Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes” Recipe

No one in my family is a big fan of cauliflower. Recently, I was forced to make a drastic change in my diet. I began searching for anything I could eat. When I popped a cauliflower into my shopping cart, Brittany looked at it with distaste. “What are you going to do with that thing?” she asked. I responded with my thoughts on making a Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe, only to be met with skeptical silence. I had the last laugh. Not only did everyone think the recipe was tasty, they added suggestions to make it even better the next time I made it. It’s also naturally gluten-free. It’s tasty enough that it has been added to our regular dinner rotation.
cauliflower mashed potatoes pin for post

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is easy to make, but be sure to puree the cauliflower in a food processor or blender. If you don’t do this step, the cauliflower won’t have the same consistency as mashed potatoes.
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Begin by microwaving the cauliflower until tender. Just place it in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and microwave around ten minutes. When the cauliflower is tender, remove the stem and leaves, chop the cauliflower into pieces and place in food processor or blender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Once it is pureed, add instant potato flakes. I like to use the flavored ones, like cheddar or garlic and chives. This makes sure you get the right consistency. Add butter (we used a dairy free spread) and milk. Blend the cauliflower once more to ensure all ingredients are mixed.
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes Recipe

My family thinks it tastes good prepared like this, but they are also huge cheese lovers. They sometimes add shredded cheese (like cheddar or any other strongly flavored cheese.) You can top the potatoes with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or add it to the mixture when preparing the recipe.

Printable Recipe

Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes” Recipe
Ingredients
  • 1 head Cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or nondairy spread)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup potato flakes (flavored tasted best)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • shredded cheese, optional
Instructions
  1. Microwave cauliflower until tender (approximately 10 minutes.) Remove stem and leaves.
  2. Chop cauliflower. Add to food processor or blender, along with salt and pepper to taste, and puree until smooth.
  3. Add butter, milk and mashed potato flakes. Puree until blended.
  4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

 

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes 2

What is your favorite easy side dish? Have you tried Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes?”

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34 Comments

  1. Pingback: Peach Glazed Chicken Recipe

  2. It looks like you got the texture really smooth! We love cauliflower, so I will definitely give this a try!

  3. We love mashed cauliflower in our house too. Nice alternative to potatoes and very yummy.

  4. We need to work more veggies in our diet. I wonder if my 7-year-old would realize there was cauliflower in it.

  5. I have always wanted to try mashed cauliflower. It would save me so many carbs!

  6. Oh, I have never had these before but they sound so good! I will share this with my husband, he is the cook in our family and is always wanting to try out some new recipes!

  7. I am so scared of trying a dish like this as I just don’t like cauliflower. But, my husband has been incorporating it more into his food. I can’t wait to share this recipe with him.

  8. Nice one. Little ingredients and easy to prepare. Thanks for this! I love mashed potatoes.

  9. I keep seeing people more and more using Cauliflower in different ways. I love mashed potatoes so i think ill really like these!

  10. Yummy and such a smart idea! This would also be a great way to get the kids to eat some extra veggies too.

  11. I will have to show my dad this. He is a big fan of working with cauliflower, using it to create all sorts of side dishes. He has been taking an active interest in lowering his bread/flour intake.
    This is definitely helpful, thanks.

  12. This would be a great side dish to go with steak or pork chops. I love that the cauliflower is not “visible” which would make it easier for mommies to offer it to a picky eater.

  13. I have never tried mashed cauliflower before but I have always wanted to! I am going to try you recipe!

  14. Cauliflower is the super food as of late. I have been using it frequently in my dinner recipes. I haven’t tried mashed potato cauliflower yet, but this does sound amazing. Can’t wait to taste it!

  15. I loooooove mashed cauliflower. My boyfriend was s o upset when I made it for Thanksgiving, but I honestly think it tastes better. I pile on the garlic and chives!

  16. I’ve heard about this, but never tried it myself. I love cauliflower in so many ways though – Roasted is my favorite!

  17. I’ve never tried this but I’ve heard amazing things about cauliflower mashed potatoes. I’m trying to reduce my starches so I will definitely try this recipe soon!

  18. I have had these before and they are so good! It’s been a long time, so I need to make some soon.

  19. Oh, I’d love to have this as a side. I think shredded cheese sounds like a good option. We’d love this!

  20. I have never made my pureed cauliflower with potato flakes. That sounds interesting. I am going to have to try it out the next time i make mashed cauliflower.

  21. I made this for dinner. Left out the sour cream and blended after cooked for a smoother texture. DELICIOUS!

  22. I am going to have to try to make this for the youngest kiddo. Really trying to figure out how to get more healthy food into his system.

  23. YES! My husband and I are on a road to weight loss and health, and we have been missing our favorite site. This is a great way for us to have it again! Sort of. Thanks!

  24. That is fantastic! I love this because the family can get that classic side feel that we love, but it’s so much healthier.

  25. I’ve never heard of cauliflower mash potatoes, but it certainly sounds interesting! I’ll have to try out this recipe.

  26. I have been reluctant to try cauliflower mashed potatoes even though I have made cauliflower pizza crust. Now that I know you can add mashed potato flakes to the cauliflower I might try it.

  27. I will make this cauliflower mashed potatoes for my grandchildren. I know they’ll love this and it is also a great way for them to load up on their veggies! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  28. I have recently seen a recipe for cauliflower rice but I haven’t tried it yet. This cauliflower mashed potato recipe looks like something I would want to try first. I’d probably add some toasted garlic in it. 🙂

  29. I have heard of using cauliflower for mashed potatoes but I have never done it myself. I am very curious as to how it would taste. How does adding the potato flakes contribute to the taste? Could you do it with just the cauliflower?

    • You can do it with just the cauliflower. The potato flakes add a little flavor (if you use a flavored variety) and also make the texture like mashed potatoes. But, we have tried it with just the cauliflower and it is still tasty.

  30. Catherine Sargent

    This looks so yummy. I have had cauliflower mashed potatoes at restaurants, but I have never made my own. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

  31. We like cauliflower but I have never tried making mashed cauliflowers. Just not sure if we would like it guess I will never know until I try it out.

  32. robin masshole mommy

    When my kids were little I used to use half cauliflower and half potatoes. Now I make all cauliflowers ones – so good.