This garlic and parmesan mashed cauliflower is a low calorie, low carb, healthy substitute for mashed potatoes. Smooth and delicious, perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish!
This week I have posted a few Thanksgiving-worthy recipes, since Canadian Thanksgiving is only two weeks away.
I love Thanksgiving, love the smell of the cooking turkey, the cranberry sauce, the pumpkin pie, the stuffing, the wine, all of it! I love spending time with family eating…and eating. And eating. Unbuttoning that top button. Eating some more.
Have you seen the episode of Friends where Joey needs to get on his Thanksgiving pants? Well, I’m a little afraid that’s going to be me this year. I still have some maternity yoga pants…those might do the trick.
Luckily, this recipe for garlic & parmesan Mashed Cauliflower is one which thankfully won’t contribute to my need for Thanksgiving pants.
In truth, I didn’t make this healthy on purpose…I had a mashed cauliflower last summer and it was so silky smooth and deeelish that I wanted to make up my own version.
I added Greek yogurt {you should know by now that’s how I roll}, Parmesan cheese {I’m not even justifying this one with an explanation}, garlic, s&p. And the calorie total comes to just 100 calories per serving. Whatttt?
This low carb mashed cauliflower is surprisingly similar in texture to regular old mashed potatoes…you can even sculpt with them {not that I would do that! I’m waaay too responsible to do that ;P}
You won’t miss the potatoes, I pinky swear.
Uh huh. Mashed cauliflower. So we don’t need those Thanksgiving pants.
More healthy Thanksgiving sides!
- remix your cranberry sauce routine with this Raspberry Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
- or make this easy Fennel and Pomegranate Quinoa Salad
- or these fun Herbed Sweet Potato Stacks!
Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower (Stove Top)
Ingredients
- 1 kg of cauliflower cut into florets {1 large or two small heads}
- 6 cloves garlic smashed with the side of a knife
- 1/3 cup loosely packed Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt {to taste}
- pepper {to taste}
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Simmer the garlic and cauliflower for 5-10 minutes, until soft {time depends on the size of cauliflower pieces}
- Drain cauliflower and return to hot pot with Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, salt and pepper. Using an immersion blender, blend for 1-2 minutes, until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately
Slow Cooker Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower broken into florets
- 6 sprigs thyme
- 6 cloves garlic smashed with the back of a knife
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stock
Instructions
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir once half way through if possible.
- Remove thyme stems from the pot, and mash with a potato masher. Use an immersion blender for smoothest puree.
Suzanne
April 16, 2019 at 5:33 pmDo you prefer the Instant Pot or slow cooker version? Do you see much of a difference?
Denise
April 18, 2019 at 8:23 pmI would say the Instant Pot because it was faster. No difference in flavor, just in cook time!
Danielle
January 2, 2019 at 11:58 pmSo good and so easy to make (I did use precut cauliflower in a bag). I made this with the mini meatloafs and I can’t believe I haven’t tried mashed cauliflower before! Creamy, garlicky and a bit of tangy from the cheese. delicious ? lol. This will be a go to side dish all. Of. The. Time.
Denise
January 4, 2019 at 4:43 pmI’m so glad you enjoyed it, Danielle! THank you so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Phyllis
January 23, 2019 at 7:01 amHi There can it be frozen?
Denise
January 30, 2019 at 1:08 pmI haven’t tried but I think it would work!
Julie A
April 30, 2018 at 3:49 pmMade this tonight and it was jaw-droppingly good. The whole family loved it. I only wish I’d made a double batch! Thanks!
Denise
May 1, 2018 at 8:09 pmSo happy to hear you enjoyed it, Julie! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice review <3
ChrisWebAdmin
November 1, 2017 at 7:55 amI think there is an error on these recipes. How can the total time for both be 1.25? It should be more like 20 minutes for the stovetop version and 4.25 for the slow cooker.
Denise
November 9, 2017 at 3:08 pmYes, that’s strange! Let me see if I can change that 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
October 5, 2014 at 7:22 amI am loving all these Thanksgiving dishes you are sharing! Loved cauliflower mashed potatoes and yours looks perfect! So yummy and creamy but I would still like to keep my Thanksgiving pants on for that gorgeous pie of yours 🙂
Isadora @ She Likes Food
October 2, 2014 at 10:15 pmHaha, I always loved the Thanksgiving episodes on Friends and that one was one of my favorites! I have been known to change into my Thanksgiving pants mid meal just so I can fit a few more bites in! I’ve never made cauliflower mashed potatoes before, but I think it is about time! If it is made out of cauliflower that means I can eat the whole pot, right?!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel
October 2, 2014 at 11:02 amOh, yummy!!! I love cauliflower, so I would not even miss the potatoes. Sounds delish!
Denise
October 1, 2014 at 8:14 pmHa ha, you just fooled me with your pinto bean apple pie bars! I tried fauxfredo awhile back and it was good! Can’t remember which recipe I used though. Thanks, Mary Frances 🙂
Denise
October 1, 2014 at 8:06 pmThanks, Arpita 🙂
[email protected]
October 1, 2014 at 7:33 amOh my gosh. My mom was literally JUST telling me that I should try my hand at making cauli mashed potatoes and now you go and post this GORGEOUS stuff. Um, yes this is going to be my dinner tonight and possibly even breakfast the next day—this looks SO good, Denise! Pinned. 🙂
Denise
October 1, 2014 at 8:09 pmWell thank-you, Sarah! Hope you like it!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout
September 30, 2014 at 8:11 pmIt has been a long time since I’ve had potatoes. And that’s all because of cauliflower! Yay for Thanksgiving mode! The moment the weather gets chilly I’m ready to sing Christmas carols… the holiday season is the best 🙂
Denise
October 1, 2014 at 8:05 pmCrazy how cauliflower is such a great potato substitute, right? I never would have though it looking at it in raw form. Thanks, Medha 🙂
geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
September 30, 2014 at 12:31 pmLove these, Denise! Pinning to add to my Thanksgiving recipe files. I usually make a potato gratin at Thanksgiving and don’t want to make too many potato dishes so leave out the mashed potatoes – but this is the perfect substitution. Love the addition of parmesan and garlic as well.
Denise
September 30, 2014 at 8:03 pmThanks, Geraldine! That potato gratin sounds amazing!
katie
September 30, 2014 at 8:04 amThese mashed “potatoes” look great!! I’ve always wanted to experiment with cauliflower, I’ve seen so many yummy cauliflower sauces but this tops them all! Pinning , I need to try this asap..
Denise
September 30, 2014 at 8:02 pmCauliflower is so versatile, isn’t it? Hope you like it!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
September 30, 2014 at 7:46 amThis looks so delicious just like regular mashed potatoes but lighter which is always nice!
Denise
September 30, 2014 at 8:01 pmThanks, Jocelyn!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
September 30, 2014 at 6:55 amYou’re definitely getting me into Thanksgiving mode with all of your delicious recipes, Denise! And I always feel like Joey on Thanksgiving, too…break out the fat pants! These cauliflower potatoes look amazing! I’ve been wanting to try this for so long and I’m just loving this recipe. Garlic and parmesan sounds so perfect for this dish! Pinned!
Denise
September 30, 2014 at 8:00 pmHa, thanks, Gayle! Glad I’m not the only one who needs to break out the big pants 🙂