Name: Creamy Cauliflower Mash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed for consistency

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Cauliflower Mash—the ultimate way to transform humble cauliflower into the silkiest, most comforting side dish you can imagine! This recipe captures all the pillowy pleasure of classic mashed potatoes, but with a lighter, veggie-forward twist that fits right in with both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Creamy Cauliflower Mash is not just easy to whip up, it’s also endlessly adaptable, low in carbs, and bursts with flavor and creamy goodness. Let’s dive in and create a dish that’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen!

Creamy Cauliflower Mash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Creamy Cauliflower Mash is how it uses only a handful of everyday ingredients—each one plays a vital role, guaranteeing flavor, silkiness, and just the right level of richness. Gather everything before you start so the process is totally fuss-free!

Cauliflower: The star of the show; fresh cauliflower delivers a smooth texture and mild flavor perfect for mashing.
Unsalted butter: Adds luscious creaminess and irresistible richness to the finished dish.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Lends a tangy brightness that makes the mash extra creamy and flavorful—pick your favorite!
Garlic: Two cloves bring a subtle warmth and depth (don’t skip this—garlic elevates everything).
Parmesan cheese: A hit of salty, nutty umami flavor that gives the mash a savory punch.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life; don’t be shy here.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is ideal; it adds gentle heat and a peppery spark.
Milk or cream: Use just enough for dreamy smoothness, tailoring the consistency to your taste.

How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower Until Tender

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cauliflower florets and let them simmer for 10–12 minutes—just until fork-tender and practically falling apart. Their softness is the secret to an ultra-creamy mash, so don’t rush this step! Drain them well, and let them stand for a minute to dry off a bit; nobody wants a watery mash.

Step 2: Gather and Prep Your Flavor Boosters

While the cauliflower is draining, get everything else ready. Measure out the butter, sour cream or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Having these on deck means your mash will come together in a flash, staying hot and velvety.

Step 3: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Transfer your cooked cauliflower to a food processor or blender, then add your flavor boosters: butter, sour cream or yogurt, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Blend until super smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mash looks too thick or chunky, drizzle in just a splash of milk or cream until you reach that dreamy, cloud-like texture only found in the best Creamy Cauliflower Mash.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your mash a taste! This is your chance to fine-tune. Maybe you’d like a pinch more salt, an extra grating of Parmesan, or a dash more pepper for zing. Adjust to your liking—this is the fun part where it truly becomes yours.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the warm, fluffy Creamy Cauliflower Mash into a serving bowl and finish with a pat of butter or your favorite fresh herbs. Watch it disappear as everyone dives in, spoon after spoon!

How to Serve Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Garnishes

A lovely garnish can turn a bowl of Creamy Cauliflower Mash into a showstopper! My personal favorites include a swirl of melted butter, a healthy sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for color and dimension. For extra richness, shave a little more Parmesan over the top right before serving. These little flourishes make every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Creamy Cauliflower Mash is deliciously versatile—serve it alongside herb-roasted chicken, juicy steak, or baked salmon. It soaks up gravies and sauces beautifully, acting as the perfect canvas for whatever you’re craving. For veggie lovers, pair it with sautéed greens or crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for a truly satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think beyond the bowl! Pipe Creamy Cauliflower Mash onto plates for a restaurant-style look, layer it in a shepherd’s pie for a low-carb twist, or use it to top mini casseroles. Leftovers can even be scooped into ramekins, topped with cheese, and broiled for a bubbly, golden finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Cauliflower Mash, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the mash into smaller containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to one month—just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a quick blend after reheating will make it velvety again.

Reheating

To bring your creamy mash back to life, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to revive that smooth, fluffy texture. The microwave also works in a pinch—just heat in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds so it warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Cauliflower Mash without a food processor?

Definitely! While a food processor or blender yields the smoothest results, you can also use a potato masher or immersion blender. Just be sure to work the cauliflower really well—you may get a slightly chunkier, rustic texture, which can be just as delicious.

Is Creamy Cauliflower Mash good for meal prep?

Absolutely. In fact, it holds up wonderfully in the fridge and can be reheated throughout the week for quick, healthy meals. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it as a tasty side all week long.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy yogurt or coconut cream instead of sour cream. Omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese—your mash will still be creamy and packed with flavor.

Can I add other vegetables or flavors?

For sure! Roasted garlic, a handful of steamed broccoli, or a spoonful of cream cheese are all lovely additions. Play around with different herbs and spices, like thyme or a pinch of cayenne, to truly make this Creamy Cauliflower Mash your own.

Does this really taste like mashed potatoes?

It comes surprisingly close—especially with all the creamy add-ins and savory flavors! While the flavor is lighter and more delicate, it’ll curb those mashed potato cravings and offer a wholesome, low-carb alternative you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager for a side dish that’s both wholesome and deeply comforting, give Creamy Cauliflower Mash a try. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and fit for any occasion—one taste and you’ll be hooked!