can rival mashed potatoes.
Whether you serve this at your holiday feast, or a weeknight dinner, it's easy, lighter, and all-round delicious!
Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Reasons you'll love this mashed cauliflower recipe
- it has only 5 simple ingredients
- it is creamy, garlicky, and cheesy
- it's lower in carbs and calories than traditional mashed potatoes
Recipe video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these cauliflower mashed potatoes. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.
Step by step directions
First, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Now, let's get cooking!
- simmer- cauliflower florets until tender- roughly 12 minutes
- drain- thoroughly! If you want thick, creamy potatoes, give them a few minutes in a colander to drain.
- process- a food processor is necessary for silky smooth mashed cauliflower. You can use a masher but they will be chunkier. A blender might work but would have to be a good one (aka: not mine)
- add the goodies- we are adding greek yogurt (for nice, thick cauliflower mashed potatoes), fresh parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt. Simple but effective. Process again.
Top with butter...chives...maybe some bacon if you're feeling crazy.
Do I really need a food processor for cauliflower mashed potatoes? It really depends on how fluffy/creamy/smooth you want your cauliflower mash. The immersion blender and potato masher worked *fine* but they were not smooth and fluffy.
Can I make this recipe vegan? My friend Lindsay at Cotter Crunch has the coolest way to make mashed potatoes fluffy without any dairy- white beans! Check out her recipe here. It may work for these cauliflower mashed potatoes but Ihave not tried.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes! Find directions for the Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower here.
What to serve with cauliflower mashed potatoes
This is a great versatile recipe that goes well with many main course and side dishes. Here's how I serve mine!
- Chicken- it goes well with this Perfect Baked Chicken Breast, though this summer it's all about the Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
- Salmon- we can't get enough of this Balsamic Salmon Marinade
- Side salad- our Staple Kale Salad is on repeat again
Tips for the perfect cauliflower mash
- simmer cauliflower until soft (not al dente)
- this is my favorite food processor
- looking for more cauliflower recipes? Check out this Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, this Easy Grilled Cauliflower and these 7 Cauliflower Rice Recipes
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower (Stove Top)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (roughly 7 cups; cut into florets)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Simmer cauliflower for 10-15 minutes, until soft (time depends on the size of cauliflower pieces).
- Drain cauliflower and allow to sit in the colander for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a 7-cup capacity food processor and add the parmesan cheese, greek yogurt, salt and garlic powder.
- Process for 1-2 minutes, until creamy and smooth.
- Serve with butter and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Storage
- Store in an air tight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
Diana Marshall says
I substituted steaming the cauliflower for 10 min, simply because I bought on Amazon a EuChoiz Collapsible Microwave Steamer Bowl and wanted to take it for a spin for easy clean-up. Worked perfectly and followed the instructions to make sure the steamed heads were al dente and dry. I had run out of yogurt - who does that? I used Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb to substitute 25 calories per wedge and used 4. I think you could use fat free Greek Yogurt, cottage cheese or low fat Philly if you prefer. Cool and unique thing about this recipe is that it doesn't ask you to do the usual garlic cleaning, mashing or sautéing - so easy to use garlic powder if it works. It works perfectly! I upped the garlic hit with Kroger's Private Selection Roasted California Garlic. I left the salt and pepper out for my guests to choose because I have friends who are on salt-restricted and use only Morton Salt Substitute and other friends who are salt snobs and want only Morton's Himalayan Pink Salt or go home. I had dinner for four and also left my guests the options of olive oil, butter or Smart Balance Low Sodium. P.S. I don't get paid to brand-drop, I just like to tout what works! I have now tried the recipe exactly as written by Sweet Pea Annie and paired it with her Perfect Baked Chicken Breast. High 5 recommendation!