Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Looking for a healthier potato swap or low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes? Try my Creamy Mashed Cauliflower with a couple of secret ingredients that add depth and savoriness to this mash!

Cauliflower is a low carb + low cal veggie that can be morphed into healthier versions of so many things we (sometimes hate to) love: rice, pizza crust, gnocchi, and of course, mashed potatoes, just to name a few! At the base of it cauli can wear so many hats because, let’s be real, it is PLAIN AF on its own. So, we must flavor!

The three key ingredients for flavor:

To really amp up your mashed cauliflower, you’ll want to use these three secret ingredients that I absolutely love to use!

• Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a rich, sweet, nutty, and mellow flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s a must-have and a great addition to any mashed cauliflower recipe!
• Greek yogurt: This little creamy ingredient not only enhances the texture but also gives a slight tang that pairs well with the cauliflower.
• Tahini: Yep, the flavor enhancer of hummus brings the same zippiness to our mash, and a little goes a long way!

Now that you know my secrets, let’s get into the full ingredients list!

Ingredients you’ll need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy mashed cauliflower recipe:

• 4 cups riced fresh cauliflower (2 16-oz. bags)
• 1 cup chicken broth (divided)
• 1 head garlic
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (I like 2% fat)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• Olive oil
• Salt + black pepper
• Butter or ghee for serving (optional)

How to make creamy mashed cauliflower

Follow these easy steps to making the perfect mashed cauliflower for your fam this holiday. With a flavor like this, you’ll have stubborn Uncle Gerald asking you “😍 what is in these taters!?”

1. Start by preparing the garlic: Heat the oven to 425°F. Cut off the pointy top of the garlic head to expose the garlic cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of tin foil, drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast for 35 minutes while you cook the cauliflower. Once roasted, remove the cloves from the paper and mash with a fork before adding to the cauliflower mash mixing bowl.
2. In a sauté pan, heat a few teaspoons of olive oil and sauté one bag of riced cauliflower at a time over medium heat. After 5-6 minutes, or when softened, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and cover to steam. Once all the liquid has been absorbed, remove it from the pan and place it into the mixing bowl. Repeat with the second bag, then add it to the same bowl.
3. In the mixing bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and then, using a hand mixer, mash until you reach your desired texture. When smooth, add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, the mashed roasted garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tahini, and combine!
   • Optional: If you’d like a browned top for serving, place the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan and pop it in the hot oven for 10 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned. 

Serving suggestions + how to store leftovers!

To serve, top with a little butter or ghee and enjoy it warm! This creamy mashed cauliflower is the perfect delicious side dish to a variety of main dishes, including roast chicken, pork chops, pork tenderloin, meatballs, sweet potatoes, + my gluten free stuffing!

If you have any leftover cauliflower mash, you can easily store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for a few days. To reheat, just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or chicken broth added to loosen them up if they’ve thickened.

Benefits of cauliflower

It’s low in both calories and carbs, making it a perfecttttttt for those on a keto diet or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake! Not only that, but this creamy mashed cauliflower is high in fiber and is a great way to sneak in a ton of vitamins! We’re talking Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, and Vitamin B6, just to name a few. It’s not just delicious—it’s nutritious, too! You’ll feel amazing about swapping out regular mashed potatoes for these healthier cauliflower “taters,” knowing you’re getting all these health benefits in every bite.=

Savvy tips! 

Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like chives or green onions right before serving! This is especially useful if serving for a nice holiday dinner, it will brighten up the dish and add a nice pop of color 🙂 

After cooking the cauliflower, let it cool slightly. If you find it’s too watery, you can place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to absorb excess moisture, make sure to dry well before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. A sprinkle of grated cheese, like parmesan cheese, on top before browning can also add some extra flavor.

What other kitchen tools can I use if I don’t have a hand mixer?

If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can try using either a food processor or immersion blender. You can also use a potato masher, but it might not give it as smooth of a texture compared to the other options.

Can I freeze my cauliflower mash? 

Yes! I recommend storing in zip lock bags if freezing. It will keep well for up to three months, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop!

I hope you give this easy mashed cauliflower recipe a try! It’s the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner or even just a weeknight dinner. You won’t miss those regular mashed potatoes after trying this low carb alternative.

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