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!
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
How to make mashed cauliflower
First, gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Now, let’s get cooking!
Here’s how to make mashed cauliflower
- 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. Face plant into your creamy, fluffy mashed cauliflower recipe. The end.
Do I really need a food processor for cauliflower mashed potatoes? It really depends on how fluffy/creamy/smooth you want your mashed cauliflower. 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
Garlic & Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower (Stove Top)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (roughly 7 cups; cut into florets)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1/2 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.
Amanda
Will this work using a blender instead of a food processor ?
Suzanne
Do you prefer the Instant Pot or slow cooker version? Do you see much of a difference?
Denise
I would say the Instant Pot because it was faster. No difference in flavor, just in cook time!
Danielle
So 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
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Danielle! THank you so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Phyllis
Hi There can it be frozen?
Denise
I haven’t tried but I think it would work!
Julie A
Made this tonight and it was jaw-droppingly good. The whole family loved it. I only wish I’d made a double batch! Thanks!
Denise
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Julie! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice review <3
ChrisWebAdmin
I 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
Yes, that’s strange! Let me see if I can change that 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
I 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
Haha, 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
Oh, yummy!!! I love cauliflower, so I would not even miss the potatoes. Sounds delish!
Denise
Ha 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
Thanks, Arpita 🙂
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Oh 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
Well thank-you, Sarah! Hope you like it!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout
It 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
Crazy 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
Love 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
Thanks, Geraldine! That potato gratin sounds amazing!
katie
These 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
Cauliflower is so versatile, isn’t it? Hope you like it!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
This looks so delicious just like regular mashed potatoes but lighter which is always nice!
Denise
Thanks, Jocelyn!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
You’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
Ha, thanks, Gayle! Glad I’m not the only one who needs to break out the big pants 🙂