A perfectly creamy Mashed Cauliflower that’s an excellent, versatile side dish. Made with only six simple, real ingredients, this mashed cauliflower is silky, flavorful, and pairs well with a wide range of mains.
Quick & Easy Mashed Cauliflower
This is a straightforward method for making perfectly creamy mashed cauliflower. It’s an easy way to increase your vegetable intake without sacrificing taste. Serve it alongside roasted or braised proteins for a satisfying weeknight or weekend meal.
What You Will Need
- Whole head of cauliflower – remove the stem and leaves, then cut into florets. Frozen cauliflower works well, too.
- Butter – use ghee or vegan butter to make the dish dairy-free.
- Unsweetened almond milk – add more or less depending on the texture you prefer; regular milk or coconut milk can be substituted.
- Extra virgin olive oil – a small amount helps smooth the texture and enrich the flavor.
- Kosher salt & garlic powder – simple seasonings that enhance the cauliflower.
- Optional add-ins – grated parmesan, cream cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, black pepper, or chopped chives.
How To Make Mashed Cauliflower
Start by cooking the cauliflower florets until very tender. Place the florets in a steamer basket set over about an inch of simmering water in a saucepan, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very soft. Softness is important for a smooth consistency.
Remove the steamer from the heat and allow the cauliflower to cool slightly. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a high-powered blender or a large food processor along with the almond milk, butter, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.
Blend on high for 2–3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides if needed, until the texture is silky and smooth. If the mash is too thick, add almond milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust salt, garlic, or butter to taste.
Once blended, transfer to a serving dish and top with an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for color and a fresh note.
Other Ways To Cook Cauliflower For the Best Mash
Steaming is quick and gentle, but you can also use other methods: cook a whole head of cauliflower in an Instant Pot, or roast florets in the oven until tender and lightly browned. If roasting, allow the cauliflower to cool slightly before blending. Each method will produce slightly different flavors and textures — roasting adds nuttiness, while steaming keeps the taste light and delicate.
Best Ways To Serve Cauliflower Mash
Mashed cauliflower is a great substitute for mashed potatoes and pairs beautifully with braised or roasted meats and poultry. Try it alongside braised lemon garlic chicken, braised beef short ribs, meatballs and gravy, or roasted pork chops. It also works well under a rich gravy or served with a pan sauce. Finish with extra butter or olive oil for richness.
Other Cauliflower Recipes You Might Like
- Cauliflower rice
- Buffalo cauliflower
- Cauliflower mushroom risotto
- Cauliflower pizza crust
- Shrimp fried cauliflower rice
Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk, more as needed (or substitute regular milk)
- 4 tablespoons butter (substitute ghee or vegan butter)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Steam: Place a steamer basket in a medium or large saucepan with about an inch of water. Add the cauliflower florets, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 8–10 minutes or until the cauliflower is very soft. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Blend: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Blend on high for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is silky and smooth.
- Adjust consistency and flavor: If needed, add almond milk a tablespoon at a time and blend until you reach the desired texture. Taste and add more butter, salt, or garlic powder if preferred.
- Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl, top with additional butter or chopped chives, and enjoy with your favorite main dish.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Alternative cooking methods: You can cook the cauliflower whole in an Instant Pot or roast florets in the oven; both methods work well for this mash.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
Calories: 79 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 226 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Vitamin C: 35 mg
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