Looking for a mashed potato alternative that’s just as comforting but way lighter? This Best Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness—without the carbs. It’s a low-carb side dish that’s fast, fuss-free, and seriously satisfying.
Mashed cauliflower is one of those hidden gems that fits right into keto, gluten-free, and bariatric-friendly diets. It delivers all the satisfaction of mashed potatoes—without the carb crash. I started making this cheesy cauliflower mash as a lighter weeknight side and now serve it at holiday dinners, too. It pairs perfectly with Thin Sliced Chicken Breast, Spanakopita with Puff Pastry, or Air Fryer Asparagus with Parmesan.
This recipe also fits right into a low-carb holiday spread or weeknight dinner lineup. Pair it with Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Beet Feta Salad, or even Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Fries for a colorful, flavorful feast.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Low-Carb & Keto Friendly: This Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower offers a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, packed with vitamins and minerals while keeping the carbs low.
- Rich & Comforting: Blended with butter, cream, and cheese for a texture that’s velvety and indulgent.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and reheat easily—this Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday prep.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Cauliflower Florets: A low-carb vegetable that blends beautifully and soaks up all the buttery, cheesy flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly into the mash for ultimate comfort food status.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness without making it watery—key to that “mashed potato” feel.
- Butter: Rounds out the flavor and creates a silky texture.
- Garlic Powder & Chives: Simple flavor boosters that make this dish anything but boring.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Cream Cheese Swap: Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a tangier, denser mash.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, vegan cheese, and coconut cream.
- Garlic Boost: Roast a few garlic cloves and blend them in for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Bacon Topping: Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, or sour cream for a loaded cauliflower mash vibe.
- Potato Blend: Mix in a few mashed potatoes for a hybrid mash if you’re easing into low-carb eating.
- Use Purple Cauliflower: For a fun twist, try our Purple Cauliflower Mash for a colorful side!
🔪How To Make Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
- Step 1: Roughly chop the cauliflower florets into bite-size chunks. Place the cauliflower in a large pot and cover with water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer covered for 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.
- Step 2: Pour the cauliflower into a colander to drain. Pour the hot cauliflower into a large bowl and add the butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Use an immersion blender to puree the cauliflower until smooth, or transfer to a food processor to puree.
- Step 4: Pour half of the mashed cauliflower into a 9×12 glass casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Top with the remaining cauliflower, then sprinkle with the rest of the
- Step 5: Bake the mashed cauliflower for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 6: Finally, your Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
💡Hint: For extra smooth mash, let the cauliflower sit in a colander for a few minutes after draining to reduce water content.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Instant Pot Option: Steam cauliflower with 1 cup water for 3 minutes, quick release, then continue from Step 3.
- Don’t Overboil: Soft is good—but too soft leads to watery mash. Cook just until fork-tender.
- Extra Seasoning: For the best flavor, season your cheesy mashed cauliflower generously with salt and pepper, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. Nutmeg enhances the creamy, cheesy notes and adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
💭 FAQs
Yes! Store in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave and stir in a splash of milk if needed.
Absolutely. Just steam or boil until very tender, drain well, and follow the recipe as written.
If you're looking for a lighter version, you can swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture. You could also use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute if you're making this recipe vegan or dairy-free.
To enhance the cheesy flavor, add extra shredded cheese to the mashed cauliflower and mix it in until fully melted. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top and bake it for a few minutes to create a delicious, golden crust.
To enhance the cheesy flavor, add extra shredded cheese to the mashed cauliflower and mix it in until fully melted. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top and bake it for a few minutes to create a delicious, golden crust.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with Mashed Cauliflower:
- With Roasted Chicken or Air Fried Chicken: Classic combo that’s satisfying and wholesome.
- Next to Steak Bites or Tender Pork Chops : Creamy mash pairs beautifully with bold, meaty mains.
- With Air Fryer Cod or Pan Fried Salmon: A light yet flavorful side for seafood.
- As a Holiday Side Dish: Serve alongside Smoked Turkey Breast, stuffing, or Roasted Veggies.
- Topped With Mushroom Gravy: For a cozy, vegetarian-friendly meal.
🍽 More Pureed Recipes To Enjoy
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Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 2 Cauliflower
- Water
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup Butter
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder optional
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Pinch Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese or cheddar cheese blend of choice
- tablespoon Fresh Chives chopped (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roughly chop the cauliflower florets into bite-size chunks. Place the cauliflower in a large pot and cover with water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer covered for 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender. Pour the cauliflower into a colander to drain.
- Pour the hot cauliflower into a large bowl and add the butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender to puree the cauliflower until smooth, or transfer to a food processor to puree.
- Pour half of the mashed cauliflower into a 9×12 glass casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Top with the remaining cauliflower, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake the mashed cauliflower for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is bubbling around the edges.
- Finally, serve hot with fresh chives if desired.
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—this mashed cauliflower is comfort food without the carb coma!