5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (2024)

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Don't let potatoes have all the fun! Try my Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe!

5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (1)

Happy Thursday friends!

How are we closing in on November already? In all of the fall pumpkin madness, I think I neglected to mention that I'm hosting Thanksgiving again this year. I am thrilled! (Check out Thanksgiving at my house in 2013 and 2014) The Thankful tree will be making an appearance again!

It's a lot of work, but I enjoy doing it and it is really starting to feel like a family tradition. I even have some family favorites now like myParmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe.

Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Click to Tweet

Here's why you should try myParmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe...

Anyone else hosting this year? Last year I wrote this post on How to HostThanksgiving. Whether it is your first or tenth time... there are some great planning ideas in it.

I know we're not quite even to Halloween yet, but I'm going to start sharing some dishes that are perfect for Thanksgiving in the coming weeks. One of my biggest tips is to start planning early and honestly, I've already started the process.

So... you might be wondering about this delicious parmesan topped, baked garlic mashed cauliflower? ThisParmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe is so easy and tastes incredible. It could not be easier to make with only 5 ingredients!

Cauliflower is a great carb-free swap from standard mashedpotatoes or just a great way to get in more veggie goodness. I love carbs and eat them daily BUT I also love to mix it up in the kitchen so I still love to eat these.

Whether this Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe shows up on your everyday dinner table or your Thanksgiving table, I know you will love them. I think the best part about this dish is you make the mash THEN pop it under the broiler to get a nice and browned crust. The extra step makes ALL the difference.

Consider this suggestion for a Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe my number one for the big day! I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Click to Tweet

Pin for later!

5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (5)

Love cauliflower? Also try...

  • Cauliflower Cheddar Soup
  • Parmesan Ranch Roasted Cauliflower
  • Curry Roasted Cauliflower
  • Buffalo Cauliflower

Want traditional mashed potatoes? Try my Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes! I make these every year for our Thanksgiving!

5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (7)

Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe

Don't let potatoes have all the fun! Try my Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 101 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • Steam the cauliflower and garlic for 10-12 minutes until fork tender.

  • Put the steamed cauliflower, garlic, milk, Greek yogurt, half the Parmesan, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

  • Put the mixture in an oven friendly casserole dish and top with the remainder of the cheese.

  • Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until the top browns.

Notes

Most of the cooking time is hands off oven time.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 9gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 546mgPotassium: 486mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 129IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 217mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Mashed Cauliflower, Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower REcipe

Tried this recipe?Mention @Julie_Wunder or tag #RunninginaSkirt!

Your turn!

Have you ever hosted Thanksgiving?

Potatoes or cauliflower?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer @SimplePureWhole Wellness says

    I love cauliflower and can't wait to try this flavor combination. Planning on trying this soon! Thank you!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks Jennifer! Hope you enjoy it.

      Reply

  2. Michelle at A Dish of Daily Life says

    What an awesome side dish! We're going to be trying this one very soon! Sharing on my Facebook page tomorrow!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thank you so much Michelle!

      Reply

  3. Miz Helen says

    5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (8)
    We really enjoyed featuring your awesome recipe this week on Full Plate Thursday, it is great! Hope you are having a great day and hope to see you again real soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply

  4. Alex says

    This sounds like a great alternative to mashed potatoes! Will have to try it as I love cauliflower. Pinned! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks Alex! Have a great day!

      Reply

  5. Pragati // Simple Medicine says

    I love mashed cauliflower! I wish my husband loved it as much as I do. I also like making it into a creamy "sauce" for zoodles - so good!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Ohhh!!! That is a good idea! Yum!!

      Reply

  6. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    This looks so good! I haven't tried cauliflower mashed potatoes but it's definitely on my list! Pinning for later!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      It's a really tasty one! A couple of friends already made it and loved it 🙂

      Reply

  7. Tina muir says

    YUM! That looks delicious Julie! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks Tina!

      Reply

  8. Rachel says

    This made me drool. Thank you. 🙂 🙂

    Reply

  9. Miz Helen says

    5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (9)
    What a great side dish for the holiday season, it looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thank you! Have a great week!

      Reply

  10. Farrah says

    I adore mashed cauliflower, and this take on it sounds so flavorful and awesome! <3

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks Farrah!

      Reply

  11. Annmarie says

    YUMMY! Love mashed cauliflower!!! It's such a nice alternative to potatoes!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks! It's a great way to switch it up!

      Reply

  12. Jess @hellotofit says

    I've made mashed cauli once or twice, and it tastes pretty darn close to the real thing! Potatoes obviously have a starchier consistency. Looks good!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks! It's a nice way to switch it up!

      Reply

  13. Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says

    Ive never tried mashed cauliflower! I have heard its good...but I will always love mashed potatoes!:)

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      It's a fun twist on the real deal! I'm def not giving up potatoes, but this is a nice switch up!

      Reply

  14. Runaway Bridal Planner says

    I would have never thought about doing this with cauliflower, seriously it looks awesome and delicious!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thank you!! I know you will like it!

      Reply

  15. Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says

    Yum! I've been wanting to incorporate more cauliflower recipes! This one looks fantastic!!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks Rachel!! This one is so good!

      Reply

  16. lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    This sounds very yummy. But I don't like that you say it's alot of work. I guess it'd be worth it though.

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      It's not a ton of work.... I just make most recipes REALLY easy, so it's not that 🙂 Steam, blend and bake!

      Reply

  17. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    I've been all about some cauliflower rice... and now I have to try this mashed cauliflower recipe - looks amazing!!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      I need to try cauliflower rice! Hope you have a great weekend-- it's sooo pretty!

      Reply

  18. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and have for the past several years. It can be so stressful! I will definitely be checking out your tips! I have never tried mashed cauliflower! I will be giving this a try!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      I've got it down to a science! My type A comes in handy... sometimes 🙂 Other times it's super annoying 🙂

      Reply

  19. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    ooh yum! I never thought of baking them to brown the top!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Adds a whole new layer of fun!

      Reply

  20. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    YES. This looks amazing. I am hosting our little Thanksgiving get together this year again, and I am so excited. I know we both love to host that crazy holiday, regardless of the work that goes into it! I always make my Enchiladas, but we have yet to see what sides I'm going to go with this year!

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Those enchiladas look amazing! Maybe you should try this too... Just sayin...
      Or my vegetarian stuffing(cheese free) 🙂 Yum... yum!

      Reply

  21. Jess says

    These sound yummy! I've made loaded baked potato soup with cauliflower and loved it. So I'm going to have to try this. I'm usually a disaster in the kitchen so I don't host! Lol

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      That's a great idea! I bet it's yummy! I'm sure you will enjoy this!

      Reply

  22. Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says

    This looks amazing Julie. I need to put on my must make list. ?

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      It's so good! Have a great day!

      Reply

  23. Blane Sherer says

    I agree that you are making a wunderful family tradition for Thanksgiving.
    I think you and your family will grow in appreciation for that over the years.

    Reply

    • JulieWunder says

      Thanks!! It's fun making traditions 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

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5 Ingredient Parmesan Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep mashed cauliflower from being watery? ›

Using less water prevents the cauliflower from getting waterlogged. Boil until tender. This will take about 10 minutes or so. Sautéeing the cauliflower first helps it cook faster once the water is added to the pot.

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

Why is mashed cauliflower good for you? ›

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Primarily due to the carbs. 1 cup of raw cauliflower has 5g of carbohydrates; where 1 cup of raw white potatoes has 12g. Perhaps even more important is the Glycemic Index score of the two.

Can you freeze cauliflower puree? ›

Yes. Freeze the mashed cauliflower in serving-sized portions in zip-top bags or airtight, freezer safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How do you firm up cauliflower mash? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

Why does my cauliflower cheese sauce go watery? ›

Cauliflower cheese can go watery if the cauliflower is overcooked. Overcooked cauliflower releases water, which will seep into the rest of the dish. So even if your sauce was thick when it went in the oven, if its in there too long, the water from the cauliflower will cause it to go watery.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

Recipe Tips and Tricks

When you're cooking your cauliflower florets, make sure they're fork-tender before removing them from the pot. If the cauliflower isn't cooked long enough, it can make your mashed cauliflower grainy.

How do you thicken cauliflower puree? ›

Using a blender or immersion blender, blend cauliflower and liquid to form a very smooth purée. Season with salt. (You can adjust purée consistency as needed: Thicken by cooking down further while stirring often over low heat in a wide nonstick skillet, or thin by whisking in liquid, such as stock, cream, or water.)

What happens to your body when you eat cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy cauliflower and other vegetables from the cruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week, and increase your serving size to 2 cups.

Why is cauliflower better for you than potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

Which is better for you broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

What happens if you don t blanch cauliflower before freezing? ›

We'd strongly recommend blanching cauliflower first, otherwise the high water content in the veg will turn it mushy if you freeze raw. To prevent deterioration of texture and nutritional value, it is best to partly cook (blanch) cauliflower florets before freezing. Wash the cauliflower and chop into equal size florets.

How long will mashed cauliflower last in the fridge? ›

Mashed cauliflower can last up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Try it with my Vegan Gravy for a totally vegetable-based meal, that's also dairy-free and gluten-free!

How do you get water out of riced cauliflower? ›

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

How do you squeeze water out of riced cauliflower? ›

It really is as simple as putting the cooked and cooled cauliflower on a clean flour sack towel , wrapping it up and squeezing all the water out. I like to use flour sack towels because they're large and really thin, which makes them easy to squeeze tight and get out as much water as possible.

How do you make runny mashed thicker? ›

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common way to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well.

Why is my cauliflower cheese wet? ›

If you overcook the cauliflower before it's cooked in the cheese sauce, your dish will have a disappointing soft texture with watered-down sauce. Although there are some tricks to apply if you overcook vegetables, your best bet is to aim for undercooking the vegetable a little.

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