Home » Creamy Cauliflower Mash: The Perfect Low-Calorie Side Dish!

Creamy Cauliflower Mash: The Perfect Low-Calorie Side Dish!

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When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes are often at the top of the list. However, if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Creamy Cauliflower Mash is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients, this dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty side without the extra carbs. I love bringing this dish to events so that I know I will be getting in a ton of veggies!

I also use this recipe as the top of my Shepherds Pie for a low-carb twist. Recipe coming soon!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cauliflower Mash:

  1. Low-Carb: This cauliflower mash is a perfect alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making it ideal for those wanting to add in more veggies and keep carbs lower.
  2. Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of butter, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy texture with a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
  3. Quick and Easy: Using pre-chopped cauliflower florets from Costco saves time and effort, making this a quick and easy dish to prepare, even on busy nights.
  4. Nutritious: Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable, providing vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as fiber. The addition of cottage cheese boosts the protein content.

Here are the Main Ingredients You Will Need for this Recipe:

Step by Step Instructions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and steam until tender (about 10-15 minutes).

Drain the cauliflower well and return it to the pot or place it in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand masher or an electric mixer, mash the cauliflower until smooth.

Add the butter, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed cauliflower. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preference.

Transfer the cauliflower mash to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese (not included in macros), or cracked black pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes/Modifications:

  • Make sure to drain the cauliflower well after steaming to avoid excess moisture in the mash, which can result in a runny texture.
  • You can add fresh or dried herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
  • Allow the cauliflower mash to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • Reheat the cauliflower mash in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
  • Once the cauliflower mash has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Flatten the bag to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Can freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat the thawed mash in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If reheating directly from frozen, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Looking for Other Delicious Side Dishes?

Checkout my Street Corn Mexican Salad, Herb Marinated Vegetable Skewers or my Crack Chicken Pinwheels

Cauliflower mash is a versatile side dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, especially for those looking to reduce their carb intake. With this recipe, you can enjoy a comforting, creamy mash that’s packed with flavor and simple to make. Whether you’re serving it alongside a roast dinner or enjoying it on its own, this cauliflower mash is sure to become a favorite in your household.

If you give this recipe a try, or any others I share, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations and thank you for trying them! 

Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Recipe by Megan Reger
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Sides
Servings

8

Servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

106

kcal
Serving Size

220g

Total time

15

minutes

    To track this recipe on My Fitness Pal, search TBB Mashed Cauliflower

    Cook Mode

    Keep the screen of your device on

    Ingredients

    • 1800 g cauliflower florets (2 pre-chopped fresh bags from Costco, about 12 cups)

    • 30 g butter (2 tbsp)

    • 80 g cottage cheese (about 1/3 cup)

    • 35 g cheddar cheese (1/4 cup)

    • 1.5 tsp salt

    • 1 tsp pepper

    • 1.5 tsp garlic powder

    Directions

    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and steam until tender (about 10-15 minutes).
    • Drain the cauliflower well and return it to the pot or place it in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand masher or an electric mixer, mash the cauliflower until smooth.
    • Add the butter, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed cauliflower. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your preference.
    • Transfer the cauliflower mash to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, grated cheese (not included in macros), or cracked black pepper if desired. Serve hot.

    Equipment

    Recipe Notes & Modifications

    • Make sure to drain the cauliflower well after steaming to avoid excess moisture in the mash, which can result in a runny texture.
    • You can add fresh or dried herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
    • Allow the cauliflower mash to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
    • Reheat the cauliflower mash in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
    • Once the cauliflower mash has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Flatten the bag to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Can freeze for 2-3 months.
    • Reheat the thawed mash in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If reheating directly from frozen, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until hot.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Serving Size: 220g
    • Total number of serves: 8
    • Calories: 106kcal
    • Carbohydrates: 11.9g
    • Protein: 6.6g
    • Fat: 5.1g
    • Fiber: 4.5g

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