Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cauliflower is such a versatile ingredient. I love it as mashed potatoes, it they can also be used to make tortillas, pizza, rice, and even hashbrowns.

I mean -- we're talking about MASHED POTATOES here.  Smooth, heavy, delightfully creamy mashed potatoes. You'd never guess it's a mashed cauliflower recipe.

I mean, who's ever thought of using mashed cauliflower instead?

Watch Me Make Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Ingredient Notes

Cauliflower: Cooked cauliflower is such an awesome and versatile ingredient. It's high in vitamins, and low carb. Though you can totally make regular mashed potatoes and even slow cooker mashed potatoes, you really can't go wrong with this mashed cauliflower recipe.

Almond Milk: A lot of time, mashed potatoes are made with regular milk, but I have swapped it for unsweetened almond milk which is my favorite. That being said, feel free to use your milk of choice.

When I first tried these, I was shocked at the resemblance. Mashed cauliflower really does nicely replace mashed potatoes. I still can't believe you can take cooked cauliflower florets and then turn them into this amazing comfort food.

Are they exactly the same?  

No, they’re not identical.  But they are definitely good enough as a stand-in.  And they are so tasty.

If, like me, you have been weary about trying mashed cauliflower potatoes, I hope I can help convince you to finally go for it.  

How To Make Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Heat a large stock pot over high heat until boiling.

Step 2: Add the cauliflower and garlic cloves to a steaming basket and place over boiling water. Cover and steam until cauliflower is soft when poked with a fork, about 6-8 minutes.

(Tip: If you let the cauliflower cool down a bit after it’s done steaming, it’ll dry out a bit, which makes it much easier to get a good texture on the mash. It also lets you add other flavorful liquids to balance out the moisture content.)

Step 3: Add the steamed cauliflower and garlic to a food processor. Add the parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Pulse the food processor until all contents are mostly smooth. You want some texture here, but not a lot. You may need to scrape the sides of the blender or to move around the cauliflower to make sure it all gets mashed. Use the almond milk, tbsp. by tbsp., as needed to bring the mixture together. Try not to use too much as this will cause the mixture to get soupy. You want to keep it as thick as possible (like mashed potatoes).

Step 5: Serve hot. Garnish with fresh chives or whatever you like on your mashed potatoes.

Tips for Creamier Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Okay, okay...we all know and love creamy mashed potatoes, but can you make mashed cauliflower creamy, too?  Yes, you most certainly can!  Here are some tips for how to make mashed cauliflower creamy, just like you love your mashed potatoes.

• Add 1-2 tablespoons of plain full fat greek yogurt. This will help to make them creamier and also a little heavier, if that's how you prefer your texture.
• Let the cauliflower cool down a bit after it’s done steaming.  By doing so, the cauliflower will dry out a little as it cools, which makes it much easier to get a good texture on the mash.
• Add just a little organic half and half (I only use this brand) for a slightly creamier texture.

To make creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes thinner, you can just add a little more unsweetened almond milk and then process again to mix it through.

Thickening Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Fortunately, if you really like your cauliflower mashed potatoes to be thick and hearty, there are some easy methods to make it happen, including:

• Add in plain greek full-fat yogurt, which will add texture, flavor, and thickness.
• Use a hand potato masher, not a food processor for more texture (a food processor will make it more smooth)
• Add in a couple actual potatoes to help thicken, but keep the majority of the cauliflower mash.
• Add a little more grated parmesan cheese for more binding.
• Reduce the amount of almond milk being used.
• Allow the cauliflower to cool before blending to get more texture and thickness.

How to Thin Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

To make these creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes thinner, you can just add a little more unsweetened almond milk and then process again to mix it through.

Are These Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Keto?

Fortunately, cauliflower is a very keto-friendly vegetable because it is so low in carbs, especially when compared to potatoes.  That means this recipe for cauliflower mashed potatoes is keto and would even benefit from a slab of organic unsalted, grass-fed butter on top.  Feel free to add a little more parmesan cheese in as well.