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?
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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!
- 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}
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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 🙂