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Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan

Name: Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (about 2-1/2 pounds), broken into florets; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half cream; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; Minced fresh parsley, optional

19 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 20, 2023

I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (about 2-1/2 pounds), broken into florets
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half cream
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

Place 1 in. of water and the cauliflower in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, covered, until cauliflower is soft, 10-12 minutes. Drain.
Mash cauliflower to desired consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, cream, butter and pepper. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and, if desired, parsley.

Mashed Cauliflower Tips

How should you mash cauliflower?

You can mash cauliflower with a potato masher or an immersion blender. Using a potato masher allows you to mash to a chunkier texture, whereas an immersion blender gives you a smoother product.

How can you make mashed cauliflower your own?

Customizing this recipe is easy! Swap out the Parmesan cheese with another cheese, such as cheddar. Stir in your favorite spices, such as Italian seasoning, curry powder or garlic powder. Here are some other seasoning ideas for you to consider.

What toppings can you put on mashed cauliflower?

If you're looking to stick to low-carb options, try crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream or sliced green onions. If you want more crunch, top with crushed croutons or crispy fried onions. Here is a collection of some of our favorite low-carb side dish recipes.

How can you prevent the cauliflower from being watery?

If your mashed cauliflower is too watery, we have have a couple suggestions. First, after you drain the cauliflower, return it to the pan and stir over low heat for 1 minute to dry. Second, after you drain the cooked cauliflower, let it sit in the colander for 1-2 minutes to allow some of the steam to escape.

—Alicia Rooker, RDN, Taste of Home Senior Recipe Editor/Recipe Tester

Nutrition Facts

2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.