Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower – the perfect low-carb, healthier version of the mashed potatoes we all know and love. My husband tried this recipe and exclaimed he couldn’t even tell it was cauliflower and not potatoes!
Ditch the traditional mashed potatoes for this lightened up version. I promise this is the best Mashed Cauliflower you will try!
GARLIC PARMESAN MASHED CAULIFLOWER
Switch up the starchy, carb-loaded mashed potatoes for this healthier Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower version! I promise you won’t miss the original! At least not too much! Nothing can ever, truly replace the ‘real deal’ for foods, but it is nice to have healthier options at hand. Which is why I am such a big fan of the versatility of cauliflower!
You can use cauliflower to make Mini Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizzas, Easy Cauliflower Broccoli Egg Fried Rice, or even sauces, like this Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce! The possibilities, I find, are endless. Deliciously endless.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
You have to learn how to manipulate things in order for it to taste entirely different than what it normally tastes like. Which means you need to doctor up the mashed cauliflower with cream cheese, greek yogurt, seasonings, and butter.
- You can steam or boil the cauliflower. Either will work.
- Once they are fork-tender, allow them to drain and sit to release some of the moisture.
- Drain them well. Place them over a few paper towels and allow the paper towels to soak up some of the moisture. You don’t want runny cauliflower.
- Process, process, process! (see the ‘Tools Used’ section below for my favorite food processor)
- Add in all the ingredients that will transform the cauliflower into ‘faux-tatoes’: greek yogurt, cream cheese, butter, etc.
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PRODUCTS USED TO MAKE THIS SIDE DISH
- Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack and Snap Food Processor – this processor works like a charm! This is my second Hamilton Beach Food Processor, but only because I busted my last one. So I’m fully confident had my first one not seen its demise at my klutzy hands – I would still have it 8 years in.
MORE DELICIOUS SIDE DISHES TO TRY
- Cheesy Broccoli Ham Casserole – no canned soups or mayo present! Broccoli and ham tossed in a homemade, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that is topped with a crispy, buttery, parmesan cracker topping. Your kids will love this recipe! Even the little kid in you! 😉
- Creamy Garlic Butter Loaded Mashed Cauliflower – same recipe, but like a loaded baked potato!
- Super Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Bites – my favorite side dish to date! SUPER crispy and delicious potato bites that are easy to make, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to wow your family.
- Cucumber Avocado Corn Salad – a lighter, low-carb, vegetable filled salad that is the perfect side dish to grilled chicken or salmon.
- Garlic and Lime Cauliflower Rice – super simple and very flavorful cauliflower rice side dish. Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb option.
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Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 2 medium cauliflower, (cut into small florets)
- 1/4 cup 2% plain greek yogurt
- 6 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/4 cup yogurt butter, (or light butter)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, (more or less, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt, (more or less, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, (more or less, to taste)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, (minced)
Garnishment (optional):
- yogurt butter
- chives, (or chopped scallions)
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and allow to cook 8-10 minutes.
- When the cauliflower is fork tender, drain it and allow it to rest in the strainer for a moment or two. Transfer to a baking sheet or platter lined with paper towels. Allow the paper towels to soak up as much moisture as they can.
- Add the cauliflower to a food processor, or high-powered blender. Add in the greek yogurt, cream cheese, butter, onion powder, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Process for 3-5 minutes, making sure to scrape along the sides of the bowl every so often to ensure it processes thoroughly. You may need to process a little longer for it to reach the creamy consistency of potatoes.
- If the cauliflower has grown cold, simply toss into the oven at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with chives, butter, and/or freshly chopped parsley.
Notes:
